Coppermines rise from the channel shallows

Two large distributors, Ingram Micro and Tech Data, have begun to offer Pentium III processors using the Coppermine .18 process to their dealer base. According to one dealer, both distributors have "really good" availability on the 600EB, the 650MHz and the 666MHz part. Ingram is promising to have other of the parts in stock shortly, except for the 500E and the 550E Pentium IIIs. Stock is also limited on the 700MHz part and to a lesser extent the 733MHz part, as we reported yesterday. The delays and shortages are apparently nothing to do with Intel's process technology, we are given to understand. Intel hopes to switch all of its fabrication facilities over to the .18 micron process by the end of next year. However, the dealer we talked to expressed himself puzzled at the lack of availability of the VC820 (Vancouver) and CC820 motherboards. Intel is introducing its i820 boards at Comdex in Las Vegas next week, but the lack of these boxed Intel motherboards is strange. Dealers and system integrators normally need a supply reasonably early so that they can build -- and sell -- systems. Meanwhile, we learn that if you have an original i820 Rambus motherboard it is a collector's item. The chip giant has scoured its universe to retrieve every one it can and trash it. Bit too big for a keyring, then -- unlike the Pentium Pro and the Pentium FDIV parts. ® See also Intel beset by further Coppermine, chipset delay Is Intel sorted for Es? Chipzilla's Coppermine - we got one