Intel launches second major product in the last six months

Intel Semiconductor has launched the Pentium II processor, its second major new product introduction in six months.

The processor is aimed at business PC buyers and was previously code-named Klamath. It combines the power of the Pentium Pro with Intel's MMX technology, which improves the PC's ability to process sound, graphics and animation.

Intel's MMX technology adds 57 new instructions to the processor, increasing its performance running multimedia software. The Pentium II runs at 233 MHz and 266MHz and a 300MHz workstation part is also due mid-year.

Pete Wolcott, Intel's director of product marketing, said: 'By the end of the year most PCs on the market will have MMX technology, from either the Pentium processor with MMX technology, or the Pentium II processor.' Intel executives claim there are many advantages to the new chips, including the improved performance of multimedia and communications applications optimised for the new processors.

Audio, video compression and decompression, video playback and 2D and 3D graphic rendering will all benefit from MMX technology.

Mike Aymar, vice-president of Intel's Desktop Product Group in the US, said: 'There is no precedent for what we are seeing today. For the first time there is immediate availability of new consumer software that has taken advantage of a significant new Intel processor technology.' He said business professionals using notebook computers would also benefit from the Pentium processor with MMX technology. Notebook computers with the processor would run at 150 MHz and 166 MHz.