Imagine a computer that would alert you if your elderly parent forgot his medication, or one that helped grow the perfect grape for your dinner table. Intel researchers throughout the world are working at universities, in labs, and in the field to create technology to improve every facet of life — from agriculture to manufacturing, microbiology, space exploration and beyond.
Tera-scale Computing
Intel has a broad R&D effort to drive the hardware and software innovations necessary to harness the performance of future processors such as the Larrabee Architecture with 10s to 100s of cores while remaining energy efficient
Redefining Mobility
Intel researchers are redefining the mobile device, how it interacts with its environment and how we interact with it to lead the industry in delivering new products and services that open a whole new internet experience.
Energy Efficiency
This research is concentrated on improving the power profile of Intel components, taking a systems approach to designing power efficient platforms, and collaborating with industry partners and customers to develop broader energy–efficient system solutions.
Exploratory Research
Exploratory Research at Intel is advancing the state of the art through world class technical expertise, open collaboration and university ties, and multi-disciplinary teams.
The Intel Core 2 Duo processors are built in several of the world's most advanced, high-volume output manufacturing facilities using Intel's leading silicon process technology.
The Intel Core 2 Duo processors are built in several of the world's most advanced, high-volume output manufacturing facilities using Intel's leading silicon process technology.
The Intel Core 2 Quad processor is the latest in cutting edge processor technology for the desktop PC. Based on the Intel Core microarchitecture, the Intel Core 2 Quad processor
With faster, intelligent, multi-core technology that applies processing power where it's needed most, Intel Core i7 processors deliver an incredible breakthrough in PC performance.
The Intel Pentium dual-core processor is the newest addition to the Intel Pentium processor family. This dual-core processor delivers great mobile performance, low power enhancements, and multitasking for everyday computing.
The Intel Core 2 Duo processors are built in several of the world's most advanced, high-volume output manufacturing facilities using Intel's leading silicon process technology.
Leaders of the pack seeking monster performance, look no further. With four execution cores, the Intel Core 2 Quad processor blows through processor-intensive tasks in demanding…
Leaders of the pack seeking monster performance, look no further. With four execution cores, the Intel Core 2 Quad processor blows through processor-intensive tasks in demanding
The Intel Core 2 Duo processors are built in several of the world's most advanced, high-volume output manufacturing facilities using Intel's leading silicon process technology.
The Intel Pentium dual-core processor is the newest addition to the Intel Pentium processor family. This dual-core processor delivers great mobile performance, low power enhancements, and multitasking for everyday computing.
Leaders of the pack seeking monster performance, look no further. With four execution cores, the Intel Core 2 Quad processor blows through processor-intensive tasks in demanding…
Leaders of the pack seeking monster performance, look no further. With four execution cores, the Intel Core 2 Quad processor blows through processor-intensive tasks in demanding
Whether it's gaming, digital photography, or video editing, today's high-impact entertainment demands breakthrough technology. Get the unrivaled multi-core performance of the Intel
Many software applications for everyday tasks are now designed for dual-core processors. With the Intel Celeron dual-core processor, you can now take basic computing to new levels;
If possible always purchase easily damaged components, or components that are difficult or expensive to return, such as hard disk drives and monitors, from local stores.
When you purchase a new computer, you should certainly make sure that it is as upgradable as possible, that it is good value for money in that it does not contain any 'ancient' components, but you can certainly take your time when purchasing upgrades.
The latest hardware, such a processors and video cards, etc., are usually extremely expensive compared to the price they will be after they have been available for some time, or have been superseded by newer models. By keeping a few paces behind having the latest equipment, you can save yourself a small fortune while still having a machine that can run the latest software perfectly adequately.
Note that if you're waiting for the price of a particular processor to come down before you make a purchase, be aware that there comes a time when processors very suddenly become unavailable. The manufacturer no longer makes them and supplies have run out, but the suppliers are still advertising them because they have to submit their advertisements to computer magazines long in advance.
Therefore, don't rely on advertisements to judge the availability of a processor. You'll eventually be able to obtain one second-hand or from an obscure source, but not without going to a great deal of bother and an increased risk of being taken for a ride by con-artists.
If you have read the Motherboard pages on this site, you will know that the settings for the processor front side bus frequency (FSB), clock-multiplier, and voltages, can be set by setting jumpers or DIP Switches that are on the motherboard itself, or by using the BIOS setup program. The BIOS is now the most commonly used method.
The user manual that comes with a brand-name PC or motherboard should have a BIOS section that provides information on the settings that are available. If you don't have such a manual, you should be able to download a copy in the PDF format from the PC or motherboard manufacturer's site for a particular make/model of PC/motherboard.
For your information, the BIOS can also be used to monitor the system, such as monitoring the processor's temperature, fan speed, and its voltages.
Consult a motherboard's user manual for information on its BIOS settings, or use Google for information. For example, you can make use of the Google search box provided at the top of this page (with its Web radio button enabled) to look for information on, say, the Execute Disable Function setting: bios + "execute disable function".
Note that the BIOS settings are not standardised for all motherboards. It is up to the motherboard manufacturers which settings they choose to make available for a particular model of motherboard. For example, if a motherboard manufacturer wants to restrict the ability to overclock the processor and memory, the BIOS settings that allow the overclocking of those components will not be made available. This is a good idea from a support point of view, because people with no knowledge about overclocking often jump in at the deep end and ruin components, which are then sent back to vendors as being dead on arrival.
"Before making ANY major purchase, DO YOUR HOMEWORK! I bet most of the folks here complaining about not being able to upgrade would never have bought COMPAQ if they had done some research into the models that they were considering. I probably would not buy a COMPAQ desktop computer. I would (and have!)built my own. You don't have to be a rocket scientist to build your own PC! There are any number of good books on the subject, so check out(pun intended!) your local library. On the other hand, I bought my Compaq laptop after at least 40 to 50 hours of research online (over about 3 to 4 weeks) knowing exactly what to expect. Sure it is kind of slow by today's standards (an Armada 4120...120Mhz Pentium), but I knew that it would run the applications that I wanted to run. It has Compaq's proprietary hardware, but what laptop doesn't have proprietary components? The point is, that I defined my needs (and budget!), researched refurbished laptops in my price range, and chose the laptop with the most features (more memory, faster processor, etc.) from the models that I had researched. I am very happy with my laptop! So don't buy a bargain basement priced PC, and expect to run high end applications on it. DO YOUR HOMEWORK FIRST!!!!!"
"Compaq sells a "home" line of machine (Presario), and a "business or office" line (Deskpro or Prosignia). The office type machines are usually open architecture, and are easy to upgrade with standard PC components. Also, these machines usually have some open IRQs. They are also better built, and designed for easy access and upgradability. If you want a Compaq that can easily be upgraded, stay away from the Presario line. Go for a Deskpro or Prosignia.
If Windows produces a protection error with the terms NTKERN or NDIS mentioned in it, there are three main causes of it. I will start with the most common cause.
Ever since the AMD K6 processors reached a speed of 350MHz, Windows 95 has had problems with fast processors. It also affected Pentium 3 and 4 processors running at 1GHz or faster. A software patch/fix that rectified bad programming in Windows 95 corrected the problem, which did not affect Windows 98 or later versions of Windows.
To apply the software patch you have to install a slower processor or underclock the fast processor (see the Motherboard page for information on setting the processor's speed) to run at a speed that does not cause the problem (under 350MHz for a K6 processor, and under 1GHz for the Pentium processors).
Another processor-speed error occurs with Windows 98 with processors faster than
Note well that you might have to reflash the BIOS with the latest BIOS file in order for a motherboard to recognise and/or run a particular processor.
The motherboard's BIOS will have been programmed to be able to recognise and run all of the processors that its manual says that it can run, but this might not be the case if a faster version of a particular processor becomes available that the BIOS programmers knew nothing about. They would not usually provide support for unknown later versions of the same type of processor, because its hardware requirements could be different, thereby making its installation in the motherboard inadvisable.
For example, if the faster version of a particular make and type of processor becomes available, it could have power or other hardware requirements that exceed the capabilities of the motherboard, and should therefore not be installed.
Therefore, you should always check the motherboard's website for information about a processor if it is not listed as being supported in the motherboard's manual.
The Centrino is not a specific processor made by Intel, as many people think it is, it's a bundle of mobile (notebook PC) chipsets for video, sound, wireless networking that has advanced from using the Pentium M mobile processor (the mobile notebook computer versions of Pentium 4 processors), to using Intel Core 2 Duo mobile processors.
Intel® Centrino® Duo mobile technology -
"With the breakthrough mobile capabilities and energy-efficiency of Intel® Centrino® Duo mobile technology, now available with the 64-bit capable Intel® Core™2 Duo processor, you can do more of the things you love where and when you want to do them.± Plus, you'll experience enhanced wireless connections increasing your freedom to connect around the globe.
Most of the versions of Windows Vista require more RAM memory to run optimally on a computer that doesn't use memory-hungry applications than Windows XP. A video-editing application is an example of memory-intensive software. Only Windows Vista Home Basic has a recommended minimum amount of memory of 512MB, which is the same amount recommended for Windows XP. Windows Vista Home Premium, the most popular version, and Windows Vista Ultimate require a recommended minimum of 1GB (1024MB) of memory, which is twice the amount of minimum memory recommended to run Windows XP. For more information on computer memory, read the RAM pages of this site.
