Abstracts » Business, general

AMD unveils prototype of new chip, possibly giving Intel some competition

Article Abstract:

Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) will introduce its K6 microprocessor in the 1st qtr 1997, a move that AMD hopes will grab market share from semiconductor industry behemoth Intel, but analysts are skeptical that AMD will significantly dent Intel's market share. AMD currently has only a small percentage of the world microprocessor market, while Intel's microprocessors are used in 90% of the world's computers. AMD VP Vinod Dham claims that the K6 will operate at 200MHz, will have on-chip multimedia capabilities, will be smaller than Intel chips and will be significantly cheaper. If AMD is able to gain a small percentage of market share from Intel, it could turn the company's current loss into a profit. The K6 was developed using technology from recently acquired NexGen. AMD will begin production for the K6 at its Austin, TX plant in early 1997.

Advanced Micro Devices Inc., AMD, AMD K6 (Microprocessor)

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Intel introduces a faster Pentium chip that could help maintain firm's lead

Article Abstract:

Intel is launching a 120MHz Pentium chip that is purported to run 10% to 15% faster than current Pentiums while being 40% more compact. The 120MHz chip uses 0.35-micron circuits, which use 25% less space than older 60-micron chips and are less expensive to manufacture. Intel will spend an additional $2.9 billion in capital improvements and $1.3 billion in research and plans to make Pentiums that are 50% smaller and run in the 150MHz range. The new 120MHz variety will cost $935 for quantities of 1,000. Intel introduced the new CPU early to remain ahead of its rivals, IBM, Apple and Motorola, who are readying enhancements to the PowerPC chip.

Intel Pentium 120 (Microprocessor)

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Via Technologies challenges Intel with new chip set

Article Abstract:

Via Technologies Inc. of Taiwan is introducing a chip set that is designed to work in PCs with Intel Corp.'s Pentium 4 microprocessor. Although this could help Intel sell more Pentium 4 chips, Intel's own chip sets are designed to work with Rambus Inc. proprietary-technology memory chips which are more expensive than Via's chip sets. Via is on shaky legal ground in its market-share challenge to Intel Corp. and many computer peripheral designers do not want to base products on the Via chip set until the 'legal issues' have been resolved.

United States, Taiwan, Semiconductor Devices, Product introduction, Market share, Product information, VIA Technologies Inc., Product market share

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