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Intel P6 (686) Sixth-Generation Processors

The P6 (686) processors represent a new generation with features not found in the previous generation units. The P6 processor family began when the Pentium Pro was released in November 1995. Since then, many other P6 chips have been released by Intel, all using the same basic P6 core processor as the Pentium Pro. Table 3.26 shows the variations in the P6 family of processors.

Table 3.26 Intel P6 Processor Variations

Pentium Pro

Original P6 processor, includes 256KB, 512KB, or 1MB of full-core speed L2 cache

Pentium II

P6 with 512KB of half-core speed L2 cache

Pentium II Xeon

P6 with 512KB, 1MB, or 2MB of full-core speed L2 cache

Celeron

P6 with no L2 cache

Celeron-A

P6 with 128KB of on-die full-core speed L2 cache

Pentium III

P6 with SSE (MMX2), 512KB of half-core speed L2 cache

Pentium IIPE

P6 with 256KB of full-core speed L2 cache

Pentium III Xeon

P6 with SSE (MMX2), 512KB, 1MB, or 2MB of full-core speed L2 cache


Even more are expected in this family, including versions of the Pentium III with on-die full-core speed L2 cache, and faster versions of the Celeron.

The main new feature in the fifth-generation Pentium processors was the superscalar architecture, where two instruction execution units could execute instructions simultaneously in parallel. Later fifth-generation chips also added MMX technology to the mix, as well. So then what did Intel add in the sixth-generation to justify calling it a whole new generation of chip? Besides many minor improvements, the real key features of all sixth-generation processors are Dynamic Execution and the Dual Independent Bus (DIB) architecture, plus a greatly improved superscalar design.

Dynamic Execution enables the processor to execute more instructions on parallel, so that tasks are completed more quickly. This technology innovation is comprised of three main elements:

  • Multiple branch prediction, to predict the flow of the program through several branches

  • Dataflow analysis, which schedules instructions to be executed when ready, independent of their order in the original program

  • Speculative execution, which increases the rate of execution by looking ahead of the program counter and executing instructions that are likely to be needed

Branch prediction is a feature formerly found only in high-end mainframe processors. It allows the processor to keep the instruction pipeline full while running at a high rate of speed. A special fetch/decode unit in the processor uses a highly optimized branch prediction algorithm to predict the direction and outcome of the instructions being executed through multiple levels of branches, calls, and returns. It is like a chess player working out multiple strategies in advance of game play by predicting the opponent's strategy several moves into the future. By predicting the instruction outcome in advance, the instructions can be executed with no waiting.

Dataflow analysis studies the flow of data through the processor to detect any opportunities for out-of-order instruction execution. A special dispatch/execute unit in the processor monitors many instructions and can execute these instructions in an order that optimizes the use of the multiple superscalar execution units. The resulting out-of-order execution of instructions can keep the execution units busy even when cache misses and other data-dependent instructions might otherwise hold things up.

Speculative execution is the processor's capability to execute instructions in advance of the actual program counter. The processor's dispatch/execute unit uses dataflow analysis to execute all available instructions in the instruction pool and store the results in temporary registers. A retirement unit then searches the instruction pool for completed instructions that are no longer data dependent on other instructions to run, or which have unresolved branch predictions. If any such completed instructions are found, the results are committed to memory by the retirement unit or the appropriate standard Intel architecture in the order they were originally issued. They are then retired from the pool.

Dynamic Execution essentially removes the constraint and dependency on linear instruction sequencing. By promoting out-of-order instruction execution, it can keep the instruction units working rather than waiting for data from memory. Even though instructions can be predicted and executed out of order, the results are committed in the original order so as not to disrupt or change program flow. This allows the P6 to run existing Intel architecture software exactly as the P5 (Pentium) and previous processors did, just a whole lot more quickly!

The other main P6 architecture feature is known as the Dual Independent Bus. This refers to the fact that the processor has two data buses, one for the system (motherboard) and the other just for cache. This allows the cache memory to run at speeds previously not possible.

Previous P5 generation processors have only a single motherboard host processor bus, and all data, including cache transfers, must flow through it. The main problem with that is the cache memory was restricted to running at motherboard bus speed, which was 66MHz until recently and has now moved to 100MHz. We have cache memory today that can run 500MHz or more, and main memory (SDRAM) that runs at 66 and 100MHz, so a method was needed to get faster memory closer to the processor. The solution was to essentially build in what is called a backside bus to the processor, otherwise known as a dedicated cache bus. The L2 cache would then be connected to this bus and could run at any speed. The first implementation of this was in the Pentium Pro, where the L2 cache was built right into the processor package and ran at the full-core processor speed. Later, that proved to be too costly, so the L2 cache was moved outside of the processor package and onto a cartridge module, which we now know as the Pentium II/III. With that design, the cache bus could run at any speed, with the first units running the cache at half-processor speed.

By having the cache on a backside bus directly connected to the processor, the speed of the cache is scalable to the processor. In current PC architecture—66MHz Pentiums all the way through the 333MHz Pentium IIs—the motherboard runs at a speed of 66MHz. Newer Pentium II systems run a 100MHz motherboard bus and have clock speeds of 350MHz and higher. If the cache were restricted to the motherboard as is the case with Socket 7 (P5 processor) designs, the cache memory would have to remain at 66MHz, even though the processor was running as fast as 333MHz. With newer boards, the cache would be stuck at 100MHz, while the processor ran as fast as 500MHz or more. With the Dual Independent Bus (DIB) design in the P6 processors, as the processor runs faster, at higher multiples of the motherboard speed, the cache would increase by the same amount that the processor speed increases. The cache on the DIB is coupled to processor speed, so that doubling the speed of the processor also doubles the speed of the cache.

The DIB architecture is necessary to have decent processor performance in the 300MHz and beyond range. Older Socket 7 (P5 processor) designs will not be capable of moving up to these higher speeds without suffering a tremendous performance penalty due to the slow motherboard-bound L2 cache. That is why Intel is not developing any Pentium (P5 class) processors beyond 266MHz; however, the P6 processors will be available in speeds of up to 500MHz or more.

Finally, the P6 architecture upgrades the superscalar architecture of the P5 processors by adding more instruction execution units, and by breaking down the instructions into special micro-ops. This is where the CISC (Complex Instruction Set Computer) instructions are broken down into more RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computer) commands. The RISC-level commands are smaller and easier for the parallel instruction units to execute more efficiently. With this design, Intel has brought the benefits of a RISC processor—high-speed dedicated instruction execution—to the CISC world. Note that the P5 had only two instruction units, while the P6 has at least six separate dedicated instruction units. It is said to be three-way superscalar, because the multiple instruction units can execute up to three instructions in one cycle.

