Advanced Micro Devices Inc introduced a 400MHz version of its K6-2 processor at Comdex yesterday, and Compaq Computer Corp introduced the Presario 5190 and the Presario 5100c Series internet PC desktop systems, the first to use the new chip. The Compaq PCs also include a 1.5Mb Max Digital modem, supporting broadband digital subscriber line networking. The new 400MHz part puts AMD within one speed grade of Intel’s fastest Pentium II said AMD’s chief technical officer S Atiq Raza, who claimed the introduction proved that AMD was keeping to its declared processor roadmap. The 0.25 micron K6-2/400 uses a 100MHz system bus but retains the Socket 7 infrastructure. It also supports AMD’s 3DNow! multimedia instruction set. Prices are $283 for 1,000 units. 380MHz versions are priced at $213m, and 366MHz are $187, in similar quantities. Chip deep freeze specialist KryoTech Inc was on hand to demonstrate a cooled down 500MHz version of the part. Columbia, South Carolina-based KryoTech is selling what it calls the Cool K6-2 as a bareboned configuration with ATX motherboard, K6-2 processor, its own minus 40 degree Celsius cooling unit, plus power supply and case for $1,695. Deliveries start next month.
