Via flouts Intel ban on PC133 chipsets

In defiance of what Intel calls a clear case of patent infringement, Via Technologies has started shipping its Apollo Pro 133A chip set.

The new P6-class chip set supports a 133MHz front-side bus and AGP 4X graphics, as well as an interface to PC133 SDRAM. The former two features include technology developed by Intel.

Intel has already tried to bar Via's use of its front-side bus architecture and has since revoked all P6-related licenses. Intel also charged Via with patent infringement and breach of contract.

To counter the restriction, Via "subcontracted" production to National Semiconductor, which it says has a broad cross-licensing arrangement with Intel.

The full story is posted at www.techweb.com .