Advanced Micro introduces a faster chip

Article Abstract:

Advanced Micro Devices Inc. has introduced a new microprocessor that outperforms the fastest chips made by the Intel Corp. The chip, known as the Athlon, has a top speed of 650 MHz, edging out Intel's new 600-MHz version of its flagship microprocessor, the Pentium III. AMD said IBM and Compaq Computer Corp. had already agreed to use the Athlon in some of their computers. Shipments to computer manufacturers began last month and the company expects personal computers using the chip to be available later this month. The Athlon is available in a range of clock speeds, from 500 to 650 MHz, and AMD says that at each speed, its chip outperforms the comparable Pentium III. The 650-MHz AMD Athlon is priced at $849 when purchased in 1,000-unit lots; the 600-MHz Athlon is $615; the 550-MHz is $449, and the 500-MHz is $249. AMD has been caught in a price war with Intel that has hurt its revenues. If the company is able to manufacture enough chips in a timely manner, a recent problem for AMD, it may be able to position itself in the marketplace to compete with Intel, especially at the high end, where Intel can not be as aggressive with its discounts.

United States, Product introduction, Advanced Micro Devices Inc., AMD, AMD Athlon (Microprocessor)

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Intel offers its Pentium Pro for work station market

Article Abstract:

Intel announces the Pentium Pro, with better speed and lower cost than anticipated, but observers still harbor reservations about how well the chip will be received. Intel is targeting the work station market with Pentium Pro's speeds of 200MHz, roughly twice the speed of the fastest Pentium, and easy multiprocessing, which allows clusters of as many as four chips. At 200MHz, the Pentium Pro's integer calculations, typically used for business applications, are faster than those on any chip in the work station market. However, float-point calculations, which are used for 3-D modeling and CAD work, are slower than on other work stations, and work station vendors claim that once the chip is modified to support graphics, Intel will lose the cost and performance edge. The Pentium Pro may not initially be widely accepted in the PC market because it requires 32-bit applications to perform its best and slows the performance of 16-bit applications. The chips cost $974 to $1,325.

Microprocessors, Intel Pentium Pro (Microprocessor)

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Intel net soars on the demand for Pentium; results are seen as sign of vigor in PC business

Article Abstract:

Intel surprised industry analysts with 3rd qtr 1996 earnings that exceeded expectations. The company's earnings are partly credited to improved profit margins, but also indicate increased orders on the part of the PC industry. Intel's stock price rose 7% in after-hours trading on the news, following a sizeable gain during regular trading. Intel did not make the announcement until the US stock markets had closed for the day. Intel's 3rd qtr earnings were up 41% to $1.31 billion, compared with last year's same period. Revenues increased 23% to $5.14 billion for the quarter. Profits were 13 cents a share higher than the 32 cents predicted by analysts. The company's revenues were near expectations, but the increase in profits was not anticipated. The improved profit margins are the result of a change in emphasis on Pentium processors, a market in which Intel holds a near monopoly, and fewer memory and microcontroller devices.

Semiconductor Devices, Finance, Securities, Company sales/revenue, Company sales and earnings, Company earnings/profit, Company Dividends

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