Intel to launch Springdale chipset with 3.2GHz P4

By Alun Williams

Posted on 20 May 2003 at 13:04

Intel is expected to launch its Springdale (865 series) chipsets tomorrow. According to motherboard sources, a new top-of-the-range Pentium 4 processor, clocking 3.2GHz, will also be announced.

Delayed from its planned launch earlier in May - due to concerns over the US-Iraq war - Springdale was first publicly demoed at the Intel Developer Forum, Spring 2003. Check out our report from the Forum: IDF: Intel unveils next generation desktop platform.

As well as new integrated graphics support, in the form of Intel Extreme Graphics 2, and communication streaming architecture features, for connecting up with Intel's Gigabit Ethernet components, Springdale provides Hyper Threading capabilities at what Louis Burns, a VP at Intel's Desktop Platforms Group, described as 'mainstream' price points. It provides support for eight USB 2.0 ports, plus two Serial ATA connections with Soft RAID.

The first P4 to reach the 3GHz milestone was released back in 14 April - Intel beefs up P4 bus - and also featured an 800MHz system bus and Hyper Threading support.

The chipmaker is also expected to release 2.4, 2.6 and 2.8GHz Pentium 4 models featuring a 800MHz FSB (front side bus).