Intel Introduces New Chipset for Intel Pentium 4 Processor-Based PCs; Intel 845 Chipset Supports PC133 SDRAM Memory Delivering Great Price, Performance for Mainstream Market Segment PCs.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 10, 2001

Intel Corporation today introduced the Intel(R) 845 chipset for Intel(R) Pentium(R) 4 processor-based PCs targeted at the high-volume, mainstream consumer and corporate desktop PC market segment.

The Intel 845 chipset is designed, validated and optimized for the Pentium 4 processor using today's high-volume and well-established PC133 SDRAM memory technology. Intel 845 chipset-based platforms, utilizing the PC133 SDRAM memory technology, extend the Pentium 4 processor capabilities throughout the mainstream PC market segments.

"While the Intel 850 platform continues to provide the maximum Pentium 4 processor performance, the Intel(R) 845 broadens the Pentium 4 processor family by delivering support throughout the mainstream market segment for the advanced, and ever-evolving end-user PC usage models," said Louis Burns, Intel vice president and general manager, Desktop Products Group. "I fully expect that this will become the next high-volume mainstream platform for IT departments worldwide."

The Intel 845 chipset consists of two controller hubs connected to each other through Intel's high-bandwidth hub architecture. The 82845 memory controller hub (MCH) supports a 400 MHz system bus delivering a high-bandwidth connection between the Pentium 4 processor and the rest of the platform, providing three times the system bus bandwidth over platforms based on Intel Pentium III processors. Also included in the MCH is such innovative architecture enhancements as wider data paths, a write cache and flexible memory refresh technology to enable optimum PC133 SDRAM performance, and the latest graphics devices through the 1.5V AGP4x interface enabling 1 GB/s of graphics bandwidth.

The 82801BA I/O controller hub (ICH2) delivers faster access among memory, graphics and the I/O peripherals by making a high-bandwidth connection through the Intel hub architecture. The ICH2 provides two USB controllers enabling support for up to four USB ports. The latest AC97 implementation delivers six channels of audio for enhanced sound quality and full surround sound capability, and integrated networking provides flexible network solutions. Also, dual ultra ATA/100 controllers support faster integrated drive electronics (IDE) transfers to storage devices.

Additionally, with the introduction of the 845 chipset, Intel announced the Intel application accelerator software package designed to increase storage subsystem performance, stability and usability. The software improves system performance by delivering faster hard disk I/O transfer rates and enabling faster O/S load time, resulting in accelerated boot times. In addition, the Intel application accelerator delivers support for hard disk drives greater than 137 GB while providing this all in a robust, stable software package.

For computer makers and system integrators, Intel also announced availability of two desktop boards today, the ATX form factor Intel desktop board D845WN and the smaller micro-ATX form factor Intel desktop board D845HV.

In 1,000-unit quantities, the Intel 845 Chipset is priced at $42; systems and motherboards are currently shipping in volume from a variety of computer and motherboard manufacturers worldwide.

Intel, the world's largest chip maker, is also a leading manufacturer of computer, networking and communications products. Additional information about Intel is available at www.intel.com/pressroom.

Note to Editors: Intel and Pentium are trademarks or registered trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries in the United States and in other countries. Other names and brands may be claimed as the property of others.