800MHz Athlon hits Intel in the face

Updated Chip company AMD has confirmed the release of an 800MHz Athlon, further compounding embarrassment for Intel in the Megahertz Wars. Both IBM and Compaq will use the 800MHz part in systems they will sell. Sources close to the company's plans expect the .18 micron 800MHz microprocessor to become available to PC companies on the 10th of January in quantity. Although Intel pre-announced its 800MHz Pentium III at the end of last year, that part will not become available in quantity for quite some time. As we have reported here before, AMD can just click its fingers and roll out a 1GHz Athlon when it sees fit to, according to the same sources. Intel is not expected to have a 1GHz Pentium available in quantity until the second half of this year. We have also received confirmation from highly reliable sources that AMD will cut prices on its Athlon family on the 23rd of January, with the reductions likely to be in the $80 to $25 range. This date will also see a severe rationalisation of Pentium III parts from Intel and a further round of price cuts from the chip giant. Intel started the Megahertz Wars several years ago by focusing on clock speed as the raw indicator of how powerful a microprocessor is. Although this criterion is doubtful, it has found itself in recent months being hoist by its own Megahertz petard. AMD, in the last few hours, formally announced the release of the part, in a press release which you can find here. ® Intel fine tweaks Pentium III prices Intel starts to shuffle chip prices, specs Intel will cut Coppermine prices sooner than expected Intel will sample 800MHz Pentium IIIs next Monday Intel moves 800MHz release date forward Intel's 800MHz Spinola