AMD ready to ship 800MHz Athlons ahead of schedule

AMD has cranked up the pressure on Intel by promising early Athlons amid reports that Intel's 700MHz and 733MHz coppermine Pentium IIIs are unavailable.

AMD has cranked up the pressure on Intel by promising to deliver 800MHz Athlons almost three months ahead of schedule, amid reports that Intel's 700MHz and 733MHz coppermine Pentium IIIs are unavailable.

Although Intel's 700MHz and 733MHz PIIIs were announced more than three weeks ago, one UK Intel distributor said there are none in the country, with the first shipment expected in December.

Paul Stevens, workstation division purchasing manager at Hugh Symons, said there is no concrete information on Intel 700MHz and 733MHz availability. "You've got to have those products there - and right now, that means AMD."

Rick Orme, managing director of East Anglian Computer Supplies, said only one of his four usual component suppliers was accepting orders for Intel 733MHz - without a lead time or pricing.

Intel distributor Microtronica said it had sold out of 700MHz Pentiums and that fresh shipments were imminent.

A spokesman for Intel said: "Intel is experiencing strong demand but intends to meet all fourth-quarter commitments, even if some shipments are slightly delayed."