The fastest version of the chip, the 3.6GHz Pentium 4 560, dropped by 35 percent from $637 to $417. The 3.4GHz Pentium 4 550 slipped by 33 percent from $417 to $278.

The 3.2GHz Pentium 4 540 dipped 22 percent from $278 to $218. The 3GHz Pentium 4 530 is down 18 percent, from $218 to $178.

Intel's prices reflect chips purchased in 1,000-unit lots by PC makers. Thus street prices for individual chips purchased by consumers vary and are often higher.

Intel lowers its prices on a fairly regular basis, often in order to make room for new processors or to stimulate demand. This price shift was the first one for its latest generation of numbered Pentium 4s, which emerged in June, along with its latest crop of supporting chips, the 915 Express and 925 Express chipsets.

The lower price for Intel's 3.6GHz Pentium 4 560 may ring hollow for some, however. The chip has proved difficult to find since its introduction in June.

By: DocMemory
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