Intel preps for Rambus rollout

Direct Rambus Dynamic RAM makes its long-awaited debut Monday.

Intel's controversial next-generation memory system will be released with its new 840 chipset, designed for workstations and low-end servers. Features include dual-processor support, dual memory channels, dual PCI, a 133MHz system bus and support for 4X AGP.

Rambus technology was criticized after lower-than-expected performances in initial tests, and because it will cost more than the 100MHz and 133MHz SDRAM technologies now in use.

A number of PC makers, including Hewlett-Packard, IBM and Dell, are expected to announce workstations Monday that utilize the 840 chipset in combination with new high-end Pentium III and Pentium III Xeon chips.

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