Other improvements in efficiency also are included in the P6 architecture: built-in multiprocessor support, enhanced error detection and correction circuitry, and optimization for 32-bit software.

Rather than just being a faster Pentium, the Pentium Pro, Pentium II/III, and other sixth- generation processors have many feature and architectural improvements. The core of the chip is very RISC-like, while the external instruction interface is classic Intel CISC. By breaking down the CISC instructions into several different RISC instructions and running them down parallel execution pipelines, the overall performance is increased.

Compared to a Pentium at the same clock speed, the P6 processors are faster—as long as you're running 32-bit software. The P6 Dynamic Execution is optimized for performance primarily when running 32-bit software such as Windows NT. If you are using 16-bit software, such as Windows 95 or 98 (which operate part time in a 16-bit environment) and most older applications, the P6 will not provide as marked a performance improvement over similarly speed-rated Pentium and Pentium-MMX processors. That's because the Dynamic Execution capability will not be fully exploited. Because of this, Windows NT is often regarded as the most desirable operating system for use with Pentium Pro/II/III/Celeron processors. While this is not exactly true (a Pentium Pro/II/III/Celeron will run fine under Windows 95/98), Windows NT does take better advantage of the P6's capabilities. Note that it is really not so much the operating system but which applications you use. Software developers can take steps to gain the full advantages of the sixth-generation processors. This includes using modern compilers that can improve performance for all current Intel processors, writing 32-bit code where possible, and making code as predictable as possible to take advantage of the processor's Dynamic Execution multiple branch prediction capabilities.

Pentium Pro Processors

Intel's successor to the Pentium is called the Pentium Pro. The Pentium Pro was the first chip in the P6 or sixth-generation processor family. It was introduced in November 1995 and became widely available in 1996. The chip is a 387-pin unit that resides in Socket 8, so it is not pin-compatible with earlier Pentiums. The new chip is unique among processors as it is constructed in a Multi-Chip Module (MCM) physical format, which Intel is calling a Dual Cavity PGA (Pin Grid Array) package. Inside the 387-pin chip carrier are two dies. One contains the actual Pentium Pro processor (shown in Figure 3.36), and the other a 256KB (the Pentium Pro with 256KB cache is shown in Figure 3.37), 512KB, or 1MB (the Pentium Pro with 1MB cache is shown in Figure 3.37) L2 cache. The processor die contains 5.5 million transistors, the 256KB cache die contains 15.5 million transistors, and the 512KB cache die(s) have 31 million transistors each, for a potential total of nearly 68 million transistors in a Pentium Pro with 1MB of internal cache! A Pentium Pro with 1MB cache has two 512KB cache die and a standard P6 processor die (see Figure 3.38).

Figure 3.36 Pentium Pro processor die. Photograph used by permission of Intel Corporation.

Figure 3.37 Pentium Pro processor with 256KB L2 cache (the cache is on the left side of the processor die). Photograph used by permission of Intel Corporation.

Figure 3.38 Pentium Pro processor with 1MB L2 cache (the cache is in the center and right portions of the die). Photograph used by permission of Intel Corporation.

The main processor die includes a 16KB split L1 cache with an 8KB two-way set associative cache for primary instructions and an 8KB four-way set associative cache for data.

Another sixth-generation processor feature found in the Pentium Pro is the Dual Independent Bus (DIB) architecture, which addresses the memory bandwidth limitations of previous-generation processor architectures. Two buses make up the DIB architecture: the L2 cache bus (contained entirely within the processor package) and the processor-to-main memory system bus. The speed of the dedicated L2 cache bus on the Pentium Pro is equal to the full-core speed of the processor. This was accomplished by embedding the cache chips directly into the Pentium Pro package. The DIB processor bus architecture addresses processor-to-memory bus bandwidth limitations. It offers up to three times the performance bandwidth of the single-bus, "Socket 7" generation processors, such as the Pentium.

Table 3.27 shows Pentium Pro processor specifications. Table 3.28 shows the specifications for each model within the Pentium Pro family, as there are many variations from model to model.

Table 3.27 Pentium Pro Family Processor Specifications

Introduced

November 1995

Maximum rated speeds

150, 166, 180, 200MHz

CPU

2.5x, 3x

Internal registers

32-bit

External data bus

64-bit

Memory address bus

36-bit

Addressable memory

64GB

Virtual memory

64TB

Integral L1-cache size

8KB code, 8KB data (16KB total)

Integrated L2-cache bus

64-bit, full-core speed

Socket/Slot

Socket 8

Physical package

387-pin Dual Cavity PGA

Package dimensions

2.46 (6.25cm) x 2.66 (6.76cm)

Math coprocessor

Built-in FPU

Power management

SMM (system management mode)

Operating voltage

3.1v or 3.3v


Table 3.28 Pentium Pro Processor Specifications by Processor Model

Pentium Pro Processor (200MHz) with 1MB Integrated Level 2 Cache

Introduction date

August 18, 1997

Clock speeds

200MHz (66MHz x 3)

Number of transistors

5.5 million (0.35 micron process), plus 62 million in 1MB L2 cache (0.35 micron)

Cache Memory

8Kx2 (16KB) L1, 1MB core-speed L2

Die size

0.552 (14.0mm)

Pentium Pro Processor (200MHz)

Introduction date

November 1, 1995

Clock speeds

200MHz (66MHz x 3)

iCOMP Index 2.0 rating

220

Number of transistors

5.5 million (0.35 micron process), plus 15.5 million in 256KB L2 cache (0.6 micron), or 31 million in 512KB L2 cache (0.35 micron)

Cache Memory

8Kx2 (16KB) L1, 256KB or 512KB core-speed L2

Die size

0.552 inches per side (14.0mm)

Pentium Pro Processor (180MHz)

Introduction date

November 1, 1995

Clock speeds

180MHz (60MHz x 3)

iCOMP Index 2.0 rating

197

Number of transistors

5.5 million (0.35 micron process), plus 15.5 million in 256KB L2 cache (0.6 micron)

Cache Memory

8Kx2 (16KB) L1, 256KB core-speed L2

Die size

0.552 inches per side (14.0mm)

Pentium Pro Processor (166MHz)

Introduction date

November 1, 1995

Clock speeds

166MHz (66MHz x 2.5)

Number of transistors

5.5 million (0.35 micron process), plus 31 million in 512KB L2 cache (0.35 micron)

Cache Memory

8Kx2 L1, 512KB core-speed L2

Die size

0.552 inches per side (14.0mm)

Pentium Pro Processor (150MHz)

Introduction date

November 1, 1995

Clock speeds

150MHz (60MHz x 2.5)

Number of transistors

5.5 million (0.6 micron process), plus 15.5 million in 256KB L2 cache (0.6 micron)

Cache Memory

8Kx2 speed L2

Die size

0.691 inches per side (17.6mm)


As you saw in Table 3.5, performance comparisons on the iCOMP 2.0 Index rate a classic Pentium 200MHz at 142, whereas a Pentium Pro 200MHz scores an impressive 220. Just for comparison, note that a Pentium MMX 200MHz falls right about in the middle in regards to performance at 182. Keep in mind that using a Pentium Pro with any 16-bit software applications will nullify much of the performance gain shown by the iCOMP 2.0 rating.

