SANTA CLARA, Calif., Jan. 18, 2000 -- Intel Corporation today introduced mobile Pentium® III processors featuring Intel® SpeedStep™ technology at 650 and 600 MHz. These CPUs will allow notebook computers to function at desktop-class speeds, while delivering great performance whether plugged in at the office or operating in battery mode while on the go. These new processors improve on Intel's industry-leading power management features and packaging technology, and allow notebook manufacturers to incorporate 650 MHz of performance into a range of notebook designs, including "thin and light" as well as full-size mobile PCs.
Mobile Pentium III processors featuring Intel SpeedStep technology have the capability of operating in two different modes: Maximum Performance Mode and Battery Optimized Mode. The system by default automatically chooses which mode to run in, depending on whether the computer is running on batteries or is plugged into AC power.
"In the last three months, the mobile PC performance landscape has been completely reshaped," said Robert Jecmen, vice president and general manager of Intel's Mobile Computing Group. "With the October introduction of the mobile Pentium III processors at 500 MHz, and now boosting that to 650 MHz with Intel SpeedStep technology, we have nearly doubled the performance of mobile PC's. The performance vs. mobility compromise is now obsolete."
Intel also announced the availability of a low-power mobile Pentium III processor running at 500 MHz (fixed frequency) designed especially for the strict demands of even the smallest, lightest "mini-notebooks." All these processors are now available in mobile PCs from leading computer manufacturers.
Mobile Pentium III processors featuring Intel SpeedStep
technology can dynamically switch frequency and voltage depending on
whether the computer is running on batteries or is plugged into AC
power. When running in Battery Optimized Mode, the processors run at
a fast 500 MHz and 1.35 volts, significantly lowering CPU power
consumption. When a user plugs into an AC outlet, the notebook can
automatically switch to Maximum Performance Mode, increasing the
voltage to 1.6 volts and the speed to either 650 or 600 MHz
(depending on the processor). These transitions happen in only
1/2000 Intel developed both the hardware and software components to make
this technology work seamlessly, including the system BIOS, end user
interface software, switch control ASIC and support in the chipset.
Intel SpeedStep technology is supported under all major PC
operating systems, including Windows* 98, Windows* 95, Windows* NT
4.0, and the upcoming Windows* 2000. No change to operating systems
or software applications is needed in order to take advantage of
Intel SpeedStep technology.
The new mobile Pentium III processors feature a 100 MHz system
bus, 256 Kilobyte, full-speed Advanced Transfer Cache, Advanced
System Buffering, and Internet Streaming SIMD extensions for high
performance. These mobile systems are built with Intel's current
mobile chipsets, making them easier for large businesses to
integrate into their current computing environment. These notebooks
can also be ideally suited to run the newest software, such as
Windows* 2000 and the latest software office suites.
"Mobile users want greater processor performance and more choice
of notebook designs and features, as well as lighter weight," said
Jecmen. "Mobile PCs based on these new mobile Pentium III processors
meet all those needs. They will give mobile users desktop-class
performance and features without sacrificing portability." A wide
selection of Pentium III processor-based notebooks will be available
in multiple shapes, sizes and colors, as well as a range of price
points.
Mobile Pentium III processor (with Intel SpeedStep technology)
600 MHz Maximum Performance Mode: 600 MHz, 1.6 volts, Active
Power 8.5watts, Thermal Design Power typical 13watts. Low-power mobile Pentium III processor 500 MHz (fixed
frequency) Runs at 1.35 volts, Active Power 5.1 watts, Active
Power 5.1 watts, Thermal Design Power typical 7.9 watts.
In 1,000 unit quantities, prices for the mobile Pentium III
processors at 650 and 600 MHz are $637 and $423, respectively. The
low-power mobile Pentium III processor at 500 MHz is $294 in the
same quantities. They are all shipping in volume now.
Intel, the world's largest chip maker, is
also a leading manufacturer of computer, networking and
communications products. Additional information about Intel is
available at www.intel.com/pressroom.
Performance and Mobility
Mobile PCs based on the new mobile
Pentium III processors are ideal for conveniently accessing the
Internet or conducting e-business, anywhere, any time. These
notebooks can offer desktop-class performance, and often feature
large screens and huge hard drives, DVD drives and AGP 3-D graphics,
as well as USB connectors for easy connection to external
peripherals. Some systems also have IEEE 1394 (FireWire)
capabilities and can be configured with recordable CD
drives-features usually associated with high-performance desktop
PCs.
More System Choices, Lighter Mobile PCs
According to the IDC
report, 82 percent of mobile users think their notebook computers
are too heavy. The new mobile Pentium III processors featuring Intel
SpeedStep technology are manufactured using Intel's Ball Grid Array
(BGA) packaging, making the CPUs about the size of a postage stamp
and thinner than a quarter. These processors also implement Intel's
QuickStart power management technology that lowers processor power
consumption and increases battery life.
Processor Specifications and Pricing
Mobile Pentium III
processor (with Intel SpeedStep technology) 650 MHz Maximum
Performance Mode: 650 MHz, 1.6 volts, Active Power 9.1 watts,
Thermal Design Power typical 14 watts.
Battery Optimized Mode:
Runs at 500 MHz, 1.35 volts, Active Power 5.1 watts, Thermal Design
Power typical 7.9 watts.
Battery
Optimized Mode: 500 MHz, 1.35 volts, Active Power 5.1 watts, Thermal
Design Power typical 7.9 watts