UPC, Re: given the very public promises about this from Intel execs, you would think they would've done anything possible to get some 4GHz parts out in Q4, even a handful for reviewers, i.e. a paper launch.
I think the backlash from a total paper launch would be greater than the PR smear from delaying the product. Maybe they learned something from the original 3.4GHz Prescott (launched in Feb, available in May).
By the way, I'm sure it's possible to get to 4GHz based on a higher thermal envelop or altered specs, if Intel absolutely had to. After all, Apple came out with a watercooled G5 at 2.5GHz when the 2.0GHz version binned poorly to begin with. On the other hand, if Intel pulled the same stunt, it would likely irritate their customers enough to look for other vendors, if you know what I mean. It's actually a safer bet for Intel to delay their products, because OEMs are mostly catering to current and former Intel customers, and it's not such a big deal if 4GHz comes out a quarter later than originally announced. However, if Intel started changing specs and brute forcing their product releases, it would cost the OEMs a lot of money to keep up, and I think AMD would begin looking like a much more attractive provider.
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