Like the Pentium before it, the Pentium Pro runs clock multiplied on a 66MHz motherboard. The following table lists speeds for Pentium Pro processors and motherboards.

CPU Type/Speed

CPU Clock

Motherboard Speed

Pentium Pro 150

2.5x

60

Pentium Pro 166

2.5x

66

Pentium Pro 180

3x

60

Pentium Pro 200

3x

66


The integrated L2 cache is one of the really outstanding features of the Pentium Pro. By building the L2 cache into the CPU and getting it off the motherboard, the Pentium Pro can now run the cache at full processor speed rather than the slower 60 or 66MHz motherboard bus speeds. In fact, the L2 cache features its own internal 64-bit backside bus, which does not share time with the external 64-bit frontside bus used by the CPU. The internal registers and data paths are still 32-bit, as with the Pentium. By building the L2 cache into the system, motherboards can be cheaper because they no longer require separate cache memory. Some boards may still try to include cache memory in their design, but the general consensus is that L3 cache (as it would be called) would offer less improvement with the Pentium Pro than with the Pentium.

One of the features of the built-in L2 cache is that multiprocessing is greatly improved. Rather than just SMP, as with the Pentium, the Pentium Pro supports a new type of multiprocessor configuration called the Multiprocessor Specification (MPS 1.1). The Pentium Pro with MPS allows configurations of up to four processors running together. Unlike other multiprocessor configurations, the Pentium Pro avoids cache coherency problems because each chip maintains a separate L1 and L2 cache internally.

Pentium Pro–based motherboards are pretty much exclusively PCI and ISA bus-based, and Intel is producing its own chipsets for these motherboards. The first chipset was the 450KX/GX (code-named Orion), while the most recent chipset for use with the Pentium Pro is the 440LX (Natoma). Due to the greater cooling and space requirements, Intel designed the new ATX motherboard form factor to better support the Pentium Pro and other future processors, such as the Pentium II. Even so, the Pentium Pro can be found in all types of motherboard designs; ATX is not mandatory.

Some Pentium Pro system manufacturers have been tempted to stick with the Baby-AT form factor. The big problem with the standard Baby-AT form factor is keeping the CPU properly cooled. The massive Pentium Pro processor consumes more than 25 watts and generates an appreciable amount of heat.

Four special Voltage Identification (VID) pins are on the Pentium Pro processor. These pins can be used to support automatic selection of power supply voltage. This means that a Pentium Pro motherboard does not have voltage regulator jumper settings like most Pentium boards, which greatly eases the setup and integration of a Pentium Pro system. These pins are not actually signals, but are either an open circuit in the package or a short circuit to voltage. The sequence of opens and shorts define the voltage required by the processor. In addition to allowing for automatic voltage settings, this feature has been designed to support voltage specification variations on future Pentium Pro processors. The VID pins are named VID0 through VID3 and the definition of these pins is shown in Table 3.29. A 1 in this table refers to an open pin and 0 refers to a short to ground. The voltage regulators on the motherboard should supply the voltage that is requested or disable itself.

Table 3.29 Pentium Pro Voltage Identification Definition

VID[3:0]

Voltage Setting

VID[3:0]

Voltage Setting

0000

3.5

1000

2.7

0001

3.4

1001

2.6

0010

3.3

1010

2.5

0011

3.2

1011

2.4

0100

3.1

1100

2.3

0101

3.0

1101

2.2

0110

2.9

1110

2.1

0111

2.8

1111

No CPU present


Most Pentium Pro processors run at 3.3v, but a few run at 3.1v. Although those are the only versions available now, support for a wider range of VID settings will benefit the system in meeting the power requirements of future Pentium Pro processors. Note that the 1111 (or all opens) ID can be used to detect the absence of a processor in a given socket.

The Pentium Pro never did become very popular on the desktop but has found a niche in file server applications due primarily to the full-core speed high-capacity internal L2 cache.

Pentium II Processors

Intel revealed the Pentium II in May 1997. Prior to its official unveiling, the Pentium II processor was popularly referred to by its code name Klamath, and was surrounded by much speculation throughout the industry. The Pentium II is essentially the same sixth-generation processor as the Pentium Pro, with MMX technology added (which included double the L1 cache and 57 new MMX instructions); however, there are a few twists to the design. The Pentium II processor die is shown in Figure 3.39.

Figure 3.39 Pentium II Processor die. Photograph used by permission of Intel Corporation.

From a physical standpoint, it is truly something new. Abandoning the chip in a socket approach used by virtually all processors up until this point, the Pentium II chip is characterized by its Single Edge Contact (SEC) cartridge design. The processor, along with several L2 cache chips, is mounted on a small circuit board (much like an oversized-memory SIMM) as shown in Figure 3.40, which is then sealed in a metal and plastic cartridge. The cartridge is then plugged into the motherboard through an edge connector called Slot 1, which looks very much like an adapter card slot.

There are two variations on these cartridges, called SECC (Single Edge Contact Cartridge) and SECC2. Figure 3.41 shows a diagram of the SECC package. Figure 3.42 shows the SECC2 package.

Figure 3.40 Pentium II Processor Board (inside SEC cartridge). Photograph used by permission of Intel Corporation.

Figure 3.41 SECC components showing enclosed processor board.

Figure 3.42 2 Single Edge Contact Cartridge, rev. 2 components showing half-enclosed processor board.

As you can see from these figures, the SECC2 version is cheaper to make because it uses fewer overall parts. It also allows for a more direct heat sink attachment to the processor for better cooling. Intel transitioned from SECC to SECC2 in the beginning of 1999; all newer PII/PIII cartridge processors use the improved SECC2 design.

By using separate chips mounted on a circuit board, Intel can build the Pentium II much less expensively than the multiple die within a package used in the Pentium Pro. Intel can also use cache chips from other manufacturers, and more easily vary the amount of cache in future processors compared to the Pentium Pro design.

