ROANOKE TIMES 
                      Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times

DATE: Thursday, January 9, 1997              TAG: 9701100011
SECTION: BUSINESS                 PAGE: B-6  EDITION: METRO 
DATELINE: PARIS

NEW CHIP FROM INTEL

Intel Corp. on Wednesday presented an improved Pentium microchip that allows easier use of video, audio and games on personal computers, lifting shares of computer stocks amid hopes it will boost sales.

The new technology, called MMX, will enable personal computers to process real-time video and audio without special chips. It also makes possible more sophisticated games and processing of three-dimensional graphics.

Such capabilities will bring personal computers a step closer to becoming fully integrated multimedia terminals, displaying video with the clarity of television sets and playing audio with the quality of stereo equipment.

``It's the most significant introduction since the 386 processor in 1985,'' said Gilles Granier, Intel's managing director for Western Europe.

By the end of the year, Intel said, two of three Pentium chips it produces will include the new technology. By the end of next year, all Pentium chips will have MMX.

-Bloomberg Business News

LENGTH: Short :   31 lines
ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO:  AP. Intel Vice President Mike Aymar tops the familiar 
          ``Intel Inside'' logo with the MMX sign. color.