Paul Mullen, the highly-respected computer guru of the Helpfile at ComputerShopper.co.uk - "I have recently been buying my memory only from Crucial Technology. I would rather pay the extra cost than waste time trying to track down the obscure program faults that bad memory can cause."
To increase the thermal conduction efficiency between the processor's die (in this case, the small black square in the centre of an AMD Athlon XP processor), and the surface of the heatsink, thermal paste (thermal compound) or thermal pads are used. With this particular processor, the thermal compound is applied just to the central die.
Note well that AMD does not recommend the use of thermal pads with its current Athlon 64 and Opteron processors. This Q&A on this site deals with the subject: Which is the best cooling solution between the processor and its heatsink and fan, thermal paste or thermal pads?
With current high-speed processors, it is advisable to use only high-quality thermal paste instead of high-quality thermal pads. In any case, cheap, low-quality products should never be used.
For Pentium 4 and Athlon 64 processors, which have a covered upper surface, spread the paste thinly over the entire surface by squeezing a bit out and then spreading it evenly across the surface with an old credit/store card or similar implement.
When using thermal paste, care should be taken not to apply it too thickly. The paste should only expel the air from the interface between the cooler and the die. Using more paste than say an amount equivalent to two or three grains of rice usually reduces thermal conductivity instead of increasing it. Practical tests of the various pastes have shown that the temperature of the processor's die can be reduced by up to three or four degrees Celsius by using a high-quality thermal paste.
The application of the pre-assembled pads is quite simple - you remove the protective film from the pad, place the pad between the processor and cooling unit, finish fitting the cooler, and then turn the computer on.
A thermal pad can only be used once. It leaves sticky residues that are not easy to remove from the contact surfaces. Thermal paste is easier to remove, therefore, those of you who regularly change the processor are advised to use it instead of a pad.
You can use the Google search box at the top of this page to find sites that provide information on how to apply and remove thermal paste and the sticky residue left by thermal pads.
The search term clean + "thermal compound" + processor lead me to this useful site
Each type of cooing unit and processor will have its own way of being installed. If you didn't buy a boxed retail processor that comes with installation instructions, visit the processor manufacturer's website for installtion instructions. You can also find third-party instructions by entering a suitable search term in the Google search box provided at the top of this page (with its Web Radio button enabled).
Most recent desktop PC processor coolers can be fitted to motherboards with either a Socket AM2/AM2+ (for AMD's latest processors), or a Socket LGA775 (for Intel's latest processors). However, some current coolers are designed to fit only a specific socket type (AM2 or LGA775).
Earlier processor coolers can also be specially designed to fit an AMD- or an Intel-based processor socket. For example, an AMD Socket A or an Intel Socket 478, so if your PC has a processor the predates the current Socket AM2/AM2+ and Socket LGA775 and you need a new cooler for it, make sure that you get one that fits that type of motherboard socket.
Visit http://www.arctic-cooling.com/cpu.php for access to coolers for the different AMD/Intel motherboard socket types.
If you want to buy a fancy cooler, you should check that it will fit in your PC's case. Most coolers should fit in a standard ATX tower case, but some of the larger coolers might be too tall.
AMD uses a fold-over clip on the cooler that attaches it to the socket and Intel uses a pushpin design that plugs into the socket. Both are easy to install. However, Intel's Socket 478 processors can require a backplate to be fitted to the back of the motherboard. The cooler's heat plate is screwed into it. The fitting of a new cooler that requires a backplate can be tricky if the PC is already built, because you have to remove the motherboard. If you are building PC with a motherboard that uses a backplate for the cooler, fit it before you install the motherboard in the case.
Keeping Your CPU [Processor] Going If Your Cooler Fails -
"We took low-cost and high-end processors from both AMD and Intel and put them to the test with regular cooling, as well as in a simulation of a broken CPU fan. In so doing, we discovered that there still are considerable differences between AMD and Intel.
Important information about a computer is the processor upgradability of the motherboard. Can the processor be upgraded, and, if so, how much faster than the existing processor is the fastest processor that the motherboard can support?
Visit the Processor Sockets sections of this website for information on the different types of sockets that motherboards that run AMD and Intel processors (old and new) use.
Before purchasing a computer, you should always insist on a written specification that lists the make and model of the motherboard. You should then be able to visit the manufacturer's website, download the user manual, and find out such information as what processors the motherboard supports, the make and model of its chipset, and BIOS, and what types of RAM are supported.
If you cannot obtain a manual in this way, insist on being given this information by the company selling the computer.
You can download the manuals for the latest MSI motherboards free of charge from http://www.msi.com.tw/. The manuals provide illustrated instructions on how to install the processor in its socket. Each type of processor will have its own method of being correctly aligned in its socket. Instructions are also provided in the manual on how to install a heatsink and fan unit over the processor. All of the major motherboard manufacturers provide user manuals for their boards, and copies in the PDF format are also provided from the motherboard manufacturer's website. Those instructions are also provided when you buy a retail, boxed processor.
Note that some motherboard (mainboard) manufacturers have a section of their website devoted to providing information on the processors (CPUs) that a particular model can use. For example, MSI provides this information, which is currently (March 2009) under Products => Mainboard => CPU Support.
If say, your desktop PC has an MSI RS482M2-IL/ L (Socket 939) motherboard that is running an AMD Athlon 64 3000+ single-core processor, you can find out which faster AMD processors can be used. You are also told which BIOS version has to be installed in order to use a particular processor. Most of the processors that the above-mentioned motherboard can run can do so with the 3.9 version of the BIOS that it uses installed. The MSI website also provides the latest BIOS for that motherboard. The above-mentioned motherboard can run Socket 939 (not Socket AM2) single-core and dual-core AMD Athlon 64 and Opteron processors. The fastest Athlon 64 X2 dual-core processor you can upgrade to is the Athlon 64 X2 Dual-Core 4800+ (E6 version) with BIOS version 3.9 installed, which is a considerable improvement on the single-core AMD 64 3000+ processor that it already has. The PC will fly if it is running Windows XP Home or Professional with all of the Service Packs installed (up to SP3) and 1GB of RAM memory or more (up to a maximum of 4GB unless you are using the 64-bit version of Windows XP Professional, which can use up to 128GB of RAM memory). If the PC has a 32-bit Windows Vista with Service Pack 1 (SP1) installed, you will probably have to have 4GB of memory installed to provide equivalent performance.
This Upgrade Checklists page provides information on the upgradability of the processor of desktop PCs dating from before 1997 to the present.
The latest super-fast processors operate at speeds (frequencies) that old programs (such as those designed for an MS DOS system) weren't designed to run at. Consequently, such software may fail to work properly, if at all. CPU Killer is a free utility that allows a user to slow a super-fast processor down sufficiently to be able to run old software.
Laptop processors are designed to make portable computing as efficient as possible. The processors are designed to have a low power consumption that can be lowered even further by the use of the power-management software that is built into the operating system (Windows, Linux, etc.) Consequently, mobile laptops don't need to have large cases for additional cooling hardware and they're lighter.
"Correct Driver installation is crucial to overall platform performance. This is especially true for the Intel® 850 and Intel® 845 chipsets. Drivers should always be installed in the order displayed in Table 1 below. The most critical step in the installation order is to run the Intel® Chipset Software Installation Utility before all other drivers. Once the chipset is properly detected and configured using this utility, device driver installation order becomes less crucial and will have less impact on system performance." - From a page called Pentium® 4 processors Optimization Tip - Checking Driver Installation that no longer exists on Intel's site.
Intel has decided to use a new confusing numbering system for its processors instead of using just the name of the processor and its clock-speed in gigahertz (GHz).
Intel has announced that it is to cease the development of its 4.0GHz Pentium processor. In July 2004, it announced that the 4.0GHz processor would not achieve its shipment dates for the end of the year, and put back the launch dated to the spring of 2005. But, for the time being, 3.8GHz is to remain the highest clock speed for the Pentium processor. Intel says that it will be transferring its engineers to work on the dual-core designs demonstrated at the recent Developer's Forum. The reason for this change in policy is probably because Intel and arch-rival AMD have been having increasingly difficult problems with producing reliable fabrications able to cope with the amount of heat generated by such high clock speeds. First AMD and now Intel have moved away from developing raw clock speed towards putting more than one processor on a single chip. Early indications show that the dual-core strategy boosts performance by up to 55 per cent.
The clock-speed contest may be at at an end, but, for marketing purposes, Intel still needs to show that its processors are constantly improving. Hence the adoption of a new way of naming them. For more information on this subject, read this earlier story:
An introduction to the processors made by AMD and Intel
Another name for a computer's processor is central processing unit (CPU). Installed in a printed circuit board (PCB) called a motherboard (also known as a mainboard), the processor processes the programmed software instructions of applications and utilities, such as MS Word, and Norton AntiVirus, according to the programmed instructions provided by the computer's operating system, which is usually a version of Windows or Linux or Apple's Mac OS X.