Intel has offered Pentium II processors with the following speeds:

CPU Type/Speed

CPU Clock

Motherboard Speed

Pentium II 233MHz

3.5x

66MHz

Pentium II 266MHz

4x

66MHz

Pentium II 300MHz

4.5x

66MHz

Pentium II 333MHz

5x

66MHz

Pentium II 350MHz

3.5x

100MHz

Pentium II 400MHz

4x

100MHz

Pentium II 450MHz

4.5x

100MHz


The Pentium II processor core has 7.5 million transistors and is based on Intel's advanced P6 architecture. The Pentium II started out using .35 micron process technology, although the 333MHz and faster Pentium IIs are based on 0.25 micron technology. This enables a smaller die, allowing increased core frequencies and reduced power consumption. At 333MHz, the Pentium II processor delivers a 75–150 percent performance boost, compared to the 233MHz Pentium processor with MMX technology, and approximately 50 percent more performance on multimedia benchmarks. These are very fast processors, at least for now. As shown in Table 3.3, the iCOMP 2.0 Index rating for the Pentium II 266MHz chip is more than twice as fast as a classic Pentium 200MHz.

Aside from speed, the best way to think of the Pentium II is as a Pentium Pro with MMX technology instructions and a slightly modified cache design. It has the same multiprocessor scalability as the Pentium Pro, as well as the integrated L2 cache. The 57 new multimedia-related instructions carried over from the MMX processors and the capability to process repetitive loop commands more efficiently are also included. Also included as a part of the MMX upgrade is double the internal L1 cache from the Pentium Pro (from 16KB total to 32KB total in the Pentium II).

The original Pentium II processors were manufactured using a 0.35 micron process. More recent models, starting with the 333MHz version, have been manufactured using a newer 0.25 micron process. Intel is considering going to a 0.18 micron process in the future. By going to the smaller process, power draw is greatly reduced.

Maximum power usage for the Pentium II is shown in the following table.

Core Speed

Power Draw

Process

Voltage

450MHz

27.1w

0.25 micron

2.0v

400MHz

24.3w

0.25 micron

2.0v

350MHz

21.5w

0.25 micron

2.0v

333MHz

23.7w

0.25 micron

2.0v

300MHz

43.0w

0.35 micron

2.8v

266MHz

38.2w

0.35 micron

2.8v

233MHz

34.8w

0.35 micron

2.8v


You can see that the highest speed 450MHz version of the Pentium II actually uses less power than the slowest original 233MHz version! This was accomplished by using the smaller 0.25 micron process and running the processor on a lower voltage of only 2.0v. Future Pentium III processors will use the 0.25- and 0.18 micron processes and even lower voltages to continue this trend.

The Pentium II includes Dynamic Execution, which describes unique performance-enhancing developments by Intel and was first introduced in the Pentium Pro processor. Major features of Dynamic Execution include Multiple Branch Prediction, which speeds execution by predicting the flow of the program through several branches; Dataflow Analysis, which analyzes and modifies the program order to execute instructions when ready; and Speculative Execution, which looks ahead of the program counter and executes instruction that are likely to be needed. The Pentium II processor expands on these capabilities in sophisticated and powerful new ways to deliver even greater performance gains.

Like the Pentium Pro, the Pentium II also includes DIB architecture. The term Dual Independent Bus comes from the existence of two independent buses on the Pentium II processor—the L2 cache bus and the processor-to-main-memory system bus. The Pentium II processor can use both buses simultaneously, thus getting as much as twice as much data in and out of the Pentium II processor than a single-bus architecture processor. The DIB architecture enables the L2 cache of the 333MHz Pentium II processor to run 2 1/2 times as fast as the L2 cache of Pentium processors. As the frequency of future Pentium II processors increases, so will the speed of the L2 cache. Also, the pipelined system bus enables simultaneous parallel transactions instead of singular sequential transactions. Together, these DIB architecture improvements offer up to three times the bandwidth performance over a single-bus architecture as with the regular Pentium.

Table 3.30 shows the general Pentium II processor specifications. Table 3.31 shows the specifications that vary by model for the models that have been introduced to date.

Table 3.30 Pentium II General Processor Specifications

Bus Speeds

66MHz, 100MHz

CPU clock multiplier

3.5x, 4x, 4.5x, 5x

CPU speeds

233MHz, 266MHz, 300MHz, 333MHz, 350MHz, 400MHz, 450MHz

Cache memory

16Kx2 (32KB) L1, 512KB 1/2-speed L2

Internal registers

32-bit

Bus Speeds

66MHz, 100MHz

External data bus

64-bit system bus w/ ECC; 64-bit cache bus w/ optional ECC

Memory address bus

36-bit

Addressable memory

64GB

Virtual memory

64TB

Physical package

Single Edge Contact Cartridge (S.E), 242 pins

Package dimensions

5.505 in. (12.82cm)x2.473 inches (6.28cm)x0.647 in. (1.64cm)

Math coprocessor

Built-in FPU (floating-point unit)

Power management

SMM (System Management Mode)


Table 3.31 Pentium II Specifications by Model

Pentium II MMX Processor (350, 400, and 450MHz)

Introduction date

April 15, 1998

Clock speeds

350MHz (100MHzx3.5), 400MHz (100MHz x4), and 450MHz (100MHzx4.5)

iCOMP Index 2.0 rating

386 (350MHz), 440 (400MHz), and 483 (450MHz)

Number of transistors

7.5 million (0.25 micron process), plus 31 million in 512KB L2 cache

Cacheable RAM

4GB

Operating voltage

2.0v

Slot

Slot 2

Die size

0.400 inches per side (10.2mm)

Mobile Pentium II Processor (266, 300, 333, and 366MHz)

Introduction date

January 25, 1999

Clock speeds

266, 300, 333, and 366MHz

Number of transistors

27.4 million (0.25 micron process), 256KB on-die L2 cache

Ball Grid Array (BGA)

Number of balls = 615

Dimensions

Width = 31mm; Length = 35mm

Core voltage

1.6 volts

Thermal design power ranges by frequency

366MHz = 9.5 watts; 333MHz = 8.6 watts; 300MHz = 7.7 watts; 266MHz = 7.0 watts

Pentium II MMX Processor (333MHz)

Introduction date

January 26, 1998

Clock speeds

333MHz (66MHzx5)

iCOMP Index 2.0 rating

366

Number of transistors

7.5 million (0.25 micron process), plus 31 million in 512KB L2 cache

Cacheable RAM

512MB

Operating voltage

2.0v

Slot

Slot 1

Die size

0.400 inches per side (10.2mm)

Pentium II MMX Processor (300MHz)

Introduction date

May 7, 1997

Clock speeds

300MHz (66MHzx4.5)

iCOMP Index 2.0 rating

332

Number of transistors

7.5 million (0.35 micron process), plus 31 million in 512KB L2 cache

Cacheable RAM

512MB

Die size

0.560 inches per side (14.2mm)

Pentium II MMX Processor (266MHz)

