Future Celerons and Chipsets

The motherboard does support 66/100Mhz operation (as it is based on the BX chipset). This is implemented for support of yet-unreleased Celeron PPGA processors. We haven't heard any word about 100Mhz Celeron parts yet, but we do expect them to start shipping in Q4 of 99 in order to give Katmai a chance to rev up to greater than 500Mhz and 133Mhz FSB.

Intel is also working a few new chipsets for the Celeron. The first, just-announced 440ZX, is a "budget" version of the BX, which won't offer any new features or functionality. The second is Intel 810, better known as "Whitney." We're expecting 810 to ship at the end of Q2 '99 or early Q3, for a quick ramp up in Q4. Capable of running at 66 and 100Mhz FSB, Whitney's key features are support for Ultra ATA66 (may not be implemented for lowest-cost solutions) and integrated on-board video for 2D/3D acceleration. 810, like Camino, will also support 6 PCI devices (not necessarily slots), but as a 100Mhz part, will not require or support RDRAM.

For the time being, the main options available for Celeron owners are Intel's BX and LX chipsets, and Via's Apollo Pro +. The Apollo set uses a licensed design from Intel, and thus remains almost pin-compatible (there are some minor differences in pin configuration, but motherboard manufacturers are able to make boards that can accept both the Intel and Via offerings).

The BX remains the top choice for performance boards, with its solid reputation and support for 100Mhz. The Apollo+ appears to be a strong contender as well, and its lower price should be very attractive for system builders wishing to get the most for their hard-earned dollar. Intel's 66Mhz LX chipset, introduced for the first generation of Pentium II Processors, is experiencing quite a revival with the Socket-370. Available at a much lower cost than BX, LX doesn't allow for overclocking to 100Mhz, but is set at an incredibly attractive price point in the already-competitive $1000 PC category.