Intel Releases 1.13-Gigahertz Computer Chip

Intel Corp., the world’s biggest semiconductor maker, has unveiled faster Pentium III computer chips, regaining bragging rights to the speediest processor from rival Advanced Micro Devices Inc.

Santa Clara, Calif.-based Intel released a 1.13-gigahertz Pentium III that sells for $990 each in quantities of 1,000. Its previous fastest Pentium III ran at 1GHz.

Intel has played catch-up since Sunnyvale, Calif.-based AMD introduced an 850-megahertz chip in February and won at the 1GHz mark a month later. The new Pentium III is available only in limited quantities now.

At 1.13 GHz, 1.13 billion electrical pulses go through the new chip every second. The more pulses, the faster a chip can perform tasks.

Intel shares fell $7.88 to close at $129.13 in Nasdaq trading Friday.

They’ve gained 57% this year. AMD stock, which has more than doubled so far this year, rose $1 to close at $71 on the New York Stock Exchange.