Those readers who have a high tolerance for risk, particularly the kind of risk that new products usually bring to the table in their initial versions, should deeply consider an Athlon based solution if they're ready to upgrade now.
If it's possible to wait a month or two, which we highly suggest, then that would be a more desirable option as both Intel and AMD have guaranteed that the current Pentium III and Athlon system feature sets will change before the end of the year.
AGP 4X, PC-133, UDMA/66, in addition to other smaller improvements will be available before Christmas in both the Athlon and Pentium III mainboards, and they'll be offered for roughly the same price that current Athlon and Pentium III systems that lack these features are being sold for now.
Both the Athlon and the Pentium III are robust PC solutions that offer unprecedented levels of performance and quality. Either one will likely serve their owners well for whatever role they choose for the chips. Price will likely be what determines the purchase choice between the two by the majority of buyers, and in this particular circumstance that's not all bad.
As is the theme of 1999 it seems, the consumer wins again.
Agree? Disagree? Please visit the Sharky Extreme Discussion Board and make your voice be heard!
Craig Campanaro
Hardware Editor
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