There are only two major manufacturers of desktop PC and laptop PC processors - AMD and Intel. However, there are many major manufacturers of the motherboards that these processors run on. You cannot run an Intel processor on an AMD-based motherboard and vice versa. Visit the Motherboards, PC Cases and Power Supplies pages on this site for more information on them. Use your browser's Back button to return to this page.
With the arrival of its Core 2 processor technology, Intel named both its desktop PC and laptop PC processors Core 2 Duo and Core 2 Quad (four cores). The laptop processor start with a T, such as T7100. Desktop processors start with an E, such as E8500, and X for the extreme (extremely fast and expensive) version, a Q for quad-core, such as Q6700, and QX for the extreme version, such as QX9770.
November 18, 2008. - Intel has released three of its new Socket LGA1366 quad-core Core i7 processors. Here is a good review:
Intel Core i7 - http://www.pcpro.co.uk/reviews/233892/intel-core-i7.html
And here is the information on the new processors on Intel's website:
Intel® Core™ i7 Processor -
http://www.intel.com/products/processor/corei7/...
The major motherboard manufacturers have brought out motherboards that support the new Intel desktop PC processors.
Although details of Snow Leopard have been hard to come by, thanks to the NDA signed by developers, a French site has posted a screenshot of Snow Leopard's system requirements. The big news here is that 10.6 will indeed require an Intel processor, as rumors had suggested, but also that it will not require a 64-bit processor.
Steve Jobs didn't give much of an introduction to the upcoming Snow Leopard release of OS X during the keynote, deferring to Bertrand Serlet to do the honors later in the day. Unfortunately, the content of Serlet's session is covered by an NDA, so details of Snow Leopard have been hard to come by. Apple has announced a few features, and developers generally like it, but a few of the big questions remain unanswered. French site LogicielMac has posted a screenshot of Snow Leopard's system requirements, thereby answering two processor-related questions at once.
The bad news is that the rumor that Snow Leopard will drop PowerPC support is true. An Intel processor is listed as one of the system requirements. According to some quick web searching, this means that anyone with a Mac purchased before 2006 will be out of luck. This will undoubtedly make a few people upset, since Apple seems to be dropping support for the platform more quickly than it has dropped other processors in the past.
There is some good news here, though. Although the requirements mention Intel processors, Snow Leopard doesn't seem to require a 64-bit Intel processor, owners of first-generation Intel Macs will be able to take advantage of most of the new features. In my mind, keeping 32-bit support is a good move for Apple, since making Snow Leopard require a 64-bit processor would obsolete a fair number of 2006 purchases. It's possible that the requirements will change, since the ones listed are only for the developer preview, but for right now it looks like the Snow Leopard requirements won't be as bad as the rumors suggested.
Application notes
Datasheets
Design guides
Manuals
Packaging information
Specification updates
Technical books
White papers
Application notes
AP-909 Intel® Processor Serial Number
AP-907 Pentium® III Processor Power Distribution Guidelines
AP-906 100 MHz AGTL+ Layout Guidelines for the Pentium III Processor and Intel® 440BX AGPset
AP-905 Pentium III Processor Thermal Design Guidelines
AP-903 Mechanical Assembly and Customer Manufacturing Technology for S.E.C.C.2 Package Processors
AP-589 Design For EMI
AP-485 Intel® Processor Identification and the CPUID Instruction
Intel® Pentium® III Processor Thermal Metrology for CPUID 068h family processors
Small Matrix Library
Datasheets
Intel Pentium III Processor with 512-KB L2 Cache at 1.13 GHz to 1.40 GHz Datasheet
Intel Pentium III Processor Based on 0.13 Micron Process Up to 1.33 GHz Datasheet
Intel Pentium III Processor for the PGA370 Socket at 500 MHz to 1.13 GHz Datasheet
Intel Pentium III Processor for the SC242 at 450 MHz to 1.13 GHz Datasheet
Low Voltage (LV) Intel Pentium III Processor 512-KB Datasheet
Design guides
Intel® 440BX AGPset / PGA370 Flexible Platform Design Guide
CK97 Clock Synthesizer Design Guidelines
CK98 Clock Synthesizer/Driver Design Guidelines
PGA370 Processor Bus Terminator Design Guidelines
SC242 Connector Design Guidelines
SC242 Termination Card Design Guidelines
VRM 8.5 DC–DC Converter Design Guidelines
VRM 8.4 DC–DC Converter Design Guidelines
Pentium III Processor Compatibility Checklist with the Intel 440BX AGP Platform
Intel Pentium III Processor with 512KB L2 Cache Bus Terminator Design Guide
Intel Pentium III Processor with 512KB L2 Cache Dual Processor Platform Design Guide
Intel Pentium III Processor with 512KB L2 Cache Dual Processor Platform Design Guide Update
Intel Pentium III Processor in the FC-PGA2 Package Thermal Design Guidelines
Dual Memory Clock Generator Design Guidelines
Low Voltage Intel Pentium III Processor 512K and ULV Intel® Celeron® Processor/815E Chipset Platform Design Guide
Low Voltage (LV) Intel Pentium III Processor 512K Dual Processor Platform Design Guide
Low Voltage (LV) Intel Pentium III Processor 512K Thermal Design Guide
Quick Reference Guide
Manuals
Intel® 64 and IA-32 Architectures Software Developer's Manuals
These manuals describe the architecture and programming environment of the Intel® 64 and IA-32 processors. Electronic versions of these documents allow you to quickly get to the information you need, print only the pages you want. Manuals are available in PDF format or on CD-ROM.
LPMBX400BRD500 Interposer Board Manual
Packaging information
Intel Packaging Databook
Single Edge Contact Cartridge 2 (S.E.C.C.2) Heat Sink Attachment and Heat Sink Functional Requirements
Single Edge Contact Connector 2 (S.E.C.C. 2) Thermal Interface Material Functional Requirements
Support Component Test Requirements: Environmental and Reliability Testing
Specification updates
Intel Pentium III Processor Specification Update
Technical books
The Software Vectorization Handbook
White papers
Intel Pentium III processor Thermal Metrology for CPUID 068h family processors
Advancing its architecture at what most independent observers would now agree is a breakneck pace, Intel offered further details today on how soon it would begin phasing out the Core Microarchitecture it introduced in the summer of 2006.
With the second phase of its 45 nm generation microprocessors -- what it calls "tock," using a metaphor that drives rival AMD mad -- Intel will move to a processor design that utilizes scalable cores, from two all the way to eight, it will introduce another new microarchitecture for processing instructions, and it will phase out the front-side bus as a component of its architecture. We've known these facts based on bits and pieces of information compiled from Intel hints over the past six months. Now we know this as absolute fact, confirmed by senior vice president Pat Gelsinger during a special presentation this morning.
Now we know when it will all happen for certain. The six-core Dunnington server CPU platform using Penryn architecture (the "tick" generation of 45 nm), with 16 MB of L3 cache, goes into production as soon as this summer. The 45 nm Nehalem architecture ("tock") enters production in the fourth quarter of this year. That will be the beginning of the end of the era of Intel x86 computers with a front-side bus (a separate circuit linking the CPU to memory, with a dedicated clock).
And Itanium lives on, as the company's new Tukwila architecture will carry the intrinsically multi-threaded instruction set into datacenters and mainframe replacements, with six cores sharing 30 MB of cache.
But it will be Nehalem that is expected to provide one very thunderous "tock." One key feature that literally creates an entirely new dimension to parallelism will be simultaneous multithreading (SMT): the ability for each core to process two threads at a time, not alternately like hyperthreading but truthfully at the same time.
An updated Nehalem white paper today (PDF available here) describes SMT as "a more energy efficient means of increasing performance for multi-threaded workloads. The next generation microarchitecture's SMT capability enables running two simultaneous threads per core -- an amazing eight simultaneous threads per quad-core processor and 16 simultaneous threads for dual-processor quad-core designs."
Please use search feature below to search for full or partial sample specification (S-Spec) number. The search is not case sensitive. Production Intel processors have 5 letter S-Spec numbers starting from S. Engineering and qualification samples of Intel processors have 4-6 letter specification numbers starting from Q.
8085
8086
8088
80186
80286
80386
80387
80486
80486 overdrive
80487
80860
80960
Atom
Celeron
Celeron (Mobile)
Celeron D
Celeron Dual-Core
Celeron Dual-Core (Mobile)
Celeron M
Core 2 Duo (Desktop)
Core 2 Duo (Mobile)
Core 2 Solo
Core Duo
Core i7
Core Solo
i186
i286
i386
i387
i486
i487
i860
i960
Itanium
Itanium 2
Mobile Celeron
Mobile Celeron Dual-Core
Mobile Pentium 4
Mobile Pentium 4-M
Mobile Pentium II
Mobile Pentium III
Mobile Pentium III-M
Other chips (not processors)
Pentium
Pentium 4
Pentium 4 (Mobile)
Pentium 4-M (Mobile)
Pentium D
Pentium Dual-Core
Pentium Dual-Core (Mobile)
Pentium Extreme Edition
Pentium II
Pentium II (Mobile)
Pentium II Overdrive
Pentium II Xeon
Pentium III
Pentium III (Mobile)
Pentium III Xeon
Pentium III-M (Mobile)
Pentium M
Pentium Overdrive
Pentium Pro
Timna
Xeon
Xeon MP
System Configuration 7+ year System Mfg Avail Intel® SIPP # of CPUs System TDP Estimated 1k Unit System Price
Intel® X58 Express Chipset with 82801JB I/O Controller Hub (ICH10) No No 1 158.6 Watts $336
Intel® X58 Express Chipset with 82801JR I/O Controller Hub (ICH10R) No No 1 158.6 Watts $339
Enabling Execute Disable Bit functionality requires a PC with a processor with Execute Disable Bit capability and a supporting operating system. Check with your PC manufacturer on whether your system delivers Execute Disable Bit functionality.
