Advanced Micro Devices Inc said on Tuesday it had begun shipping its 1.2 gigahertz Athlon processors to major computer companies, reclaiming the lead for the fastest microprocessor on the market.The chips, priced at $612 each, are expected to be available in computers made by Compaq Computer Corp , Gateway Inc , and Hewlett-Packard Co .
With capabilities that are bound to inspire the most hardcore gamers and multimedia users, the 1.2GHz AMD Athlon processor will allow consumers to enjoy yet another new threshold of computing power with Compaq's Presario 7000 Series of high-end PCs, further enhancing the Presario brand's reputation for cutting edge performance and value," said Mark Vena, Director of CTO Product Marketing, Compaq Computer Corporation.
"Budget buyers on the search for a 'can do' PC will find it in the build-to-order HP Pavilion home PC powered by the 800MHz AMD Duron processor," said Tom P. Anderson, Direct Consumer Business Manager for HP's North America Consumer Computing Organization. "HP plans to offer these new AMD Duron processor-based HP Pavilion home PCs beginning in November at retail kiosks nationwide and direct from HP."
Pricing
The 1.2GHz, 1.1GHz, 1GHz, 950MHz, 900MHz and 850MHz AMD Athlon processors are priced at $612, $460, $350, $282, $215, and $193, respectively, each in 1,000-unit quantities. The 800MHz, 750MHz, and 700MHz AMD Duron processors are priced at $170, $112 and $88 respectively, each in 1,000-unit quantities.