Introduction date

May 7, 1997

Clock speeds

266MHz (66MHzx4)

iCOMP Index 2.0 rating

303

Number of transistors

7.5 million (0.35 micron process), plus 31 million in 512KB L2 cache

Cacheable RAM

512MB

Slot

Slot 1

Die size

0.560 inches per side (14.2mm)

Pentium II MMX Processor (233MHz)

Introduction date

May 7, 1997

Clock speeds

233MHz (66MHzx3.5)

iCOMP Index 2.0 rating

267

Number of transistors

7.5 million (0.35 micron process), plus 31 million in 512KB L2 cache

Cacheable RAM

512MB

Slot

Slot 1

Die size

0.560 inches per side (14.2mm)


As you can see from the table, the Pentium II can handle up to 64GB of physical memory. Like the Pentium Pro, the CPU incorporates Dual Independent Bus architecture. This means the chip has two independent buses: one for accessing the L2 cache, the other for accessing main memory. These dual buses can operate simultaneously, greatly accelerating the flow of data within the system. The L1 cache always runs at full-core speeds because it is mounted directly on the processor die. The L2 cache in the Pentium II normally runs at half-core speed, which saves money and allows for less expensive cache chips to be used. For example, in a 333MHz Pentium II, the L1 cache runs at a full 333MHz, while the L2 cache runs at 167MHz. Even though the L2 cache is not at full-core speed as it was with the Pentium Pro, this is still far superior to having cache memory on the motherboard running at the 66MHz motherboard speed of most Socket 7 Pentium designs. Intel claims that the DIB architecture in the Pentium II allows up to three times the bandwidth of normal single-bus processors like the original Pentium.

By removing the cache from the processor's internal package and using external chips mounted on a substrate and encased in the cartridge design, Intel can now use more cost-effective cache chips and more easily scale the processor up to higher speeds. The Pentium Pro was limited in speed to 200MHz, largely due to the inability to find affordable cache memory that runs any faster. By running the cache memory at half-core speed, the Pentium II can run up to 400MHz while still using 200MHz rated cache chips. To offset the half-core speed cache used in the Pentium II, Intel doubled the basic amount of integrated L2 cache from 256KB standard in the Pro to 512KB standard in the Pentium II.

Note that the tag-RAM included in the L2 cache will allow up to 512MB of main memory to be cacheable in PII processors from 233MHz to 333MHz. The 350MHz, 400MHz, and faster versions include an enhanced tag-RAM that allows up to 4GB of main memory to be cacheable. This is very important if you ever plan on adding more than 512MB of memory. In that case, you would definitely want the 350MHz or faster version; otherwise, memory performance would suffer.

The system bus of the Pentium II provides "glueless" support for up to two processors. This enables low-cost, two-way multiprocessing on the L2 cache bus. These system buses are designed especially for servers or other mission-critical system use where reliability and data integrity are important. All Pentium IIs also include parity-protected address/request and response system bus signals with a retry mechanism for high data integrity and reliability.

To install the Pentium II in a system, a special processor-retention mechanism is required. This consists of a mechanical support that attaches to the motherboard and secures the Pentium II processor in Slot 1 to prevent shock and vibration damage. Retention mechanisms should be provided by the motherboard manufacturer. (For example, the Intel Boxed AL440FX and DK440LX motherboards include a retention mechanism, plus other important system integration components.)

The Pentium II can generate a significant amount of heat that must be dissipated. This is accomplished by installing a heat sink on the processor. Many of the Pentium II processors will use an active heat sink that incorporates a fan. Unlike heat sink fans for previous Intel boxed processors, the Pentium II fans draw power from a three-pin power header on the motherboard. Most motherboards provide several fan connectors to supply this power.

Special heat sink supports are needed to furnish mechanical support between the fan heat sink and support holes on the motherboard. Normally, a plastic support is inserted into the heat sink holes in the motherboard next to the CPU, before installing the CPU/heat sink package. Most fan heat sinks have two components: a fan in a plastic shroud and a metal heat sink. The heat sink is attached to the processor's thermal plate and should not be removed. The fan can be removed and replaced if necessary—for example, if it has failed. Figure 3.43 shows the SEC assembly with fan, power connectors, mechanical supports, and the slot and support holes on the motherboard.

Figure 3.43 Pentium II/III processor and heat sink assembly.

The following tables show the specifications unique to certain versions of the Pentium II processor.

To identify exactly which Pentium II processor you have and what its capabilities are, look at the specification number printed on the SEC cartridge. You will find the specification number in the dynamic mark area on the top of the processor module. See Figure 3.44 to locate these markings.

After you have located the specification number (actually, it is an alphanumeric code), you can look it up in Table 3.32 to see exactly which processor you have.

Figure 3.44 Pentium II/III Single Edge Contact Cartridge.

For example, a specification number of SL2KA identifies the processor as a Pentium II 333MHz running on a 66MHz system bus, with an ECC L2 cache—and that this processor runs on only 2.0 volts. The stepping is also identified, and by looking in the Pentium II Specification Update Manual published by Intel, you could figure out exactly which bugs were fixed in that revision.

Table 3.32 Basic Pentium II Processor Identification Information

S-spec

Core Stepping

CPUID

Core/Bus Speed (MHz)

L2 Cache Size (MB)

L2 Cache Type

CPU Package

Notes (see footnotes)

SL264

C0

0633h

233/66

512

non-ECC

SECC 3.00

16

SL265

C0

0633h

266/66

512

non-ECC

SECC 3.00

16

SL268

C0

0633h

233/66

512

ECC

SECC 3.00

16

SL269

C0

0633h

266/66

512

ECC

SECC 3.00

16

SL28K

C0

0633h

233/66

512

non-ECC

SECC 3.00

12, 14, 16

SL28L

C0

0633h

266/66

512

non-ECC

SECC 3.00

12, 14, 16

SL28R

C0

0633h

300/66

512

ECC

SECC 3.00

16

SL2MZ

C0

0633h

300/66

512

ECC

SECC 3.00

12, 16

SL2HA

C1

0634h

300/66

512

ECC

SECC 3.00

16

SL2HC

C1

0634h

266/66

512

non-ECC

SECC 3.00

16

SL2HD

C1

0634h

233/66

512

non-ECC

SECC 3.00

16

SL2HE

C1

0634h

266/66

512

ECC

SECC 3.00

16

SL2HF

C1

0634h

233/66

512

ECC

SECC 3.00

16

SL2QA

C1

0634h

233/66

512

non-ECC

SECC 3.00

12, 14, 16

SL2QB

C1

0634h

266/66

512

non-ECC

SECC 3.00

12, 14, 16

SL2QC

C1

0634h

300/66

512

ECC

SECC 3.00

12, 16

SL2KA

dA0

0650h

333/66

512

ECC

SECC 3.00

16

SL2QF

dA0

0650h

333/66

512

ECC

SECC 3.00

12

SL2K9

dA0

0650h

266/66

512

ECC

SECC 3.00

 