64-bit computing on Intel® architecture requires a computer system with a processor, chipset, BIOS, operating system, device drivers and applications enabled for Intel® 64 architecture. Processors will not operate (including 32-bit operation) without an Intel 64 architecture-enabled BIOS. Performance will vary depending on your hardware and software configurations. Consult with your system vendor for more information.
Hyper-Threading Technology (HT Technology) requires a computer system with an Intel® processor supporting HT Technology and an HT Technology enabled chipset, BIOS and operating system. Performance will vary depending on the specific hardware and software you use. See www.intel.com/products/ht/hyperthreading_more.htm for more information including details on which processors support HT Technology.
Intel® Virtualization Technology requires a computer system with a processor, chipset, BIOS, virtual machine monitor (VMM) and for some uses, certain platform software, enabled for it. Functionality, performance or other benefit will vary depending on hardware and software configurations. Intel Virtualization Technology-enabled VMM applications are currently in development.
Note: Prices subject to change without notice. Prices are for direct Intel customers in 1000-unit bulk quantities and, unless specified, represent the latest technology versions of the products. Taxes and shipping, etc. not included. Prices may vary for other package types and shipment quantities, and special promotional arrangements may apply.
Intel processor numbers are not a measure of performance. Processor numbers differentiate features within each processor family, not across different processor families. See http://www.intel.com/products/processor_number for details.
System and Maximum TDP is based on worst case scenarios. Actual TDP may be lower if not all I/Os for chipsets are used.
All information provided is subject to change at any time, without notice. Intel may make changes to manufacturing life cycle, specifications, and product descriptions at any time, without notice.
Halogen Free implies the following:
Bromine and/or chlorine in materials that may be used during processing, but do not remain within the final product are not included in this definition. The halogens fluorine (F), iodine (I), and astatine (At) are not restricted by this standard.
“BFR/CFR and PVC-Free” Definition:
An article must meet all of the following requirements to be defined as “BFR/CFR and PVC-Free”:
1. All PCB laminates must meet Br and Cl requirements for low halogen as defined in IPC-4101B
2. For components other than PCB laminates, all homogeneous materials must contain < 900 ppm (0.09%) of Bromine [if the Bromine (Br) source is from BFRs] and < 900 ppm (0.09%) of Chlorine [if the Chlorine (Cl) source is from CFRs or PVC. Higher concentrations of Br and Cl are allowed in homogenous materials of components other than PCB laminates as long as their sources are not BFRs, CFRs, PVC.
3. Although the elemental analysis for Br and Cl in homogeneous materials can be performed by any analytical method with sufficient sensitivity and selectivity, the presence or absence of BFRs, CFRs or PVC must be verified by any acceptable analytical techniques that allow for the unequivocal identification of the specific Br or Cl compounds, or by appropriate material declarations agreed to between customer and supplier
Add to Comparison Table
Summary Information
Product Family Intel® Core™ i7 Processor
Code Name Products formerly Bloomfield
Product Status Launched
Launch Date Q4'08
Mfg Avail 2+ Yrs
Lithography 45 nm
Number of Cores 4
Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology Yes
Intel® Virtualization Technology Yes
Intel® 64 Architecture Yes
Enhanced Intel SpeedStep® Technology Yes
Intel® Turbo Boost Technology Yes
Demand Based Switching Yes
Execute Disable Bit Yes
Intel® Stable Image Platform Program (Intel® SIPP) No
Intel® Trusted Execution Technology No
Halogen Free Options Available Yes
Package Size 42.5mm x 45.0mm
Tcase 67.9°C
Max TDP 130 Watts
Core Voltage 0.800V-1.225V
1k Estimated Price $284.00
Integrated MCH Information
Number of Memory Channels 3
Max Memory 24 GB
Max Memory Bandwidth 25.6 GB/s
Memory Types DDR3-800/1066
36 Bit Memory Addressability Yes
ECC Memory No
Number of Intel® QPI Links 1
Intel® QPI Links Bandwidth 4.8 GT/s
Intel® Smart Cache 8 MB
To Fund Managers 2/28 · To FTC 2/26 · To FTC 2/22 · To OEMs 2/25 · To OEMs 2/22 · (News on Pentium III)
Background on the Pentium III PSN issue is maintained on our News page. The boycott was called off at the end of April 2000.
[Feedback] Letter sent to managers of socially responsible mutual funds 1999/2/28
The following open letter to socially responsible investors was sent to the managers of the funds listed below. [News release] They range in size from approximately $100 million to one billion dollars. They are leading examples of the importance of social investing and shareholder activism. More than $1 trillion in assets are under management in socially and environmentally responsible portfolios, according to a 1997 report by the nonprofit Social Investment Forum. The manager of one of the funds announced 3/1 that they had begun an investigation. We received a similar undertaking in a letter dated March 4 from Citizens Funds. [Mutual Fund Magazine]
1. Calvert Social Equity Fund (A) (CSIEX)
2. Citizens Emerging Growth Fund (WAEGX)
3. Domini Social Equity Fund (DSEFX)
4. Dreyfus Third Century Fund (DRTHX)
5. Parnassus Fund (PARNX)
6. Smith Barney Concert Social Awareness Fund(A) (SSIAX)
We write to alert you to the socially irresponsible actions of Intel Corporation, and to seek your assistance in averting the severe damage to privacy that Intel is willfully attempting to inflict on the public.
You may have read some of many media reports in the past month that Intel's Pentium III chip, which went on sale Friday 2/26, contains a unique identifier called the Processor Serial Number (PSN). Intel intends to make the PSN a de facto ID number for the Internet: they anticipated that it would be disclosed during visits to Web sites for example. The dangers to privacy are similar to those of the Social Security Number, but on an even larger scale due to the speed, richness and pervasiveness of the Internet in our society.
Four days after Intel announced the PSN feature our groups called a consumer boycott of the company, and Intel responded within hours claiming that it would change the chip's identifier from "normally on" to "normally off." In fact they did not change the chip at all; they merely changed their recommendations to PC manufacturers on how the chip is configured by software.
Following the public outcry as news of the feature spread through the mainstream media, most PC manufacturers have chosen a method of turning off the number more strongly than Intel recommended. But technical reports suggest that the PSN can still be turned on against the user's wishes by attacks such as viruses, and some manufacturers may not maintain or even start with a configuration where the PSN is off. In countries with repressive governments, the PSN could be used as a powerful tool of surveillance against their citizens. We and other privacy groups have consistently asked Intel to permanently remove this feature in the chip, but they have refused to do this.
Intel assert that the PSN feature is useful to improve the security of electronic commerce transactions, but technical experts have rebutted this claim. There remains no credible benefit of the PSN feature to consumers, only severe and obvious harms. The main reason for Intel's intransigence is plainly the expense and embarrassment of removing the feature now that it has shipped some chips. A similar situation occurred a few years ago with a bug in the original Pentium chip, and Intel was very slow to correct and address consumer concerns.
We have asked PC manufacturers not to ship systems containing the chip, but they all began selling systems on Friday. We and other privacy groups have asked the Federal Trade Commission to compel Intel to change the feature, but the Commissioner has indicated that he believes the FTC may lack the legal authority to do so. Other remedies might eventually be arrived at by the FTC, but time is of the essence here.
Because Intel seems deaf to appeals based on societal good (the statements of many of their executives in the press indicate a disturbing arrogance and disregard for consumers), we are reaching out to socially responsible investors to bring economic pressure to bear on Intel to permanently disable this dangerous feature. Privacy is rising in public importance in the age of the Internet in a manner analogous to the rise of environmental concerns a few decades ago: we hope that you consider this fundamental human right merits your attention and effort to protect.
We would welcome your advice on how to best achieve the goal of stopping Intel from damaging privacy. Here are our current proposals to socially responsible investors.
1. Divest Intel holdings as soon as possible.
2. Add Intel to "screening" lists of companies that are to be excluded from investment based on social criteria, specifically a disregard for human rights.
3. Dialog with Intel on the PSN, trying to persuade them that the best choice for their bottom line in the long term is to disable the feature.
4. Support programs of shareholder activism to have the PSN removed, by means such as submitting and voting proxy resolutions.
5. Dialog with PC manufacturers and their shareholders to apply pressure to Intel, by means such as disfavoring Intel processors in their product offerings until the PSN is removed.
If you would like more background information on our campaign, please contact us or visit the home page at http://www.bigbrotherinside.org on the Web. We would welcome the opportunity to hear your thoughts and discuss how best to proceed. We hope that you will be able to help make socially responsible investment a key factor in protecting the fundamental human right of privacy from this significant new danger.
