Intel's FC-PGA plans far advanced

Chip giant Intel is ready to replace practically all of its Slot 1 processors with the new, FC-PGA form factor, it has emerged. The plans are well advanced, but under the surface of an existing Intel Web page which lists the product order codes for SECC2 (Slot 1). The Intel page, which can be found here, lists the currently available products. But the designer of the Web page has prepared the contents in such a way that he or she can easily substitute the FC-PGA flip socket 370 flip chips when they become available. That can be found by looking at the source code for the page, with eleven ready and waiting references to the same processors but in flip chip form factor. The up-and-coming references have been remmed out by the coder. On Sunday, Intel cut prices on a number of Slot 1 processors, in preparation for the move to a flip chip format. Major PC vendors have complained about shortages of the Slot 1 processors, and according to one, the move to FC-PGA is coming far sooner than they want. Many are approving Slot One to 370 convertors in a frantic attempt to keep ahead of the game. ®