(IDG) -- As expected, Intel on Monday introduced its fastest PC processor to date, a 450-MHz Pentium II processor, as well as new 333-MHz and 300-MHz Celeron processors, and PC makers followed suit with related news of their own.

Hewlett-Packard announced that two machines in its NetServer line of enterprise application, workgroup, or departmental servers -- the LC 3 and the LH3 -- will ship in September with the new Pentium II 450-MHz processor. HP's 450-MHz LC 3 NetServer will have a street price of around $2,780; the 450-MHz NetServer LH 3 will ship for around $5,850, according to a statement from HP.

HP will also bring the new Pentium II and Celeron processors to selected models in its Brio business PCs, Vectra corporate PCs, and Pavilion PCs, according to a statement from the company. In the company's Pavilion line, 450-MHz processors will be used by the Pavilion 8390 and 8395, the statement said.

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NEC on Monday announced it has added Intel's 450-MHz processor to its NEC Direction line of PCs with pricing starting at $2,000. Starting in September the company will also offer 450-MHz-based versions of its PowerMate 8100 series of corporate computers, starting at $2,400, and its PowerMate 9000E PC workstation with pricing starting at $3,399, according to a statement from NEC.

Also on Monday, NEC introduced new corporate desktops that use Intel's new Celeron processors. NEC's PowerMate 5100 series will be available with the new 333-MHz and 300-MHz processors in September, with pricing starting at $1,039 for the PowerMate 5100N and $1,079 for the PowerMate 5100, according to a statement from NEC.

Micron weighed in with its 450-MHz announcement that its Micron Millenia consumer desktop and its Micron ClientPro business desktop will begin shipping immediately with the new 450-MHz processor. The systems will also be available with the new Celeron processors, according to a statement from Micron.

IBM said that it has brought the 450-MHz Pentium II processor to both its PC 300 commercial PC line and its IntelliStation professional workstations. In addition, IBM PC 300GL commercial desktops will now feature Celeron processors at speeds of either 300-MHz or 333-MHz, according to a statement from IBM.

Compaq also announced worldwide availability of new models in its Deskpro EP and Deskpro EN Series, incorporating the new 450-MHz Pentium II processor and the new Intel Celerons running at 333-MHz and 300-MHz. Pricing information was not disclosed.

Rebecca Sykes is a Boston correspondent for the IDG News Service, an InfoWorld affiliate.