First tests: Intel’s 1.7 GHz P4

PCWorld: “Intel hits new speed heights, shipping a Pentium 4 that runs at 1.7 GHz, but despite the increase the chip is still locked in a tight battle with Advanced Micro Devices’ premier CPU, the 1.33-GHz Athlon.

The newest P4 beats the Athlon in a few test areas, notably video encoding. But on most counts the nominally slower Athlon wins out, proving again that lower processor-speed ratings don’t necessarily add up to lower performance. Moreover, top-line P4 systems remain more expensive than comparable Athlon and PIII PCs.”