Intel delivers new 64-bit desktop processors

Intel announced a new Extreme Edition and four 6x0 series desktop uniprocessors yesterday. These will hold down the low-to-midrange "volume" range of corporate desktops for the rest of the year. The high-end performance chips will be dual processors, and are expected in May.

The 6x0 sequence is a continuation of the single-core, 90-nanometer "Prescott" architecture that launched in Q1'04 and has been marketed under the Pentium 4 processor 500 numbering scheme. Like the 500 sequence, the 6x0 sequence features Hyper-Threading (HT) technology, an 800 MHz front-side bus and the Execute Disable (XD) Bit, which works in conjunction with Windows XP SP2 to deter certain types of virus attacks by preventing buffer overruns and corrupted memory.

In addition, the 6x0 sequence goes beyond the 500 sequence with several new features:

-Enhanced Intel SpeedStep™ technology (EIST), which dynamically lowers the processor's frequency and voltage based on its workload. This can help keep the system cooler and reduce fan noise. For example, if you are just doing e-mail, your 3.6 GHz 600 sequence processor could scale down to 2.8 GHz, keeping your system very quiet but not impacting your experience. When you switch to video editing, for example, you automatically kick back up to full speed for maximum performance.
-Extended Memory 64 technology (EM64T), which brings 64-bit extensions to Intel's mainstream desktop product line. EM64T provides headroom for future 64-bit operating systems and applications when Microsoft ships 64-bit Windows XP later this spring.
-Double the L2 cache compared to the 500 sequence, for a total of 2MB. The additional cache can boost performance on most memory-intensive applications or multi-tasking environments by keeping more data close to the processor. Unlike the above features, the 2 MB cache is a feature that AMD is unlikely to counter anytime soon.

The 6x0 sequence processors are compatible with the current family of 915 and 925X chipsets, and will also be supported on the upcoming 2005 chipsets, the Intel 945 "Smithfield" and 955X.

The performance increase of a 6x0 sequence processor to a 500 sequence processor at the same frequency depends largely on the sensitivity of the benchmark to the larger cache of the 600. Benchmarks that aren't cache constrained, like SYSmark, show small, single-digit performance gains. On the other hand, highly taxing operations such as computational physics can see ~30% gain. As a rule of thumb, the additional cache gives a boost about equal to a typical frequency bump (mileage will vary depending on the benchmark).

Initially, there are four SKUs of the 6x0 sequence. All feature 2MB of L2 cache, Enhanced SpeedStep, EM64T, HT, XD bit and an 800 MHz FSB:
Pentium 4 processor 660 3.6 GHz $605 (qty 1000)
Pentium 4 processor 650 3.4 GHz $401 "
Pentium 4 processor 640 3.2 GHz $273 "
Pentium 4 processor 630 3.0 GHz $224 "

The lowest priced 630 and 640 are targeted squarely at mainstream $800-$999 corporate desktop price points. Some 6x0 machines will show up in consumer, but expect the 500 series chips to take up the "value" slots in Intel's roadmap, as the 500 chips have a smaller cache, lack EIST, and may not have EMT64. This makes the higher-price-for-the-same-frequency 6x0 generation a feature play by Intel, and an attempt to raise prices.

The new addition to the Pentium 4 Processor Extreme Edition family features a core frequency of 3.73 GHz, a 1066 MHz front side bus and EM64T. The new part also moves its 2MB cache from L3 to L2, which decreases cache latency. As usual, the $999 Extreme Edition microprocessor is positioned for gaming and media enthusiasts, as well as workstation-class business applications.

See the Tom's Hardware review here.

Peter S. Kastner