Bug blights launch of Pentium II chip

The launch of Intel?s Pentium II last week was overshadowed by the discovery of a design bug in the processor chip.

The bug was discovered by users after they experienced problems and delays. Occasional delays occur when the chip does not notify the system how it is handling certain types of data.

Intel claimed it would review the fault, which occurs in the floating point unit. The company said it would not know until later how it would address the problem.

This is the second time that Intel has experienced a bug in its chips. When the original Pentium was shipped in 1994, there was an outcry from vendors and users after a fault was found which caused calculation errors.

Sources also claimed that the delay in announcing various components that surround the new CPU, including the 440LX accelerated graphics chipset and the Auburn 3D chip, both delayed until late this year, would also have a detrimental effect on Intel. Until the 440LX arrives, OEMs can use the existing 440FX, but it does not include the accelerated graphics port.

The danger for Intel is that third-party graphics chipset manufacturers will have to step into the breach, according to analysts.

There were also doubts about Intel?s ability to deliver dual processor Pentium II systems to compete with Risc-based workstations, because of persistent power supply problems. Intel said multiprocessor Pentium II configurations were unlikely to emerge until the end of the year.

Nathan Brookwood, an analyst at Dataquest, said speed was the main concern for Intel and it needed to demonstrate that the Pentium II can achieve its full speed of 300MHz so it can compete with the faster processors from AMD and Apple/Motorola.

The 300MHz Pentium II, pitched at business users, will cost almost $2,000, while the 233MHz version will cost $600 and the 266MHz up to $800.