Intel 900 Series Processors and Chipsets

With the introduction of the new "Presler" based based 900 series CPU's, Intel has taken the first real steps towards the transition to their next generation of processor microarchitecture. While the upcoming "Conroe" processors will be revolutionary in technology and design, this doesn't take anything away from the now available 900 series of processors that Intel has just recently introduced.

The 900 series of processors, including the power-house Pentium Processor Extreme Edition 955, sees Intel implementing it's last real set of changes before fully transitioning away from their Netburst architecture. Once thought to be the base that would take Intel into the 9GHz speed range, the Netburst architecture is simply starting to show it's age. The previously satisfactory practice of one upping the competition with speed increases alone has well been overcome with showcasing new operational features and rapidly advancing technology. By infusing the newer technologies into the older platform, the 900 series processors are a worthy successor to the previous models and a great way to end the current processor line on a high note.

Intel Pentium D 920 - 950

Starting with the more mainstream desktop processors, the 920 through 950 models, we see much more than merely a die-shrunk version of their previous 800 series ("Smithfield") counterparts. After shrinking the die in order to improve performance and reduce power consumption levels Intel moved on to double the cache from 2MB to 4MB. The design of the new Pentium D processor has been changed so that it utilizes two individual "Cedar Mill" cores on one Presler chip giving each core it's own 2MB of L2 cache as opposed to the 2MB that was available with Smithfield, but had to be divided equally among the 2 halves of the core. "Cedar Mill" refers to the 6X1 Series of chips which are the single core relative of the Pentium D. They share most features including the 65nm core, EM64T support, Execute Disable Bit, and later in the year will be acquiring the EIST right along with the Pentium D 950 Processor.

By shrinking the processor die from 90nm to 65nm, Intel has opened the door to adding more transistors, while at the same time lowering power, and reducing heat being released. This reduction in die size, while sticking with the same 300mm wafer fab process has allowed Intel to save money both in migratory production costs and also in higher yields than the original Smithfield based Pentium D. The "Smithfield" based Pentium D used a pair of "Prescott" cores which had been physically fused together to work as one. This solution turned out to be problematic because, during manufacturing, if one core was determined to be bad, then second core had to be discarded and could not be re-used. The new process insures that there will be a much higher success rate with the cores and Intel could potentially reduce prices if needed to better compete in the market. As it stands now, the 900 series of processors are priced right in line with their 800 series counterparts so anyone with a compatible motherboard will not be forced to pay a premium to step up to the latest and greatest processor.

Presler chip with dual "Cedar Mill" cores

As with the 800 series of Pentium D processors, the 900 series units also require a motherboard with the 945G or higher chipset since that is where the support for dual core (or dual chip in this case) processors began. As always, it's best to check with your motherboard vendor of choice in order to insure compatibility with the model motherboard that you are looking at purchasing. BIOS updates are often required to update microcode on the boards to properly identify and support new CPU speeds and features.

Pentium D and Pentium Processor Extreme Edition Specification Chart

Intel Pentium Processor Extreme Edition 955

In addition to all of the features available in the Pentium D 920 - 950 processors, the Pentium Processor Extreme Edition 955 chips also have the added bonus of the Hyper-Threading technology being left intact allowing the processing of 4 threads at a time. Through it's 4 processors (2 physical, 2 virtual), the Pentium Processor Extreme Edition is a formidable force against anything available on the market today. Along with the speed bump that you get over the standard version of the Pentium D 950, the Intel Pentium processor Extreme Edition has a 1066MHz front side bus and an unlocked bus ratio (overspeed protection) that allows experienced enthusiasts to work with the processor for added technical flexibility to enhance their experience to the maximum limits of performance. Intel decided to disable SpeedStep (EIST) on the 955 to prevent core throttling, but still employs it's own TM1 (Thermal Monitor 1) mechanism to protect against overheating.

Quick Review: Hyper-Threading vs. Dual Core (from Intel's Dual-Core flash demo)

• A single threaded processor (no Hyper-Threading) is only able to process one software thread, or single instruction sequence, at a time in a serial manner.
• An Intel processor with Hyper-Threading Technology can execute two software threads in an increasingly parallel manner, utilizing previously unused resources.
• Intel has introduced a number of dual-core processor-based platforms that embed two execution cores into a single processor.
• An Intel dual-core processor enables each thread to be processed in it's own execution core for truly parallel execution. An Intel dual-core processor with Hyper-Threading Technology enables execution on four threads in parallel.

Intel 975X Express Chipset

Intel has very conveniently released the new 975X Express chipset alongside the new 900 series of processors. While both the Intel 955X and 975X Express Chipsets support the Pentium Extreme Edition 955 CPU, as always you'll get the greatest support on the latest platforms. Featuring support for both the 1066MHz and 800MHz System Bus, the 975X Express chipset will support processors ranging from the Pentium 4 Processor, all the way up to the Pentium Processor Extreme Edition.

