Entry-level Pentium 4 (P4) processors are in short supply in the retail market, and the problem may worsen after Intel launches its 90nm-processed P4 processor (Prescott) in the second quarter, local motherboard makers and chip distributors said.
Once Prescott processors are introduced, Intel will further reduce the supply of entry-level P4 chips, such as ones supporting 400 and 533MHz FSB (front-side bus) speeds, to boost Prescott sales along with sales of its other high-end P4 processors, sources said.
Intel's prime marketing efforts are on P4 processors supporting the 800MHz FSB speed. However, demand for those high-speed chips in the retail market has not met expectations, according to sources.
News source: DigiTimes