Sincerely
[EPIC, Junkbusters, Privacy International]
[Feedback] Letter sent to FTC 2/26
[Background to this letter is explained in a News release]
Dear Chairman Pitofsky:
By letter dated February 22, 1999, we joined with several other organizations in urging the Commission, in accordance with 16 C.F.R. § 2.2, "to consider action it might take to prevent Intel's Processor Serial Number (PSN) from severely damaging consumer privacy and consequently stunting the growth of e-commerce."
In the days since that letter was transmitted, articles have appeared in the technical press indicating that Intel's representations concerning a software "solution" to the PSN problem are misleading and possibly deceptive. See, e.g., Christian Persson, Pentium III serial number is soft switchable after all, C'T, February 22, 1999 (http://www.heise.de/ct/english/99/05/news1/) (copy attached hereto). We believe that these technical findings may have a direct bearing upon the Commission's consideration of our request for an inquiry.
We understand that the Center for Democracy and Technology ("CDT") has today filed with the Commission a "Complaint and Request for Injunction, Request for Investigation, and for other Relief" with respect to this matter. We hereby request that the Commission consider our pending request for an inquiry and the CDT complaint together, and that we be advised of any Commission decision concerning this matter.
Sincerely,
[EPIC, Junkbusters]
encl.
[Feedback] Letter sent February 25 to CEOs of OEMs
To: Eckhard Pfeiffer, President and CEO, Compaq Computer Corp.,
Michael S. Dell, Chairman and CEO, Dell Computer Corp.
Theodore Waitt, Chairman and CEO, Gateway 2000 Inc.
Lewis Platt, Chairman, President and CEO, Hewlett-Packard Company
Louis V. Gerstner Jr., Chairman and CEO, IBM
Dear Sirs
By letter of February 22 we alerted you to our concerns with the Processor Serial Number feature of the Intel Pentium III. In light of developments since then we are now urging you to order an immediate suspension of all your company's products that contain the Intel Pentium III.
We believe that OEMs have a duty to properly inform their customers about the privacy risks of a PC containing a PSN.
Shipping the Pentium with an assurance that the end user can control the functionality of the PSN would seem premature in light of recent reports to the contrary, such as the article published by the German computer magazine c't on February 22. We believe that such a claim made under current circumstances could constitute a material misrepresentation of the sort prohibited by federal consumer protection laws and regulations.
Sincerely,
[EPIC, Junkbusters, Privacy International]
Other groups are invited to sign on; those have already replied affirmatively include: the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse and Private Citizen, Inc.
[Feedback] Letter sent to FTC 2/22 (before Heise bug was noted)
Mr R. Pitofsky
Chairman
Federal Trade Commission
Dear Sir
This letter is to ask the Commission to consider action it might take to prevent Intel's Processor Serial Number (PSN) from severely damaging consumer privacy and consequently stunting the growth of ecommerce.
Most of the media coverage of this issue has incorrectly reported that "Intel disabled the feature" or that "the number will be off by default." Both these statements are false. Intel did not change the chip at all; they merely decided to change the "control utility" software they will provide to OEMs (PC manufacturers), which the OEMs may or may not use.
The page of questions and answers on the PSN published on Intel's own web site on or before 2/3 stated that ``While the processor serial number is activated in the chip, the default control utility setting will turn the feature to "OFF." The utility then allows the user to choose whether to enable the processor serial number feature...'' Nothing there suggested that this "default off" setting would be anything less than universal. Yet in a 2/18 Reuters story an Intel official admitted that OEMs will be shipping PCs with the PSN on (contrary to the statement above) in units destined for the workplace. So in addition to the statements attributed by the media to Intel, Intel's own directly published statements have not accurately reflected the reality of their position. We request that the Commission consider whether its Section 5 authority regarding false claims and deceptive practices should be brought to bear on Intel.
Beyond the question of deception is the issue of the harm that will be caused by Intel's actions, whether misrepresented or not. While the case against the PSN has been stated in many places (such as http://www.bigbrotherinside.com) the following argument has been formulated along lines familiar from other actions taken by the Commission. In summary we believe that:
1) The PSN is likely to cause substantial harm to consumer privacy and consequently reduce consumers' participation in ecommerce. 2) This harm will not be easily be avoidable by consumers. 3) The harm will not be outweighed by countervailing benefits.
The following paragraphs expand these three points in turn.
1) The PSN is likely to cause substantial harm to consumer privacy and consequently reduce consumers' participation in ecommerce.
This assertion is based on the following subassertions. (a) The PSN will become a de facto standard Global User Identifier (GUID). (b) The GUID will be used by companies in information practices that are unfair. (c) Such practices will become known to consumers, some of whom will avoid participation in ecommerce because they apprehend that their privacy is at risk by doing so.
(a) The PSN is destined to become a de facto standard Global User Identifier (GUID) for the Internet, much as the Social Security Number became the GUID for financial transactions. Intel's stated intention to add the PSN to their other chips, plus their near-monopoly market share mean that the PSN feature would be present on the majority of PCs in a few short years. Although other uniquely identifying numbers have been available on computer hardware, none has had the ubiquity and attractiveness of the PSN. Intel has listed copyright protection as one of the advantages of the PSN, and software publishers are certain to adopt it for the consumer software market. (In the business software market, similar mechanisms have been available on expensive workstations for years.) Any piece of software that requires the PSN for copyright protection could obviously also use it for other purposes.
(b) The GUID will be used by companies in information practices that are unfair. The history of cookies has shown that browser manufacturers and web sites have a mutual commercial interest in tracking and targeting consumers using mechanisms that are turned on by default. Several companies have already set up schemes to bypass the limitation of cookies that each site gets a different cookie, allow the sharing of information about visitors. Having a PSN provided by the browser to web sites would allow these extra efforts to be bypassed. Given that the browser market is a duopoly where both duopolists have a significant consumer ecommerce operations, those manufacturers have a compelling incentive to make the PSN available to their own sites and to partners. Beyond browsers, other software such as mail and chat programs might choose to disclose the PSN, overtly or covertly. (Intel have already indicated one of the intended uses is to exclude "rogue users" from chat rooms.) In the current legal environment where web sites (except those targeted at children) are not required to abide by any code of fair information practice, and where information on online behavior is a valuable and salable, the PSN will inevitably be used in unfair, privacy-invasive practices.
(c) Such practices will become known to consumers, some of whom will avoid participation in ecommerce because they apprehend that their privacy is at risk by doing so. Surveys such as the 1998 Harris/Business Week poll indicate that fear for privacy is the number one reason consumers give for not going online (ahead of price and usability). The PSN will move reality much closer to these consumers' worst fears. The considerable media attention and public discussion of Intel's announcement reflects the high level of concern over the state of online privacy.
2) This harm will not be easily be avoidable by consumers. This point follows from each of two assertions. (i) Many consumers will not know they are using a PSN-enabled machine, or will not understand the implications of the PSN for privacy. (ii) Many will be compelled to disclose their PSN.
The most extreme example of compulsion will occur in machines in the workplace. Intel have listed asset management as an intended use of the PSN. To support this, organizational buyers would order PCs from the manufacturers with the PSN permanently enabled in the BIOS. It could be argued that employees should have no expectation of privacy at the workplace, but lunchtime private usage actually raises the level of Internet activity, and many consumers find the cost of establishing an Internet connection at home prohibitive, so this group will represent a substantial number of ecommerce participants. Furthermore, business routinely dispose of PCs to employees, schools and others for personal use, and few consumers know how to reconfigure a BIOS.
Even on PCs where use of the PSN is ostensibly optional and opt-in, experience shows that consumers will be coerced into submitting to the tracking mechanism. Microsoft for example demands cookies as a precondition to access to large amounts of technical information, some essential to performing key tasks. Other sites require cookies or registration as a condition of entry to the site, or as a condition of purchase, or a condition of using software. This may be as essential as the operating system or personal finance software. The putative choice is often illusory.
Returning to point (i), many consumers will not know they are using a PSN-enabled machine, or will not understand the implications of the PSN for privacy. Intel has suggested a small taskbar icon as a visual indication, but this decision is not even in their hands, and manufacturers are unlikely to voluntarily place a warning label on their products that explains the privacy implications of a PSN.
3) The harm will not be outweighed by countervailing benefits. Intel claims various benefits for the PSN, mostly in improving security. However as documented on http://www.bigbrotherinside.com mentioned above, several leading technical experts have stated that as a security mechanism the PSN is too weak to be very useful. In areas such as asset management and copyright protection, other mechanisms are already in use that do not depend on a PSN.
This completes our argument that the PSN is likely to cause substantial harm which will not be easily be avoidable by consumers, and will not be outweighed by countervailing benefits.
As you may know, privacy groups have consistently called on Intel to permanently disable the feature since the day it was announced. Some have asked Intel to recall all product shipped with the feature. We ask the Commission to consider what action it might take to reduce the harms to consumer privacy and ecommerce identified here, including any means to compel the company to disable the feature and order a recall, whether directly or through PC manufacturers. We also request that Commission consider whether its Section 5 authority regarding false claims and deceptive practices should be brought to bear on Intel. Finally, we request a meeting with the appropriate staff of the Commission to discuss this matter.
