AMD has launched its 850MHz chip, the fastest Athlon to date, a whopping three days ahead of schedule. Originally slated for a Valentine's Day debut, 850MHz -powered PCs are on sale from IBM, Compaq and Gateway today in the US. It will take a little longer for delivery - Compaq is quoting upwards of 20 days overnight for its 850MhHz offering, the same as for the 800MHz, one webmaster informs us. Not so bad, when you consider the PC vendor is quoting 45 days overnight for delivery of Intel PIII 800s. In OEM quantities (of 1,000), the Athlon 850MHz costs $849. ® Related stories System builders back Athlon 850 AMD to massacre Intel on St Valentine's Day