1GHz chip race: Too close to call

AMD is expected to beat rival Intel to market next week with the first 1GHz processor, though the race is still too close to call.

Sources say AMD hopes to announced its 1GHz Athlon before Intel's planned launch of its 1GHz Pentium III processor on Wednesday.

AMD is also expected to announce 900MHz and 950MHz versions of the chip, but it is unclear whether Intel will introduce its 850MHz, 866MHz and 933MHz PIIIs.

By the end of the month, Dell and Hewlett-Packard are expected to ship 1GHz Pentium III-based PCs, while Compaq and Gateway should ship 1GHz Athlon-based PCs. All are expected to sell for $4,000 and up.

More details are available at www.zdnn.com.