SL35V

dA1

0651h

300/66

512

ECC

SECC 3.00

12, 13

SL2QH

dA1

0651h

333/66

512

ECC

SECC 3.00

12, 13

SL2S5

dA1

0651h

333/66

512

ECC

SECC 3.00

13, 16

SL2ZP

dA1

0651h

333/66

512

ECC

SECC 3.00

13, 16

SL2ZQ

dA1

0651h

350/100

512

ECC

SECC 3.00

13, 16

SL2S6

dA1

0651h

350/100

512

ECC

SECC 3.00

13, 16

SL2S7

dA1

0651h

400/100

512

ECC

SECC 3.00

13, 16

SL2SF

dA1

0651h

350/100

512

ECC

SECC 3.00

12, 13

SL2SH

dA1

0651h

400/100

512

ECC

SECC 3.00

12, 13

SL2VY

dA1

0651h

300/66

512

ECC

SECC 3.00

12, 13

SL33D

dB0

0652h

266/66

512

ECC

SECC 3.00

12, 13, 16

SL2YK

dB0

0652h

300/66

512

ECC

SECC 3.00

12, 13, 16

SL2WZ

dB0

0652h

350/100

512

ECC

SECC 3.00

12, 13, 16

SL2YM

dB0

0652h

400/100

512

ECC

SECC 3.00

12, 13, 16

SL37G

dB0

0652h

400/100

512

ECC

SECC2 OLGA

12, 13, 15

SL2WB

dB0

0652h

450/100

512

ECC

SECC 3.00

12, 13, 16

SL37H

dB0

0652h

450/100

512

ECC

SECC2 OLGA

12, 13

SL2KE

TdB0

1632h

333/66

512

ECC

PGA

13, 15

SL2W7

dB0

0652h

266/66

512

ECC

SECC 2.00

13, 16

SL2W8

dB0

0652h

300/66

512

ECC

SECC 3.00

13, 16

SL2TV

dB0

0652h

333/66

512

ECC

SECC 3.00

13, 16

SL2U3

dB0

0652h

350/100

512

ECC

SECC 3.00

13, 16

SL2U4

dB0

0652h

350/100

512

ECC

SECC 3.00

13, 16

SL2U5

dB0

0652h

400/100

512

ECC

SECC 3.00

13, 16

SL2U6

dB0

0652h

400/100

512

ECC

SECC 3.00

13, 16

SL2U7

dB0

0652h

450/100

512

ECC

SECC 3.00

13, 16

SL356

dB0

0652h

350/100

512

ECC

SECC2 PLGA

13, 16

SL357

dB0

0652h

400/100

512

ECC

SECC2 OLGA

13, 16

SL358

dB0

0652h

450/100

512

ECC

SECC2 OLGA

13, 16

SL37F

dB0

0652h

350/100

512

ECC

SECC2 PLGA

12, 13, 16

SL3FN

dB0

0652h

350/100

512

ECC

SECC2 OLGA

13, 16

SL3EE

dB0

0652h

400/100

512

ECC

SECC2 PLGA

13, 16

SL3F9

dB0

0652h

400/100

512

ECC

SECC2 PLGA

12, 13

SL38M

dB1

0653h

350/100

512

ECC

SECC 3.00

12, 13, 16

SL38N

dB1

0653h

400/100

512

ECC

SECC 3.00

12, 13, 16

SL36U

dB1

0653h

350/100

512

ECC

SECC 3.00

13, 16

SL38Z

dB1

0653h

400/100

512

ECC

SECC 3.00

13, 16

SL3D5

dB1

0653h

400/100

512

ECC

SECC2 OLGA

12, 13


SECC = Single Edge Contact Cartridge

SECC2 = Single Edge Contact Cartridge revision 2

PLGA = Plastic Land Grid Array

OLGA = Organic Land Grid Array

CPUID = The internal ID returned by the CPUID instruction

ECC = Error Correcting Code

The two variations of the SECC2 cartridge vary by the type of processor core package on the board. The PLGA (Plastic Land Grid Array) is the older type of packaging used in previous SECC cartridges as well and is being phased out. Taking its place is the newer OLGA (Organic Land Grid Array), which is a processor core package that is smaller and easier to manufacture. It also allows better thermal transfer between the processor die and the heat sink, which is attached directly to the top of the OLGA chip package. Figure 3.45 shows the open back side (where the heat sink would be attached) of SECC2 processors with PLGA and OLGA cores.

Figure 3.45 SECC2 processors with PLGA and OLGA cores.

Pentium II motherboards have an onboard voltage regulator circuit that is designed to power the CPU. Currently, there are Pentium II processors that run at several different voltages, so the regulator must be set to supply the correct voltage for the specific processor you are installing. As with the Pentium Pro and unlike the older Pentium, there are no jumpers or switches to set; the voltage setting is handled completely automatically through the Voltage ID (VID) pins on the processor cartridge. Table 3.33 shows the relationship between the pins and the selected voltage.

Table 3.33 Slot 1 and Socket 370 Voltage ID Pin Definitions

VID4

VID3

VID2

VID1

VID0

Voltage

0

1

1

1

1

1.30

0

1

1

1

0

1.35

0

1

1

0

1

1.40

0

1

1

0

0

1.45

0

1

0

1

1

1.50

0

1

0

1

0

1.55

0

1

0

0

1

1.60

0

1

0

0

0

1.65

0

0

1

1

1

1.70

0

0

1

1

0

1.75

0

0

1

0

1

1.80

0

0

1

0

0

1.85

0

0

0

1

1

1.90

0

0

0

1

0

1.95

0

0

0

0

1

2.00

0

0

0

0

0

2.05

1

1

1

1

1

No Core

1

1

1

1

0

2.1

1

1

1

0

1

2.2

1

1

1

0

0

2.3

1

1

0

1

1

2.4

1

1

0

1

0

2.5

1

1

0

0

1

2.6

1

1

0

0

0

2.7

1

0

1

1

1

2.8

1

0

1

1

0

2.9

1

0

1

0

1

3.0

1

0

1

0

0

3.1

1

0

0

1

1

3.2

1

0

0

1

0

3.3

1

0

0

0

1

3.4

1

0

0

0

0

3.5


0 = Processor pin connected to Vss

1 = Open on processor

VID0-VID3 used on Socket 370

Socket 370 supports 1.30V through 2.05V settings only.

VID0-VID4 used on Slot 1

Slot 1 supports 1.30V through 3.5V settings.

To ensure the system is ready for all Pentium II processor variations, the values in bold must be supported. Most Pentium II processors run at 2.8v, with some newer ones at 2.0v.