Dual PCI Express controllers enable ATI CrossFire support and allow either 1 PCI Express x16 card to run at full bore, or dual PCI Express cards to split the lanes and provide both with PCI Express x8 performance. Intel High Definition Audio provides premium digital sound which reigns far superior to most all of the other audio chips which are integrated into desktop motherboards today. Intel Matrix Storage Technology helps to both protect your data and provide the ability to stripe your SATA 3G hard drives in order to enhance performance. Although mainly known for their superior business platform motherboards, Intel has developed a chipset and subsequent motherboard which provides their world renown stability with an incredibly potent desktop entertainment platform.

Motherboard makers across the board have embraced the 975X Express chipset and are rushing forth motherboards showcasing their greatest features and latest technology to show off this top of the line Intel CPU. Some samples are shown below along with their ASI SKU numbers for your easy ordering pleasure.

Intel D975XBXLKR "Bad-Axe" ASI SKU 43458	ASUS P5WD2-E Premium ASI SKU 44647	Gigabyte GA-G1975X ASI SKU 43666
Features VIIV Technology Enabled ATI CrossFire PCI Express x16 PCI Express x8 Intel High Definition Audio SATA 3G (RAID 0, 1, 5, 10) GbE Ethernet	Features ATI CrossFire Dual Channel DDR2 PCI Express x16 PCI Express x8 SATA 3G (RAID 0, 1, 5, 10) Intel MPT PEG Link AI NOS	Features ATI CrossFire Dual Channel DDR2 PCI Express x16 PCI Express x8 GbE Ethernet Creative Sound Blaster Live SATA 3G (RAID 0, 1, 5, 10) Gigabyte Turbojet Technology

Pentium D 900 vs. Pentium D 800 Comparison Chart

Pentium 4 Processor Supporting Hyper-Threading Technology Specification Chart

Final Thoughts...

What the above table doesn't really showcase is the vast improvement over the 800 series of Pentium D processors. Performance wise, the L2 cache increase helps on most benchmark tests. Thermal tests show that Intel has gone a long way towards reducing the power consumption which haunted the previous models. The shift in architecture to a true dual-core versus a rushed out effort to keep the competition from running away with all the good marketing material makes for a very good processor this time around.

As Intel prepares for the upcoming "Conroe" line, they added features like VT to the 900 series (although no one really seems to know how to take advantage of the technology at this time). With the addition of the new Pentium Processor Extreme Edition 955 chip, Intel has brought forth a powerhouse CPU for gaming enthusiasts and even left open tweaking options for the more adventurous among them. The last hoorah of the Netburst series looks to be a legitimately strong performer for us to look back on after Intel transitions to a new platform in the coming year.

The Mobile i945 Express Chipset (aka "Calistoga") is another part of the equation to the Napa platform similar to last generation Sonoma platform which offer power, mobility, and connectivity.  In addition, the 945 Express is promise to offer everything what it's predecessor Sonoma have, and much more.  The 945 Express chipset is a redesign of the 915 Express chipset, which is still being develop in 130nm process but promise lower power consumption and faster clock.

The new ICH7M (Southbridge) incorporates more aggressive clock gating (turning off the clock supplied to various blocks of the ICH when not in use) and IO buffer gating (turning off the IO buffers when not in use) to achieve lower power usage.  The front side bus (FSB) has been increase from 533MHz to 667MHz, which is a 25% increase in performance, dual-channel DDR2-667 (10.67 GB/sec), Intel GMA950 (2x improvement in graphics performance), PCIe x1 I/O interface (3.5x the bandwidth), and so forth.  Intel launches two version of the mobile 945 Express chipset: mainstream chip mobile 945GM Express and performance chip mobile 945PM Express. 

• 802.11e QoS with enhancements for VoIP
• Noise Interference filter enhances performance especially in areas with wireless signal overlap
• Wake on WLAN support allows waking up a notebook remotely and distributing upgrades and patches
• Business Class Wireless Suite offering Enhanced VoIP quality technology and optimal AP selection technology
• Intel PROSet/Wireless Software v10.1 with a new IT Administrator toolkit and GUI enhancements that simplify connecting to WLAN networks
• Advanced Roaming and AP selection algorithms base on link quality parameters
• IEEE 802311b up to 11MBPs and 80211a/g up to 54Mbs data rates
• Industry standard wireless LAN security is provided (802.11i,802.1x, WEP, WPA, WPA2, AES)
• Cisco Compatible Extensions v4 support available on certain models.
• Support for antenna diversity enables optimized WLAN performance for multi-antenna systems
• Intel Wireless Coexistence System capability enables Bluetooth co-existence

Intel is taking a big leap ahead from it's competitors in this year of 2006.  With the new redesign of last year Centrino mobile to Centrino Duo it is obvious that a new logo is necessary to spice up the new technology. The new Centrino logo looks lighter and have curve.  The Centrino Duo logo is an authentication for Core Duo "Yonah" microprocessors and Centrino logo is an authentication for Solo "Yonah" microprocessors. The simple equation below distinguishes what Centrino logo to use for notebook builder.

