Some reliable non-official sources have slightly shocked us with the news that the formerly suggested 1.26GHz for Pentium III CPU (Tualatin) will eventually be not the floor but the ceiling!
As we found out, Intel will launch only two models of these processors (1.13GHz and 1.26GHz). No further frequency growth is promised to this line, though the 0.13-micron technology can supposedly allow an increase till 1.6-2.0GHz. Acting like that, Intel will try to clear the path to Pentium 4 CPUs, which are to be most intensely promoted in the nearest months.
Both Pentium III (Tualatin) 1.13GHz and 1.26GHz are awaited in June 2001. The preliminary price is $294 and $348 respectively. In the meantime Pentium 4 1.5GHz will cost as much as $316 - even less than the elder Pentium III (Tualatin). This is another corroboration to the fact that Intel totally addresses itself to promoting the new generation of Pentium 4 CPUs and lets fly its previous offsprings.
However, this information brings about some pleasant thoughts as well. If Intel itself doesn’t strive to increase the frequencies of the CPUs, it’s the users’ turn to make up for the slip, isn’t it? From our point of view, Pentium III (Tualatin) may turn out a dainty bit for overclockers. ;)