This letter is not a formal petition and complaint to the Commission, but such a plea might follow at a later date. The Commission's consideration of this letter and any response will be very much appreciated.
Very respectfully
[Groups who signed on.]
Note: Correspondence may be addressed to EPIC, who will summarize and distribute responses, or to all signatories if desired.
[Feedback] Letters sent to CEOs of PC Manufacturers 2/22
To: Eckhard Pfeiffer, President and CEO, Compaq Computer Corp.,
Michael S. Dell, Chairman and CEO, Dell Computer Corp.
Theodore Waitt, Chairman and CEO, Gateway 2000 Inc.
Lewis Platt, Chairman, President and CEO, Hewlett-Packard Company
Louis V. Gerstner Jr., Chairman and CEO, IBM
Dear Sirs
You may already be aware of the boycott over the Pentium III's Processor Serial Number against Intel; in case you are not familiar with the privacy impact of the PSN, a draft letter to the Chairman of the Federal Trade Commission that summarizes our concerns is available at http://www.junkbusters.com/intel.html on the Web. Background material is also available at the campaign home page, http://www.bigbrotherinside.com.
The organizers are considering extending the boycott to major PC manufacturers who ship Pentium III systems in a configuration that would significantly damage consumer privacy. We request your assistance in providing us with information on your company's intentions, so that we can determine our organization's boycott policy regarding your company and any individual consumer products containing a PSN.
We would welcome any information you consider relevant, but we specifically seek to determine as soon as possible which of the following statements best describes your company's position.
1) Refusing to ship Pentium III systems until Intel disables the PSN in the chip.
2) Not currently planning to ship Pentium III systems, for whatever reason.
3) Planning to ship Pentium III systems with the PSN disabled in the BIOS, so that it cannot be enabled without altering the BIOS.
4) Planning to ship Pentium III systems with the PSN enabled in the BIOS, but disabled by default in the OS or desktop in a manner that allows the PSN to be enabled with a change of configuration and a reboot.
5) Planning to ship Pentium III systems with the PSN enabled by default after startup, but with a mechanism provided to disable the PSN upon request by the user.
6) Planning to ship Pentium III systems with the PSN enabled by default after startup, with no built-in mechanism to disable the PSN. (The user would have to download an application from some web site for example.)
These six alternatives above are listed in increasing order of hostility towards privacy, and we hope that your response will be one of the first two or three.
If your company intends to ship PCs in different configurations to consumer markets vs. the workplace, please provide details for both.
We would also be grateful for answers to the following questions whenever you are able to provide them, but please do not delay answering the crucial question above while preparing this or any additional information. Depending on your plans, some or all of these questions may not apply to your company.
(i) How will the consumer be notified whether the PSN is on? If with a visual indication on the screen, to what extent will this be vulnerable to tampering by viruses or other attacks by hostile applications? What warranty, if any, will you provide to your customers that the PSN will not be disclosed against their wishes?
(ii) Will clear and conspicuous notice of the privacy impact of having the PSN enabled be provided, such as a label on the front panel of the PC, in the printed documentation, or as a popup on the desktop?
(iii) To what extent will your company offer customers alternatives to Intel processors, both generally and specifically in the price/performance space of the Pentium III? In particular, is an offering using the AMD K6-3 planned or available?
(iv) If the PSN is automatically turned off at some point in the startup process, please clarify whether the Microsoft Windows have access to the PSN before it is turned off. If you are aware of whether Windows will store the PSN in the Registry or elsewhere so that it is available to Web browsing functions, please provide details.
We hope that your company will show a true commitment to consumer privacy with actions, not words, in the computer products it ships in the next month. We look forward to hearing from you what these actions will be, so that we can determine our boycott policy and communicate this to consumers, consumer groups and government authorities.
Sincerely
[Groups who signed on.]
Enclosure
Note: Correspondence may be addressed to EPIC, who will summarize and distribute responses, or to all signatories if desired.
[Feedback] Letter sent to consumer and privacy organizations 2/15
The groups that signed on to the letters by 2/22 include the Center for Media Education, consumer.net, EPIC, Junkbusters, Private Citizen, Privacy Rights Clearinghouse, Privacy International, and Privacy Times.
Friends,
I'm writing to seek your support and guidance on the Pentium III boycott.
In the weeks since Intel announced that the Pentium III will contain a Processor Serial Number, two things have emerged clearly.
1) Consumer and privacy groups consistently oppose the PSN feature because it will severely damage online privacy. 2) Intel has refused our calls to disable the feature in hardware. It has offered only cosmetic concessions which do not solve the basic problem, such as changing the default from on to off (which is not even under their control).
I propose two actions, for which I seek your support and guidance.
1) Writing to the FTC asking them to consider what they can do to prevent the harm to privacy that would result from the PSN proliferating.
2) Writing to the heads of the major PC manufacturers, asking them whether and how they intend to use the Pentium III, and putting them on notice that they too might be boycotted in the future, depending on their actions.
Drafts of these two letters are included below. Please let me know if your organization wishes to be included as a signatory. Suggestions for changes and other actions are welcome too of course. None of this requires your organization to endorse a boycott of Intel or any PC manufacturer (though your expressions of support here would also be welcome); the current step is simply asking for improvements and signatures on the letters.
You might also be interested in some of the materials that we have developed with the help of volunteers: a flyer explaining the campaign that prints nicely in color or black and white. You're welcome to include it in your newsletters, on your web site, or wherever you think best gets the message out:
http://www.junkbusters.com/bbi.pdf
This and the graphic elements and a banner ad will soon be available on the campaign home page: http://www.bigbrotherinside.org
We're also providing a facility to help consumers draft letters to PC manufacturers asking them not to ship PCs with a PSN. Here's a sample:
http://www.junkbusters.com/cgi-bin/optout?from=none&to=dell
If you have any questions, comments or suggestions, they are most welcome too. I would like to try to have the letters and signatories settled by Friday February 19, as the Pentium III will be launched at the end of the month. Thanks for your help.
Jason Catlett
[Feedback] Dates and details of the letters
The 2/28 letter to fund managers was sent by regular US mail that day. The 2/26 letter was faxed to the FTC early in the afternoon of Friday 2/26. The 2/25 letter to PC manufacturers (OEMs) was faxed at approximately 2:30pm EST and sent by certified mail later in the afternoon. An earlier letter to OEMs was also faxed and mailed 2/22. The original letter to the FTC was faxed at 3pm on 2/22.
On Friday, November 7th 1997, a number of reports were posted to the Internet implying the possibility of a new erratum on the Pentium® processors and Pentium® processors with MMX™ technology. An erratum is a design defect or error which may cause a product to deviate from published specifications. Based on the Internet reports our engineering team quickly jumped on this issue. Once we were able to reproduce the behavior we confirmed that an erratum does exist which is now named the "Invalid Operand with Locked CMPXCHG8B instruction" erratum. We were also able to identify the following:
* The "Invalid Operand with Locked CMPXCHG8B Instruction" erratum affects the Pentium® processor, Pentium® processor with MMX™ technology, Pentium OverDrive® Processor and Pentium OverDrive processors with MMX technology.
* It does not affect the Pentium® Pro processor, Pentium® II processor and Intel486™ and earlier processors.
* This invalid instruction is not in commercial software.
* The erratum only occurs when the processor receives a specific invalid instruction. The result of this erratum is the system may "freeze" and would have to be turned off and rebooted to return to normal operation.
* It is important to note that this erratum will only occur when someone has intentionally created this invalid instruction because they want to freeze the system.
* We have identified a workaround that prevents the system from being "frozen" by this invalid instruction and allows it to continue normal operation. The workaround modifies the execution flow to avoid the system hang after the invalid instruction is received. The workaround can be implemented through the operating system software.
Technical Overview
The CMPXCHG8B instruction compares a 64-bit value from internal registers of the processor with a 64-bit value from memory (the destination). It is illegal to use a register as the destination. The result of the CMPXCHG8B instruction is a 64-bit value that will not fit into a 32-bit register. If a register is used as the destination, the processor normally stops execution of the CMPXCH8B instruction, signals this error condition and executes an error handler in software.
This erratum occurs if the CMPXCHG8B instruction is also locked (a special instruction to the processor to allow the completion of the CMPXCHG8B instruction without being interrupted), and an invalid register destination is used. In this case the processor signals the error condition but may not allow the error handler to begin due to the lock on the CMPXCH8B instruction. As a result, the system hangs and the system must be re-booted to return to normal operation.
This issue does not cause data corruption or physical damage to a user’s system. Any data saved to disk in the course of work remains on the disk and will be available for use when the system is re-booted.
The "Invalid Operand with Locked CMPXCHG8B Instruction" is erratum #81 on the Pentium processor errata list. For more information please see: Erratum Technical Description
Workaround Overview
We have identified a workaround that can be implemented through the operating system. Basically, the workaround avoids the bus lock condition and allows the processor to execute the error handler. For the full technical description see: Workaround, in the Erratum Technical Description. Software vendors may also want to see the Software Backgrounder for more specific detail.
Intel has been working with industry operating system vendors to assist them in implementing this workaround for their operating systems. We will continue to work with them to implement the workaround in their operating systems. Users should contact their operating system vendor for specific availability of the workaround for that OS. A number of software vendors have already contributed statements with regard to this erratum. See: Software Vendor Statements
For more information see Intel Contacts for the phone number in your region.
