Intel introduces Pentium 4 processor at 1.8 and 1.6 GHz

SANTA CLARA, CA -- Intel Corporation today announced availability of the Intel Pentium 4 processor at 1.8 GHz, the company's highest-performance microprocessor for desktop computers. Intel also introduced a Pentium 4 processor at 1.6 GHz. Computer makers worldwide will be launching systems based on these new microprocessors, which are available immediately. Intel's Pentium 4 processor continues to provide higher performance for desktop computer users. Robust yields have allowed Intel to accelerate the introduction of these products, with a 2 GHz version planned for later this quarter. "These two new speeds enable a broader range of performance and price points for our customers," said Louis Burns, vice president and general manager, Intel Desktop Platforms Group. "Momentum continues to grow as customers and software vendors take advantage of Pentium 4 processor performance." Pentium 4 processor-based systems are designed to meet the needs of a range of users. For consumers, the Pentium 4 processor delivers high performance for processing digital video and audio, displaying 3-D graphics, and taking advantage of the latest Internet technologies. As they connect entertainment and productivity devices, users get even more value from their high-performance Pentium 4 processor-based systems. For business users, the Pentium 4 processor provides the performance, longevity and return on investment needed to achieve the greatest competitive advantage for both today and tomorrow. The Intel NetBurst(TM) Micro-Architecture and Intel 850 Chipset The Intel NetBurst(TM) Micro-architecture enables the Pentium 4 processor to run at extremely high speeds, bringing high performance to computer users where they need it most. This technology will power Intel's most advanced 32-bit processors during the next several years. The Pentium 4 processor is the first completely new desktop processor design from Intel since 1995, when the Intel Pentium Pro processor, with its P6 micro-architecture, was introduced. The Pentium 4 processor platform is based on the high-performance Intel 850 chipset. The Intel 850 chipset's dual RDRAM* memory banks complement the Pentium 4 processor's 400 MHz system bus, handling up to 3.2 gigabytes of data per second. Also, Intel is shipping in high volume the Intel Desktop Board D850GB, which supports the Pentium 4 processor in the ATX form factor. The Pentium 4 processor at 1.8 GHz is Intel's highest-performance desktop processor as measured by the SPEC CPU* 2000 benchmark. The Pentium 4 processor at 1.8 GHz delivers the world's highest desktop processor score on SPECint*_base2000, with a score of 596. In addition, the Pentium 4 processor at 1.8 GHz delivers a SPECfp*_base2000 score of 618. For more information on Pentium 4 processor performance, visit www.intel.com/procs/perf