Some Duron systems began to filter out in late September. Recently, Compaq Computer began offering Duron systems, while Gateway models are expected shortly. The Duron dearth will begin to fade after the release of integrated chipsets from Taiwan's Via Technologies in the first quarter, McCarron said. Celeron is actually due for some retrofitting. Intel continues to pair the chip with a 66-MHz system bus, the data conduit between the chipset and the processor.
Most chips now come with a faster bus.
Although the slower bus cuts down on manufacturers' costs, it chokes performance, McCarron said. Next year, Celeron technology will improve. McCrea said that Intel will couple Celerons with a 100-MHz bus in the first half of 2001. Sources close to the company have said that the faster bus will come with an 800-MHz Celeron in the first quarter. Inc. All rights reserved.