End of Interactive Support Announcement
These products are no longer being manufactured by Intel. Additionally, Intel no longer provides interactive support for these products via telephone or e-mail, nor will Intel provide any future software updates to support new operating systems or improve compatibility with third party devices and software products.
Feb. 10, 2009 - At a media briefing in San Francisco today, Intel Corporation discussed new milestones for 32nm manufacturing and progress toward future products. Earlier that day, in Washington, DC, Intel President and CEO Paul Otellini disclosed that Intel is making the largest- ever investment in a single process technology in the United States to support upgrades to advanced manufacturing facilities in the country and the move to its next-generation, 32nm chip manufacturing technology. Intel is investing approximately $7 billion in 2009-10 on 32nm manufacturing technology, raising the total by the end of that timeframe to approximately $8 billion (for 32nm investment in the United States).
Below is a summary of the product roadmap news at the briefing in San Francisco:
First-ever demonstration of a working 32nm-based microprocessor:
* Intel is demonstrating the first 32nm working microprocessor in both mobile and desktop systems.
* Great 32nm process and product health are enabling Intel to accelerate 32nm product ramp
o Westmere mobile and desktop processor production in the fourth quarter of 2009
o 32nm enables increased performance and power flexibility
* Intel processors based on Westmere will ramp into mobile, desktop, and server segments over time, as the 32nm process ramps
For client, Westmere brings Nehalem through Intel's mainstream processor product line
* Increased performance, smaller processor core size
* New multi-chip package with graphics integrated in the processor
* Repartitioned system architecture, simplified motherboards
* Volume ramp; expect 32nm in server market in 2010
Westmere key features
* Intel® Turbo Boost technology
* Intel® Hyper-Threading technology (2 Cores, 4 threads)
* Integrated graphics, discrete/switchable graphics support
* 4MB cache, Integrated Memory Controller (IMC) – 2ch DDR3
* AES Instructions
The 32nm process with second-generation high-k + metal gate transistor era begins
Intel's strength as an integrated device manufacturer allows the company to continue to deliver new generations of advanced process technology on a 2-year cadence. Intel has developed a 32nm logic technology with industry-leading features:
* Second-generation high-k + metal gate transistors
* 32nm marks the first time Intel uses immersion lithography on critical layers
* 9 copper + low-k interconnect layers
* About 70 percent dimension scaling from 45nm generation
* Pb- and halogen-free packages
Intel had a little roadmap event today to shed some light on its massive $7b fab investment, and the focus was mostly on the upcoming transition to 32nm processors -- highlighted by the first-ever demo of a working 32nm Nehalem-based Westmere chip. It was just a demo, so there aren't any hard benchmarks available, but eventually the tech will show up in the Calpella platform's dual-core Clarkdale laptop processors that integrate two processor cores, a graphics core, and a memory controller all in a chip the size of one 45nm quad-core Clarksfield chip. (Yes, the codenames are confusing as hell.) Intel wouldn't lock down the schedule for any of this stuff, but when we asked them about the rumored Calpella delays we heard about this morning we were told that parts of the platform will definitely go into production sometime in 2009. Video, slides, and the full press release after the break.
Disclaimer
Information in this document is provided in connection with Intel products. No license, express or implied, by estoppel or otherwise, to any intellectual property rights is granted by this document. Except as provided in Intel's Terms and Conditions of Sale for such products, Intel assumes no liability whatsoever, and Intel disclaims any express or implied warranty, relating to sale and/or use of Intel products including liability or warranties relating to fitness for a particular purpose, merchantability, or infringement of any patent, copyright or other intellectual property right. Intel products are not intended for use in medical, life saving, or life sustaining applications. Intel may make changes to specifications and product descriptions at any time, without notice.
Intel® Pentium® Pro Processor
Intel® Pentium® Processor with MMX™ Technology
Intel® Pentium® Processor
Intel® Pentium® II Processor
Intel® Pentium® III Processor
Mobile Intel® Pentium® II Processor
Mobile Intel® Pentium® III Processor
Intel® Celeron® Processor
Intel® Celeron® M Processor
Intel® Itanium® Processor
Taking giant leaps forward at the silicon level, Intel is developing small, fast, and energy-efficient technologies to help create the next revolutionary step in mobile, desktop, and data center computing—as well as technologies that power the engine of change for our entire industry.
Architecture & Silicon ›
Architecture & Silicon
Discover how Intel is advancing the pace of new developments in architecture and silicon by doubling transistor counts, advancing logic processes, and delivering great leaps in energy efficiency and processor performance.
Product Technologies ›
Product Technologies
Learn about Intel's latest advancements in standards-based hardware and software technologies that work together to provide performance-packed and energy-efficient computing.
Manufacturing ›
Manufacturing
Get inside Intel's advanced manufacturing processes, including research and development, wafer fabrication, and boards and semi-conductor manufacturing.
Research ›
Research
Learn how Intel researchers around the world are developing with tera-scale computing, wireless computing anywhere on Earth, advanced exploratory research, and more.
Standards ›
Standards
See how Intel is creating and encouraging standards-based technology and industry collaboration by working with more than 100 industry standards groups worldwide.
Intel Developer Forum ›
Intel Developer Forum
See what's up and coming at the Intel Developer Forum, drawing the industry's top professionals who are inspiring where technology is going.
Intel may be looking at bringing its Atom processor to some non-netbook laptops, but it looks like it's also planning to venture into some slightly more profitable territory, with CNET reporting that the company is on track to release a new Core-architecture processor for ultra-thin laptops later this year. That processor would apparently be priced well above the low-cost Atom, but below the likes of the Core 2 Duo "S" processor used in current ultra-thin laptops like the MacBook Air and Voodoo Envy 133. Unfortunately, Intel doesn't seem to be quite ready to get much more specific than that, with it only saying that the processor could be used in laptops that are less than one inch thick, and that the processor itself would measure just 22 x 22-millimeters. As CNET points out, that pretty much places the processor squarely in competition with AMD's new Athlon Neo, which is also going after that same, presumably more profitable middle ground.
Due to potential changes in products, BIOS, software, and the like, Intel is unable to warrant that the processor and boards listed above are compatible.
Please check with the board and/or barebones PC vendor for current and compatibility information regarding specific product models.
The board and/or barebones PC vendor remains solely responsible for the design, sale and functionality of its product, including, without limitation, any liability arising from product infringement or product warranty.
Please refer to the Legal Information below for additional disclaimers.
Use this tool to match compatible Intel® Processors and Intel® Boards.
This tool supports Intel® Core™2 Duo and later processors and their supported Intel boards.
For components not listed in the tool, search on the board support page.
Begin at Motherboards. Find your board type -> click "supported processors” in the resources box.
For Server boards and processors,
Processor ↓ Series Nomenclature ↓ Code Name ↓ Speed (GHz) ↓ Socket ↓ Fab (nm) ↓ TDP (Watt) ↓ Core ↓ FSB ( MT/s) ↓ L2 Cache (KiB) ↓ L3 Cache (KiB) ↓
Intel Celeron 3xx/ 4xx/ 5xx Covington, Mendocino, Coppermine-128, Tualatin-256, Willamette-128, Northwood-128, Prescott-256, Cedar Mill-512, Northwood-256(Mobile Celeron), Banias-512, Dothan-1024, Yonah-1024, Conroe-L 0.266–3.3 Slot 1, Socket 370, Socket 478, LGA775, Socket 615, Socket 495, Socket 479, Socket Msocket 940 65, 90, 130, 180, 250 5–86 Single 66, 100, 133, 400, 533, 800 0–1024
Intel Xeon n3xxx/ n5xxx/ n7xxx Drake, Tanner, Cascades, Foster, Prestonia, Gallatin, Nocona, Irwindale, Cranford, Potomac, Paxville, Sossaman, Dempsey, Allendale, Conroe, Woodcrest, Tulsa, Clovertown, Kentsfield, Tigerton, Wolfdale, Harpertown, Dunnington 0.400–3.8 Slot 2, Socket 603, Socket 604, Socket M, LGA775, LGA 771 45, 65, 90, 130, 180, 250 16–165 Single/ Dual/ Quad/ Six 100, 133, 400, 533, 667, 800, 1066, 1333, 1600 256–16384
Pentium 4 5xx/ 6xx Willamette, Northwood, Prescott, Cedar Mill 1.3–3.8 Socket 423/ Socket 478/ LGA775 65, 90, 130, 180 20.8–115 Single 400, 533, 800, 1066 256–2048
Pentium 4 Extreme Edition[1] 5xx/ 6xx Gallatin, Irwindale, 3.2–3.73 Socket 478/ LGA775 90, 130 92.1–115 Single 800, 1066 512, 1024 0, 2048
Pentium D/EE 8xx/ 9xx Smithfield, Presler 2.66–3.73 LGA775 65, 90 95–130 Dual Core 533, 800, 1066 2×1024, 2×2048
Pentium M 7xx Banias, Dothan 0.8–2.26 Socket 479 90,130 5–27 Single 400, 533 1024–2048
Intel Core Txxxx/ Lxxxx/ Uxxxx Yonah 1.06–2.33 Socket M 65 25–49, 15–24, <14 Single/ Dual 533, 667 2048
Intel Pentium Dual-Core E2xxx/ E3xxx/ E4xxx/ E5xxx Yonah, Allendale, Wolfdale 1.6–2.7 Socket M, Socket P, LGA-775 45, 65 31, 35, 65 Dual Core 533, 667, 800 1024/ 2048
Intel Core 2 Uxxxx/ Lxxxx/ Exxxx/ Txxxx/ P7xxx/ Xxxxx/ Qxxxx/ QXxxxx Allendale, Conroe, Merom, Kentsfield, Yorkfield, Penryn, Wolfdale 1.06–3.33 LGA775/LGA 771/Socket M/Socket P 45, 65 5.5–150 Single/ Dual/ Quad 533, 667, 800, 1066, 1333, 1600 1024–12288
Intel Core i7 i7-xxx Nehalem 2.66–3.20 LGA1366 45 130W Quad (QPI=6.4GT/s) 4×256 8192
Intel has introduced four new versions of its Atom processors and two new system controller hub additions on March 2, adding to the chip giant's growing embedded product lineup, which includes smartphones.
