Compaq set to join K6 clan

Compaq is set to adopt the AMD K6 chip, according to sources close to the vendor.

The move follows a thorough look at the chip's potential in terms of price and performance.

The announcement could come as soon as the end of the month, with Compaq adopting a K6 processor in its desktop models. The vendor adopted another Intel clone - this time from Cyrix - in its Presario range earlier this year.

AMD refused to either confirm or deny that the announcement was set to happen.

An AMD representative said: 'It is true that we have been talking to Compaq for the past nine months, but I'd be very surprised if it happened in that timeframe.'

Compaq refused to comment on the matter.

At the end of this month, IBM will introduce an Aptiva consumer PC using the K6 processor.

The machine is likely to be sold through a chain of superstores in the UK and elsewhere in the world.