New Chinese chips pose threat to Intel

Using 128-bit technology, the architecture, codenamed 'Long March', could deliver performance of up to 100GHz in as little as 18 months, say researchers. Built on a new 90 nm (nanometer) process, the Long March chips feature 1Gb level 2 cache and prototypes have been demonstrated running at 5GHz with no special cooling.

Pin compatible with the Pentium 4, the chips will pose a significant threat to Intel's dominance, say US analysts.

The only fly in the ointment, says sources close to the University, is that offshore fabs - based in Taiwan - are currently the only plants capable of manufacturing the processors that use Gallium Arsenide (GaAs) instead of silicon substrates.

University spokespersons today refused to confirm or deny the plans, saying it was not their policy to comment on future products and they would not be drawn on the political implications of relying on Taiwanese manufacturers to build the parts. µ