Intel is set to formally roll out its smaller Pentium 4 processor using the .13 micron process at speeds of 2.2GHz around about January 7th.
But AMD is determined to spoil Intel's fun, according to sources close to the smaller chip firm. (Interesting.... ;) - Ed)
On that day it will introduce its 2000+ Athlon XP and now we're so confused about how to convert a PR rating to a megahurtz rating that we're not sure how fast it runs.
We think it's a 1662MHz part. Pity it's not 1664, then we could call it the Kronenbourg.
There's a formula somewhere but anyroad the gist of it is that AMD believes its XP will perform at least as fast as a Pentium 4 2GHz processor.
Our understanding is that the 2000+ will be available in quantity at that date and AMD will continue its policy of attacking Intel on both the price and performance fronts.
Intel has already got these Northwood .13 micron processors in the channel and they're being reviewed by the monthly thick things, but it is maintaining the fiction that it won't comment on unannounced products.
AMD declined to comment on any future announcement
News source: The Inquirer - AMD to launch 2000+ January
