Fastest PC chip launched

BANGALORE: AMD today introduced the AMD Athlon XP processor 3200+, which features enhancements such as a faster 400 front-side bus (FSB).

“AMD is focused on meeting computer manufacturers’ requests for technology advancements that deliver the best performance possible to business and home PC users,” said Rich Heye, vice president and general manager of AMD’s Microprocessor Business Unit.

“Many PC purchasers today are realizing that what they ultimately want is quicker software application response, and that often isn’t provided by simply increasing processor speed,” said Toni Duboise, desktop PC industry analyst, ARS. “With improved architectural enhancements such as faster bus speeds, customers can get better performance from their software applications and that means a more enjoyable computer experience.”

AMD was expected to increase the bus speed in this chip as rival Intel has released Pentium 4 processors with faster bus speeds and chipsets.

The chip is immediately available in systems from vendors in North America and Europe, although AMD declined to specify which ones. AMD hopes the new processor will keep its high-end chips competitive with Intel until the release of the Athlon64 processor in September. Intel plans to release its first chip built on a 90-nanometer process around that time, which will step up the competition between the two companies once again.