Intel to announce 333MHz Deschutes Jan. 26

The long wait for Intel's 'Deschutes' microprocessor will end January 26 when the chip giant formally announces its first Pentium II to be built on a 0.25-micron process. However, users will have to wait a little longer before Intel offers a version of the part optimised for mobile PCs.

Sources said that the January 26 announcement will be a desktop-oriented 333MHz Pentium II with a 512Kb cache. Typically, a lower sub-micron manuafcturing process means chips run cooler and faster, making them a natural fit for mobile PCs. Intel will only say that 'Mobile Deschutes' - with power management features designed to lengthen battery life - remains on target for a release in the first half of 1998.

Intel expects Pentium II speeds to scorch to 450MHz by the end of 1998.