AMD K6-2

The 300MHz K6-2 will allow you to overclock to a realistic maximum of 350MHz (100MHz x 3.5), while the 336MHz (112MHz x 3.0) setting is still faster, once again due to the increase in FSB frequency.  If you don't mind overclocking, and want to save a few bucks you are better off purchasing a K6-2 266 and clocking it at 300 instead of spending the extra cash on a 300.  Mind you that the 266 won't make it up to 350MHz reliably, so if you really want the most out of your system don't expect the 266 to be able to take you there. 

Of course, like any other manufacturer, AMD does not condone overclocking.  In spite of this, the K6-2 333MHz Evaluation System AnandTech received to perform a full suite of benchmarks on was nothing more than a high yield K6-2 300 clocked at 333MHz.  It would seem odd for AMD to use a 66MHz FSB processor to demonstrate the full capabilities of their latest and greatest processor, which is why AMD didn't use conventional methods to show off their 333MHz K6-2.   Instead of taking chances at running the 300MHz parts at 350MHz, something that cannot be reliably accomplished unless you increase the core voltage of the chip, AMD modified the Microstar MSI 5169 that shipped with the Evaluation System to support a unique 95MHz FSB speed.  Using the 95MHz FSB frequency and a 3.5x clock multiplier the K6-2 was clocked at 332.5MHz, a speed that could not only outperform a K6-2 300 using a 100MHz FSB but one that could perform competitively enough to show off in front of the public eye. 

When?

The question as to when 333MHz parts will begin to ship has been brought up, right now you should expect to see 266 and 300MHz units in decent quantities, with prices at reasonable levels for the processors considering the demands.  Don't be surprised if AMD decides to forego the production of the 333MHz K6-2 in favor of a 350MHz part that could run at a true 100MHz FSB speed.  It is doubtful that too many people would purchase a 333/66 K6-2 over a 300/100 K6-2 if they didn't plan on overclocking the chip to 350/100 and beyond.

AMD plans on eventually taking the K6-2 line up to 400MHz, early indications show that a 400MHz K6-2 could easily topple the balance of power between Intel and AMD...the question is when AMD will release the K6-2 400.  Hopefully we will not see a repeat of the K6/266 disappearing act of Q4-97 with the K6-2 400...