The four additions to the Atom processor series present different package-size choices, allowing them to fit into a broader range of devices and applications, including smartphones, ecotechnologies, industrial-strength applications and in-car "infotainment" devices. The new products also include industrial-temperature options.
Those four chips are the Intel Atom Processor Z510P and Z510PT, with a core speed of 1.1GHz; the Z520PT, capable of core speed of 1.3GHz; and the Z530P, which can reach 1.5GHz.
Resource Library:
HP Virtualization with VMware
Go Green with IBM System x Servers and Intel Xeon Processors
Solaris OS on Xeon Processor-Based Systems
Leading Virtualization 2.0.
Also on March 2, Intel and TSMC (Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing) announced a partnership allowing Intel to port its Atom CPUs onto TSMC's technology platform, expanding the Atom processor's reach into mininotebooks aka netbooks, MIDs (mobile Internet devices) and smartphones.
By extending the small Atom processors to embedded industries for purposes such as in-vehicle infotainment, industrial control and automation, and media phones, Intel said it believes it can insert itself strategically into the growing market for embedded products, which require low power usage and the ability to operate smoothly in unconstrained thermal environments.
"Today there are 5 billion devices connected to the embedded Internet," said Doug Davis, vice president of Intel's Digital Enterprise Group, during a conference call where he referred to IDC research numbers. "There will be 15 billion by 2015."
Intel points to the Intel Atom Z5xx series in particular as having a package size and power envelope that will allow it to work well in smartphones, which provide Internet-based applications in addition to simple communications services.
"We can see these kinds of devices extending into the enterprise, with a very specific set of applications," Davis said. "We think there's an opportunity to extend the platform."
Click here to read more about the Intel Atom processor line's success in an otherwise moribund processor market.
Those Intel Atom processors designed for in-vehicle systems will be paired with the Microsoft Auto software platform, designed to provide drivers with features such as mobile device integration and speech recognition.
"We're excited to see them introducing new low-power-consumption Intel Atom processors targeted for in-vehicle systems," Greg Baribault, director of product management for the Automotive Business Unit at Microsoft, said in a statement. "Intel Atom processors and the Microsoft Auto software platform will provide scalability for the new era of advanced in-vehicle solutions."
Future applications are growing for Intel’s low-power Atom processor. On March 2, Intel announced four unique versions of Atom processors and two system-controller hub additions to the company’s embedded business division product line-up. Yesterday, American Portwell Technology Inc and ADI Engineering separately announced new products supporting the Atom in industrial and related applications.
The new offerings for the Intel Atom processor Z5xx series include industrial-temperature options, as well as different package-size choices suited for in-car infotainment devices, media phones, eco-technologies, and other industrial-strength applications, Intel reported.
"With the addition of these new products, we can bring the benefits of Intel processors to new applications, devices and customers who develop products used in unconstrained thermal environments with low-power in mind," said Intel's Doug Davis, vice president, Digital Enterprise Group and general manager, Embedded and Communications Group, in a press statement. "Meeting the needs of embedded environments and new market segments will play a large role in delivering the connectivity and functionality necessary as the number of devices connecting to the embedded Internet is expected to grow to an estimated 15 billion devices by 2015," Davis added, citing a January report by IDC’s John Gantz titled "The Embedded Internet: Methodology and Findings."
Yesterday, American Portwell introduced the PEB-2738 board for use in a range of segments, such as in-vehicle entertainment as well as medical, military, and industrial-automation and -control markets. Designed to operate at a low power consumption of less than 10W at full loads, the PEB-2738 conforms to the Intel ECX form factor (105 x 146 mm) and supports the latest options of the Intel Z5xx series Atom processor and the Intel US15W system controller hub, including operation over the industrial temperature range.
“Lots of customers require embedded systems with a wide operating temperature range, such as transportation, medical, government, and medical,” said Edgar Chang, president of Portwell, in a statement. The new board can be used in fanless environments. “PEB-2738 is the first off-the-shelf product for industrial temperature operating applications, and it can be a mission-critical solution and a reference board for customer evaluation,” he said.
Also yesterday, ADI Engineering, supplier of single-board computers with embedded architecture, introduced its Cinnamon Bay computer (SBC), measuring 88 x 110 mm and based on the Intel Atom processor Z5xx platform for embedded applications in industrial controls, digital signage, interactive kiosks, military systems, medical equipment, gaming devices, and point-of-sale terminals. The unit was designed for a -40ºC to + 80ºC extended temperature range to meet the rigors of harsh environments.
In other efforts to expand Atom availability to a wider range of applications, this week Intel and TSMC announced an agreement that would see Atom processor CPU cores ported to the TSMC technology platform including processes, IP, libraries, and design flows.
Backing up its Nano and C7 CPUs, VIA has launched the VX855 Media System Processor (MSP), its solution for high definition playback in small form factor and mobile devices. The chip is capable of decoding H.264, MPEG-2, MPEG-4, DivX/XviD and VC1 encoded content.
As well as supporting both Nano, Eden and C7 processors, the VX855 MSP also caters for up to 4GB of DDR2 RAM, up to six USB ports and boasts 8-channel sound decoding. Chrome9 DirectX 9 graphics are also present, providing enough grunt to run Aero, at least.
Intel's current GN40 chipset, as sported by the most recent Atom netbooks can only cope with 720p video, so VIA has the advantage there. Nvidia's Ion platform, conversely, does also offer 1080p-decoding, but we've yet to see a retail product using it as Intel isn't exactly co-operating with Nvidia. VIA could have the 1080p-capable netbook market to itself for a while, if it can get VX855 into a netbook soon, then. Whether customers want such a device is a different matter, though.
Still, those wondering what, if any, rival VIA would have to Nvidia and Intel and those companies' netbook offerings now have their answer.
Microsoft Corp. is facing increasing pressure to bring its mainstream Windows operating system to the ARM mobile CPU. But analysts say the company should take a different route.
Nicholas Negroponte, head of the One Laptop Per Child Association Inc. (OLPC), said Wednesday that "like many, we are urging" Microsoft to support the ARM processor already used in several billion cell phones and which the OLPC, as well as others, plans to use in the next version of its children's laptop.
The week before, Warren East, CEO of ARM Holdings, the designer of the CPU, said that with 10 ARM-based netbooks likely to hit stores by year's end, Microsoft is in danger of missing out.
"I think it's a dangerous missed opportunity for them," East told the Financial Times. "Personally, I think they should be supporting ARM now."
Through a spokeswoman, Microsoft was noncommittal.
"Microsoft's plan is to offer a quality Windows experience on the current XO device," the spokeswoman wrote in an e-mail. "Microsoft is not commenting on any future plans with regard to OLPC, nor does it comment on speculation."
Proponents say ARM's low power usage and low cost will enable a new wave of smaller, less expensive (sub-$300) netbooks that can run all day on a single charge.
Already used in cell phones and in Amazon.com Inc.'s Kindle 2, ARMs will prove so attractive to netbook makers and consumers alike that by 2012, 55% of netbooks will ship with an ARM processor instead of an x86, such as the current market-dominating Intel Atom, predicts analyst Robert Castellano of The Information Network.
Without a version of Windows tailored for ARM netbooks, Linux-based platforms such as Google Inc.'s Android mobile operating system could thrive and turn the search and Web services company into "more of a competitor in the desktop operating system business than we ever have before," admitted Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer to Wall Street last month.
Despite this threat, analysts say Microsoft shouldn't counterattack by porting Windows 7, XP or even Vista to ARM. Why?
1. It will hurt its close partner, Intel Corp.
Intel is fighting back against ARM's attempts to move upmarket from smartphones into netbooks, which would further cannibalize Intel's PC chip sales.
Earlier this month, Intel recruited Taiwanese chip foundry TSMC to design Atom chips that could work in smartphones, ARM's current strength.
"Intel really wants to get into both markets; Microsoft really needs to stay out," Castellano said. If Microsoft ports Windows XP or 7 to ARM, Castellano envisions retaliatory moves from Intel, such as actively optimizing its x86 CPUs to run Linux better than Windows.
