Intel Corp, the world's largest chipmaker, has begun shipments of a new series of microprocessors for high-performance and mid-range workstations.
The new Xeon series chips, available at speeds up to 1.7 gigahertz, will utilise the company's NetBurst microarchitecture that boosts performance for such functions as video, audio, advanced Internet technology and three-dimensional graphics, the company said.
Workstation makers such as NEC Corp, Fujitsu Ltd and IBM will begin shipping platforms using the new Xeon chips before the end of the second quarter.
Intel also unveiled a series of power-saving chips for ultra-light portable PCs, including a 750 MHz mobile Pentium III processor that, operating in the battery-saving mode at 500 MHz, consumes less than one watt of power.
Intel is facing increased competition from rivals, including processor design company Transmeta Corp, in power-saving chips for the fast-growing market for ultra-light notebook computers. Low power consumption extends the battery life of portable PCs.