The Pentium II Mobile Module is a Pentium II for notebooks that includes the North Bridge of the high-performance 440BX chipset. This is the first chipset on the market that allows 100MHz processor bus operation, although that is currently not supported in the mobile versions. The 440BX chipset was released at the same time as the 350 and 400MHz versions of the Pentium II; it is the recommended minimum chipset for any new Pentium II motherboard purchases.

See "Mobile Pentium II and III."

Newer variations on the Pentium II include the Pentium IIPE, which is a mobile version that includes 256KB of L2 cache directly integrated into the die. This means that it runs at full-core speed, making it faster than the desktop Pentium II, because the desktop chips use half-speed L2 cache.

Celeron

The Celeron processor is a P6 with the same processor core as the Pentium II in the original two versions and now the same core as the PIII in the latest version. It is mainly designed for lower-cost PCs in the $1,000 or less price category. The best "feature" is that although the cost is low, the performance is not. In fact, due to the superior cache design, the Celeron outperforms the Pentium II at the same speed and at a lower cost.

Most of the features for the Celeron are the same as the Pentium II and III because it uses the same internal processor core. The main differences are in packaging and L2 cache design.

Up until recently, all Celeron processors were available in a package called the Single Edge Processor Package (SEPP or SEP package). The SEP package is basically the same Slot 1 design as the SECC (Single Edge Contact Cartridge) used in the Pentium II/III, with the exception of the fancy plastic cartridge cover. This cover is deleted in the Celeron, making it cheaper to produce and sell. Essentially the Celeron uses the same circuit board as is inside the Pentium II package.

See "Single Edge Contact (SEC) and Single Edge Processor (SEP) Packaging."

Even without the plastic covers, the Slot 1 packaging was more expensive than it should be. This was largely due to the processor retention mechanisms (stands) required to secure the processor into Slot 1 on the motherboard, as well as the larger and more complicated heat sinks required. This, plus competition from the lower-end Socket 7 systems using primarily AMD processors, led Intel to introduce the Celeron in a socketed form. The socket is called PGA-370 or Socket 370, because it has 370 pins. The processor package designed for this socket is called the Plastic Pin Grid Array (PPGA) package (see Figure 3.46) or FC-PGA (Flip Chip PGA). Both the PPGA and FC-PGA packages plug into the 370 pin socket and allows for lower-cost, lower-profile, and smaller systems because of the less expensive processor retention and cooling requirements of the socketed processor.

Figure 3.46 Celeron processors in the FC-PGA, PPGA, and SEP packages.

See "Socket (PGA-370)."

All Celeron processors at 433MHz and lower have been available in the SEPP that plugs into the 242-contact slot connector. The 300MHz and higher versions are also available in the PPGA package. This means that the 300MHz to 433MHz have been available in both packages, while the 466MHz and higher speed versions are only available in the PPGA.

Motherboards that include Socket 370 can accept the PGA versions of both the Celeron or Pentium III in most cases. If you want to use a Socket 370 version of the Celeron in a Slot 1 motherboard, there are slot-to-socket adapters (usually called slot-kets) available for about $10–$20 that plug into Slot 1 and incorporate a Socket 370 on the card. Figure 3.47 shows a typical slot-ket adapter.

Figure 3.47 Slot-ket adapter for installing PPGA processors in Slot 1 motherboards.

Highlights of the Celeron include

  • Available at 300MHz (300A) and higher core frequencies with 128KB on-die L2 cache; 300MHz and 266MHz core frequencies without L2 cache

  • L2 cache supports up to 4GB RAM address range and ECC (Error Correcting Code)

  • Uses same P6 core processor as the Pentium II (266 through 533MHz) and now the Pentium III (533A MHz and higher)

  • Dynamic execution microarchitecture

  • Operates on a 66MHz CPU bus (future versions will likely also use the 100MHz bus)

  • Specifically designed for lower-cost value PC systems

  • Includes MMX technology; Celeron 533A and higher includes SSE

  • More cost-effective packaging technology including Single Edge Processor (SEP), Plastic Pin Grid Array (PPGA), or Flip Chip Pin Grid Array (FCPGA) packages

  • Integrated 32KB L1 cache, implemented as separate 16KB instruction and 16KB data caches

  • Integrated thermal diode for temperature monitoring

The Intel Celeron processors from the 300A and higher include integrated 128KB L2 cache. The core for the 300A through 533MHz versions which are based on the Pentium II core include 19 million transistors due to the addition of the integrated 128KB L2 cache. The 533A and faster versions are based on the Pentium III core and incorporate 28.1 million transistors. The Pentium III–based versions actually have 256KB of L2 cache on the die; however, 128KB is disabled, leaving 128KB of functional L2 cache. This was done because it was cheaper for Intel to simply make the Pentium III and Celeron using the same die and just disable part of the cache on the Celeron versions, rather than to come up with a unique die for the newer Celerons. The Pentium III–based Celeron processors also support the Streaming SIMD Extensions (SSE) in addition to MMX instructions. The older Celerons based on the Pentium II core only support MMX.

All the Celerons are manufactured using the .25 micron process, which reduces processor heat and enables the Intel Celeron processor to use a smaller heat sink compared to some of the Pentium II processors. Table 3.34 shows the power consumed by the various Celeron processors.

Table 3.34 Intel Celeron Processor Power Consumption

Speed (MHz)

L2 Cache

Max. Temp. (C)

Voltage Power

Max. (W)

Package

266

none

85

2.0V

16.59

SEPP

266

none

85

2.0V

16.59

SEPP

300

none

85

2.0V

18.48

SEPP

300

none

85

2.0V

18.48

SEPP

300A

128KB

85

2.0V

19.05

SEPP

300A

128KB

85

2.0V

19.05

SEPP

300A

128KB

85

2.0V

19.05

PPGA

333

128KB

85

2.0V

20.94

SEPP

333

128KB

85

2.0V

20.94

SEPP

333

128KB

85

2.0V

20.94

PPGA

366

128KB

85

2.0V

21.7

SEPP

366

128KB

85

2.0V

21.7

PPGA

400

128KB

85

2.0V

23.7

SEPP

400

128KB

85

2.0V

23.7

PPGA

433

128KB

85

2.0V

24.1

PPGA

466

128KB

70

2.0V

25.7

PPGA

500

128KB

70

2.0V

27.2

PPGA

533

128KB

70

2.0V

28.3

PPGA

533A

128KB

90

1.5V

11.2

FCPGA

566

128KB

90

1.5V

14.9

FCPGA

600

128KB

90

1.5V

15.8

FCPGA


Figure 3.48 shows the Intel Celeron processor identification information. Figure 3.49 shows the Celeron's PPGA processor markings.

Figure 3.48 Celeron SEPP (Single Edge Processor Package) processor markings.

