Digitimes write that Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) is set to launch its new 400MHz FSB (front-side bus) Athlon XP processors in mid-May, shortly before rival Intel adds the top-end 3.2GHz Pentium 4 processor into its product line on May 21, motherboard makers revealed.

AMD’s upcoming Barton-core, 400MHz FSB-based offerings consist of two models – the Athlon XP 300+ and Athlon XP 3200+. Targeting the high-end market, the two new processors will compete directly against Intel’s line of new 800MHz FSB-based P4 products.

Following the launch of its first 800MHz FSB-based P4, running at 3GHz, on April 14, Intel is set to introduce the 2.4, 2.6 and 2.8GHz models on May 21 along with its 865 (Springdale) series chipsets. According to motherboard sources, the chipmaker in fact will announce the 3.2GHz model together as well.

So far, AMD has not released details about the pricing of its new processors, board makers said. But based on the reference to the Intel pricing, which lists a price difference of US$10-20 between its 533MHz FSB and 800MHz FSB versions, prices of AMD’s two new processors are unlikely to be quoted too much higher than US$325, at which AMD’s current high-end Athlon 3000+ is priced.

For the new Athlon XPs, chipset designers are ready to launch supporting products. VIA Technologies will offer its KT600 chipset, and Silicon Integrated Systems (SiS) plans to introduce its SiS748. Nvidia is said to plan to unveil an updated nForce2 Ultra 400. However, as its nForce2 chipset already supports a 400MHz FSB, the update is believed to be a move mostly aimed at strengthening the product’s marketing position.

Source: Digitimes