Intel Offers 2 Higher-Speed Versions of Its Pentium Chip
Intel Corp., the world’s largest computer chip maker, said Thursday that it is offering two new higher-speed versions of its popular Pentium microchip.
At the same time, several of the world’s largest personal computer manufacturers announced new models based on the new 150-megahertz chip and the even faster 166-megahertz chip, with prices starting at $2,195 for the PCs.
The two new chips are the fastest Pentium microprocessors designed for use in home and small office computers. Intel offers a more advanced line of processors known as the Pentium Pro for more powerful machines such as workstations, advanced corporate desktop PCs and computers that manage networks.
Although the new chips may provide more computing power than needed by the ordinary home computer user, they are also making the computers based on older chips less expensive.
Intel spokesman Howard High said computer users can now expect to buy a PC running a 120- or 133-megahertz chip for the same price they would have paid for a less powerful 90-megahertz-based PC a year ago.
“Consumers keep getting more for the money,” he said.
Demand for the more powerful microprocessors is being driven by home computer users’ desire to run the latest educational and game software with sophisticated photo-like graphics.
Consumers are continuing to buy the latest and most powerful PCs available as a way of protecting their computer investment against rapid obsolescence, High said.
As a result of the rapid adoption of higher speed Pentiums, Intel said it expects PCs based on its 100- and 120-megahertz Pentium processors to dominate the market for entry-level desktop PCs by mid-1996.
As Intel was introducing its new chips, computer makers unveiled new models.
International Business Machines Corp. said new versions of its Aptiva line based on 150- and 166-megahertz Pentium chips are available now at retail and directly from IBM with prices starting at $3,199 and $3,399, respectively.
Dell Computer Corp. said it will offer four new models based on Intel’s new chips in its OptiPlex line of corporate PCs and its Dimension line aimed at small- to medium-size businesses. Prices for the OptiPlex and Dimension PCs with the latest Intel chips start at about $2,650.
Advanced Logic Research Inc. said it is offering several new PCs with a 150-megahertz system starting at $2,195 and a 166 megahertz model priced at $2,495.
Hewlett-Packard Co. said it will use the 150- and 166-megahertz Pentium chips in its Vectra VL Series 4 line for businesses and its Pavilion PC line for consumers.
Pricing for the new Hewlett-Packard PCs, which will be available later this month and next, was not disclosed.
