Maxreboot INTEL Corp.'s newest microprocessor, the next generation 2.2GHz version of its Pentium 4 chip, went on sale in Tokyo's Akihabara electronics district on Thursday afternoon, ahead of its official launch date in January. The new processor is not just a faster version of the company's previous chips but is the first new chip to be based on Intel's Northwood core. Produced using a state-of-the-art 0.13 micron production process rather than the 0.18 micron process used for current Willamette cores, the Northwood cores include double the amount of layer 2 cache memory, 512k bytes, which should translate into higher performance for users. The Northwood core also uses less power and runs at a lower voltage -- 1.5 volts against 1.75 volts for the Willamette.

Prices for the 2.2GHz processor range from 79,800 yen to 81,800 yen (US$609 to $624) depending on the store while the 2.0AGHz version (the letter A signifies the first generation Northwood core) is selling for around 60,000 yen.