VIA, AMD introduce low-cost chips

VIA Technologies has unveiled its first microprocessor, the Cyrix III.

Formerly known by its code name, Joshua, the first two versions of the chip run at 400 MHz and 433 MHz, but achieve results similar to Celerons running at 533-MHz and 500 MHz due to faster system buses.

The chips - considered to be the first Celeron clones, since they can fit into the same motherboards as Intel's low-cost processor - will sell in volume for $99 and $89, respectively, starting in April.

Meanwhile, AMD released a 550-MHz version of the K6-2, making it the fastest chip in the low-end chip market.

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