Introduction

Now serving number: 1100

Two weeks ago, AMD announced that it had commenced shipments of its 1.1GHz Athlon processor and that complete systems would be introduced by computer manufacturers on the 28th of August. Well folks, the 28th is here, and, as promised, so is AMD's 1.1GHz Athlon processor.

For the first time in company history, AMD is able to supply more high-frequency computer processors than rival Intel. For example, while 1GHz Pentium III processors are still in limited supply to a small number of system manufacturers and just beginning to hit the retail channel, 1GHz Athlons are readily available from a wide variety of manufacturers and are easily accessible at retail.

As a result, AMD has given in to the enormous demand for high-speed parts by cutting prices on their entire line of Athlon processors. Starting today, 1.1GHz Athlon systems will become available for around $2,500. A comparable Pentium III 1.13GHz system sells for just over $3,000, with 1GHz Pentium III systems selling for around $2,500.

Dealing with supply

The launch of the 1.1GHz Athlon pretty much confirms the death of 50MHz increments in upcoming Athlons. From now on, 100MHz increments will become the standard for both the Athlon and Pentium III. Increments of 50MHz will remain in the Duron and Celeron lines however. In addition, it's pretty unlikely that AMD will release a Slot A version of the 1.1GHz Athlon, but AMD's plans could certainly change (as they have in the past regarding the volume of Slot A processors available with the Thunderbird core).

Like the 1GHz Thunderbird launch earlier this summer, first supplies of AMD's 1.1GHz processors will go to system manufacturers. An increasing number of samples will hit the retail channel over the course of the next few weeks.

It's been heavily rumored that the majority of the 1GHz processors shipped by AMD are based on their copper interconnect technology. While we can't confirm this, our 1.1GHz sample did utilize copper interconnects. This may be an interesting tidbit for those of you who are looking for a good Athlon core to overclock with. In comparison, our aluminum Athlon 850 was able to overclock to 1030MHz.

For your convenience, we've provided the following picture of an aluminum Athlon 850, and a copper Athlon 1GHz processor:

View Full-Size in another window."> Aluminum Athlon

View Full-Size in another window."> Copper Athlon