Intel launches PIV at 3.06 GHz with HT tech

Intel has launched a new avatar of its Pentium IV processor, which now comes
with a clock speed of 3.06 GHz, as compared to the 2.0 GHz currently available
and is the first desktop processor to be Hyper-Threading (HT) technology
enabled. The new processor is the first commercial microprocessor to operate at
three billion cycles-per-second and uses the 0.13-micron manufacturing
technology. The launch is being made simultaneously by Intel in 45 countries
across the world. In India the new processor is being pegged at Rs 20,000 higher
than the current PIV versions available and is being shipped for $637 in
1000-unit quantities.

Speaking
on the HT technology, Avatar Saini, director, South Asia, Intel said that HT,
which was used previously in the server space, allows software programs in the
desktops now to detect two processors, thereby delivering enhanced performance.
It can run applications operating two or more different software programs at the
same time under operating systems such as Windows XP or Linux.

Elaborating on the difference between a PIV processor and its new version,
Jayant Murthy, general manager, marketing, South Asia, Intel informed that the
new processor can translate into 6.4 times faster productivity, 4.9 times faster
imaging or 8.6 times faster digital music, depending on memory, software used,
etc.

As far as the channel is concerned, Intel is educating the dealers at the
various tiers on the new processor. Sandeep Aurora, regional channel manager,
Intel Asia answering a query from CNS, informed that the company is not looking
at exponential unit sales, but rather a few thousand units initially.

An interesting point to note is that the difference between a normal PIV
processor and the latest version becomes evident only when multiple applications
are being run, otherwise there is no difference in processing speed. The
question to ask in the Indian context is, given the price-sensitive nature of
the market, whether the average consumer, be it the SOHO or the enterprise
users, would be willing to shell out Rs 20,000 more for that bit of extra speed.

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