Intel Corporation today introduced new versions of the world's highest performance desktop microprocessor - the Intel� Pentium� 4 processor - enabling richer experiences with broadband content, games, digital music, photos and movies, while helping businesses maximize productivity and take advantage of new web service environments. "The latest Pentium 4 processors deliver the versatility to improve everything from gaming to the use of cutting-edge business tools," said Louis Burns, vice president and general manager, Desktop Platforms Group at Intel. "For example, PC's based on the new Pentium 4 processor at 2.53 GHz can convert songs into MP3 format almost six times quicker than the fastest PC's of three years ago - a tremendous time savings for end users."

All three new processors - Intel Pentium 4 processors at 2.53, 2.40, and 2.26 GHz - include a 533 MHz system bus. Previous Pentium 4 processors interact with the rest of the system using a 400 MHz system bus. Intel also introduced the 850E chipset, which is designed to operate at the new system bus speed. Systems based on the new products are available immediately from computer makers worldwide.

The Pentium 4 processor, with 512KB level-two cache and operating at a 533 MHz system bus speed, is available now at 2.53 GHz, 2.4 GHz and 2.26 GHz and is priced at $637, $562 and $423, respectively, in 1,000-unit quantities. The new 850E chipset is now available and is priced at $37 in 1,000-unit quantities. Intel is also shipping boxed Intel Pentium 4 processors up to 2.53 GHz and two new desktop boards, the D850EMV2 and D850EMD2, to Intel authorized distributors for system integrators worldwide.

Stay tuned on ActiveWin.Com to read our upcoming review of this new platform.