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Dell Computer is offering an unannounced 3.06-GHz Xeon processor from Intel for Precision workstations on its Web site.

The chip features a 533-MHz front-side bus and Intel's hyperthreading technology, which enables a user to execute background tasks on software written in multiple threads more quickly than conventional processors can. Hyperthreading is supported only by Microsoft's Windows XP, however, and Dell allows the buyer to order a system with hyperthreading turned off.

The Precision can be configured with two processors and is sold without a monitor. So far, Intel has announced Xeon processors at speeds only up to 2.8 GHz.

System Details

A configuration of the Precision 450 workstation with the 3.06-GHz Xeon processor, 256MB of double data rate synchronous dynamic RAM (DDR SDRAM), a 40GB hard drive, an ATI Technologies Radeon VE graphics card with 32MB of video memory, and a CD-ROM drive costs $2412 through Dell's site.

A $200 discount is available for small-business customers, as is next-day shipping.

The unannounced chip is available on the Dell Precision 450, Precision 450n, Precision 650, and Precision 650n.

Intel has begun shipping the 3.06-GHz Xeons to system manufacturers, and expects to reach full production volume on this chip later this quarter when it's formally announced, said Scott McLaughlin, an Intel spokesperson. The new Xeon will also be used in one-way and two-way servers, he said.

McLaughlin confirmed reports that Intel will introduce a 3-GHz Xeon with a 400-MHz front-side bus at the same time it launches the 3.06-GHz version. Intel will not release pricing information on either processor prior to the launch date, he said.

New workstations from Hewlett-Packard are also available with the 3.06-GHz processor as of Wednesday, according to HP's Web site. Prices for the HP Xw6000 start at $1304, and base configurations of the Xw8000 start at $1546.

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