Wireless Technology Update

Imagine the possibilities with new Wireless Networking Products from NetGear, Linksys, D-Link and EnGenius

Today, most wireless routers are only able to “listen” to one wireless signal at a time and that is the strongest signal. If that signal is blocked or interfered with for example by a closing door, cordless phone, or your microwave oven, it can result in a wireless dead spot, cutting you off from your network. However, the Range Max 240 is capable of “listening” to multiple signals simultaneously, utilizing its advanced MIMO (Multi-Input, Multi-Output) technology. RangeMax 240 Family Doubles the Throughput of Wireless Networking with Wireless MIMO Technology up to 240 Mbps supporting simultaneous use of bandwidth Intensive applications in the digital home.

How does it work? If any one of those signals is disrupted, the Range Max 240 will automatically maintain your network connection and eliminate dead spots and extend your range throughout your home. The Range Max 240 line is based on Airgo Networks' new True MIMO Gen3 technology. The true MIMO Gen3 uses two  transmitting and three receiving antennae's to boost speed and range, while maintaining backward compatibility with standard 54-mbps 802.11g Wi-Fi products.

The Gen3's performance is Airgo's new Adaptive Channel Expansion technology, which doubles bandwidth by using two of the three non over lapping channels in 802.11g's 2.4-MHz frequency. ACE instantly adapts to interference to find the fastest route for data. NetGear named the router for its theoretical maximum 240-mbps data rate, but NetGear and Airgo peg real-world Gen3 throughput at up to 120 mbps or more without encryption—and up to four times the range of standard 802.11g Wi-Fi. Even more impressive, the Range Max 240 network maintained both signal strength and performance over a much greater distance.

When both ends of the wireless link are SRX400, the router can increase the throughput even more by using twice as much radio bandwidth, yielding speeds up to 10 times as fast as standard Wireless-G. SRX400 can dynamically enable this double-speed mode for SRX400 devices, while still connecting to non-SRX400 wireless devices at their respective fastest speeds, But unlike other speed enhanced technologies it does not have this double speed mode.
 

To enables Internet sharing and creates a robust wireless network able to achieve maximum wireless signal rates of up to 108Mbps. "Actual data throughput will vary. Network conditions and environmental factors lower actual data throughput rate". When used with other D-Link Super G with MIMO wireless products, the range can reach up to 8x farther coverage than standard 802.11g to provide thorough wireless coverage throughout your home or office. This Super G with MIMO Wireless Router offers industry-wide backward compatibility to 802.11g and 802.11b networking devices. The D-Link Super G with MIMO Wireless Router supports both standard WEP and advanced WPA-Personal (WPA-PSK) for data encryption.

The D-Link DI-624M Super G with MIMO Wireless Router, The default wireless settings on the DSL-G624M will need immediate attention as the access point starts up as enabled, the SSID is broadcast for all to see and no encryption is selected. The wireless access point is left wide open and DHCP services are ready for any wireless enabled device in the vicinity to hitch a free ride on your Internet connection or worse, have access to the PCs on your LAN. You can change the default SSID, stop it from being broadcast and implement 64/128-bit WEP or the stronger WPA-PSK or WPA-AES encryption. The SPI firewall defaults to blocking all unsolicited inbound traffic from the Internet but although you can customize it with your own rules don’t expect much help from the manual. To further more prohibit intruder's from accessing to your network, the DI-624M can also be configured for invisible mode so the network name (SSID) cannot be scanned by outside wireless clients.

Features: EUB-362 EXT
 

• High Output Power up to 23 dBm

• Removable Antenna (SMA RF Connector)

• Data Rates up to 108Mbps (in Super G mode) for maximum throughput

• High Output Power up to 200mW (23dBm)

• Standard security built-in with AES, Temporal Key Integrity Protocol (TKIP) and Wired and Equivalent Privacy (WEP) providing a safe environment to work on
  Full IEEE802.1x Client support, Full support for 802.11e standards

• Advanced Power management control system on-board for saving power on your mobile device

• Supports eXtended Range technology

• Up to 400mW transmission power for maximum range, throughput speeds, and signal strength

• Up to 54Mbps data transfer rate

• Flexible designs for embedded systems or OEM project based applications

• Fully interoperable with IEEE802.11a/b/g compliant products

• Automatic data rate scaling at 54,48,36,24,18,12,11,9,6,5.5,2,1Mbps

• Updated 64/128-bit WEP engine for improved throughput

• Uses latest IEEE802.1x Client Support (EAP-TLS, EAP-TTLS supplicant)

• Advanced power management for extended battery life

• Improved indoor multipath distortion for higher link quality in and indoor environment

• High transmission output power for extended range (up to 23 dBm)

• Extended tuning ranges for worldwide use and DFS/TPC for international operation

• Support for 802.11e standards for Wireless Multimedia Enhancements QoS