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Intel Releases Faster Desktop Processors

Intel rolled out new versions of its premier desktop processors this week. The latest Pentium 4 desktop chips are closing in on the 3-GHz clockspeed threshold.

Intel on Monday released Pentium 4 processors in speeds of 2.8 GHz, 2.66 GHz, 2.60 GHz and 2.50 GHz. Previously, the fastest Pentium 4 on the Intel price chart was 2.53 GHz. The 2.8-GHz and the 2.66-GHz models also carry a 533-MHz front-side bus, compared with the 400-MHz front-side bus in many other Pentium 4s.

On Sunday, Intel slashed prices for its former top-of-the-line Pentium 4, the 2.53-GHz Pentium 4 with a 533-MHz front-side bus, by 62 percent. The cost of the processor fell from $637 each in 1,000-unit quantities to $243 each.

In fact, Intel has also decided to lower the price of its top-of-the-line Pentium 4. Where the 2.53-GHz Pentium 4 cost $637 until Sunday, the new top processor -- the 2.8-GHz model -- will sell for $508. That represents a 20 percent markdown for Intel's highest-performing processor.

The other new models cost $401, except for the 2.50-GHz model, which costs the same as the 2.53-GHz chip -- $243.

About the Author

Scott Bekker is editor in chief of Redmond Channel Partner magazine.

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