Intel's Pentium 4 3.06GHz: Hyper-Threading on Desktops

AMD's Response?

Normally whenever Intel makes a major processor release AMD is ready and waiting to respond, however this time around we don't have anything to show from the AMD camp. The Athlon XP 2600+ and 2700+ processors are finally hitting the streets, with the Athlon XP 2800+ due out in the first quarter of 2003.

Finally Available the XP 2700+
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AMD has released one new CPU since we reviewed the Athlon XP 2800+; due to high OEM demand for more 333MHz FSB processors AMD has introduced an Athlon XP 2600+ with support for the 333MHz FSB.

The new XP 2600+/333FSB
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The 333MHz FSB version of the 2600+ is clocked at 2.083GHz vs. the 2.13GHz clock speed of the 266MHz FSB 2600+. The decrease in clock speed is made up for by the increase in FSB frequency, causing the new 2600+ to be basically the same speed as the old 2600+ which is why they share the same model number.

Intel will be backing off of the throttle a bit as this year comes to an end, which should give AMD time to put together a solid Barton launch for next year. Even after Hammer hits, it will be up to Barton to compete with Intel for most of 2003.