FRAMINGHAM (03/09/2000) - Intel Corp. introduced its own 1-GHz Pentium III chip today, answering Monday's debut of rival Advanced Micro Devices Inc.'s 1-GHz Athlon desktop microprocessor.
The new P-III, which is approximately 15% faster than current state-of-the-art Intel chips, is available now in limited quantities. It will be in full-volume release to PC manufacturers this spring, an Intel spokesman said.
The 1-GHz chip undercuts Athlon pricing. AMD will sell the 1-GHz Athlon for $1,299 in 1,000-quantity volumes, while the Intel chip will sell for $990 at that level.
Intel unveiled the chip at last month's Intel Developer's Forum in Palm Springs, Calif. At the same time, it also announced plans for a 1.5-GHz Williamette processor that will debut later in the year.