NOTE

The markings on the processor identify the following information:

SYYYY = S-spec. number

FFFFFFFF = FPO # (test lot traceability #)

COA = Country of assembly

NOTE

The PPGA processor markings identify the following information:

AAAAAAA = Product code

ZZZ = Processor speed (MHz)

LLL = Integrated L2 cache size (in Kilobytes)

SYYYY = S-spec. number

FFFFFFFF-XXXX = Assembly lot tracking number

Figure 3.49 Celeron PPGA processor markings.

Table 3.35 shows all the available variations of the Celeron, indicated by the S-specification number.

Pentium III

The Pentium III processor, shown in Figure 3.50, was first released in February 1999 and introduced several new features to the P6 family. The most important advancements are the streaming SIMD extensions (SSE), consisting of 70 new instructions that dramatically enhance the performance and possibilities of advanced imaging, 3D, streaming audio, video, and speech-recognition applications.

Figure 3.50 Pentium III processor in SECC2 (Slot 1) and FC-PGA (Socket 370) packages. Photograph used by permission of Intel Corporation.

Originally based on Intel's advanced 0.25 micron CMOS process technology, the PIII core started out with over 9.5 million transistors. In late 1999 Intel shifted to a 0.18 micron process and added 256KB of on-die L2 cache, which brought the transistor count to a whopping 28.1 million! The Pentium III is available in speeds from 450MHz through 1000MHz and beyond, as well as server versions with larger or faster cache called Xeon. The Pentium III also incorporates advanced features such as a 32KB L1 cache and either half-core speed 512KB L2 cache or full-core speed on-die 256KB L2 with cacheability for up to 4GB of addressable memory space. The PIII also can be used in dual-processing systems with up to 64GB of physical memory. A self-reportable processor serial number gives security, authentication, and system management applications a powerful new tool for identifying individual systems.

Table 3.35 Intel Celeron Variations and Specifications

Speed (MHz)

Bus Speed (MHz)

Multiplier

Boxed CPU S-spec

OEM CPU S-spec

Stepping

CPUID

L2 Cache

Graphics Extensions

Max. Temp. (C)

Voltage

Max. Power (W)

Process (microns)

Transistors

Package

Introduced

266

66

4x

SL2YN

SL2SY

dA0

0650

none

MMX

85

2.0V

16.59

0.25

7.5M

SEPP

Apr. 1998

266

66

4x

SL2QG

SL2TR

dA1

0651

none

MMX

85

2.0V

16.59

0.25

7.5M

SEPP

Apr. 1998

300

66

4.5x

SL2Z7

SL2YP

dA0

0650

none

MMX

85

2.0V

18.48

0.25

7.5M

SEPP

Jun. 1998

300

66

4.5x

SL2Y2

SL2X8

dA1

0651

none

MMX

85

2.0V

18.48

0.25

7.5M

SEPP

Jun. 1998

300A

66

4.5x

SL32A

SL2WM

mA0

0660

128KB

MMX

85

2.0V

19.05

0.25

19M

SEPP

Aug. 1998

300A

66

4.5x

SL2WM

SL2WM

mA0

0660

128KB

MMX

85

2.0V

19.05

0.25

19M

SEPP

Aug. 1998

300A

66

4.5x

SL35Q

SL36A

mB0

0665

128KB

MMX

85

2.0V

19.05

0.25

19M

PPGA

Aug. 1998

333

66

5x

SL32B

SL2WN

mA0

0660

128KB

MMX

85

2.0V

20.94

0.25

19M

SEPP

Aug. 1998

333

66

5x

SL2WN

SL2WN

mA0

0660

128KB

MMX

85

2.0V

20.94

0.25

19M

SEPP

Aug. 1998

333

66

5x

SL35R

SL36B

mB0

0665

128KB

MMX

85

2.0V

20.94

0.25

19M

PPGA

Aug. 1998

366

66

5.5x

SL37Q

SL376

mA0

0660

128KB

MMX

85

2.0V

21.70

0.25

19M

SEPP

Jan. 1999

366

66

5.5x

SL35S

SL36C

mB0

0665

128KB

MMX

85

2.0V

21.70

0.25

19M

PPGA

Jan. 1999

400

66

6x

SL37V

SL39Z

mA0

0660

128KB

MMX

85

2.0V

23.70

0.25

19M

SEPP

Jan. 1999

400

66

6x

SL37X

SL3A2

mB0

0665

128KB

MMX

85

2.0V

23.70

0.25

19M

PPGA

Jan. 1999

433

66

6.5x

SL3BS

SL3BA

mB0

0665

128KB

MMX

85

2.0V

24.1

0.25

19M

PPGA

Mar. 1999

466

66

7x

SL3FL

SL3EH

mB0

0665

128KB

MMX

70

2.0V

25.7

0.25

19M

PPGA

Apr. 1999

500

66

7.5x

SL3LQ

SL3FY

mB0

0665

128KB

MMX

70

2.0V

27.2

0.25

19M

PPGA

Aug. 1999

533

66

8x

SL3PZ

SL3FZ

mB0

0665

128KB

MMX

70

2.0V

28.3

0.25

19M

PPGA

Jan. 2000

533A

66

8x

n/a

SL46S

cBO

068x

128KB

SSE

90

1.5V

11.2

0.18

28.1M

FCPGA

Mar. 2000

566

66

8.5x

SL3W7

SL46T

cB0

068x

128KB

SSE

90

1.5V

14.9

0.18

28.1M

FCPGA

Mar. 2000

600

66

9x

SL3W8

SL46U

cB0

068x

128KB

SSE

90

1.5V

15.8

0.18

28.1M

FCPGA

Mar. 2000


SEPP = Single Edge Processor Package (Card) SSE = MMX plus Streaming SIMD (Single Instruction Multiple Data) Extensions

PPGA = Plastic Pin Grid Array Boxed processors include a heat sink with fan

FCPGA = Flip Chip Pin Grid Array 266MHz through 533MHz are based on 0.25 micron Pentium II core

MMX = Multi Media Extensions 533A MHz and higher are based on 0.18 micron Pentium III core

Pentium III processors are available in Intel's Single Edge Contact Cartridge 2 (SECC2) form factor, which is replacing the more expensive older SEC packaging. The SECC2 package covers only one side of the chip, and allows for better heat sink attachment and less overall weight. It is also less expensive.

Architectural features of the Pentium III processor include

  • Streaming SIMD Extensions. Seventy new instructions for dramatically faster processing and improved imaging, 3D streaming audio and video, Web access, speech recognition, new user interfaces, and other graphics and sound-rich applications.

  • Intel Processor Serial Number. The processor serial number, the first of Intel's planned building blocks for PC security, serves as an electronic serial number for the processor and, by extension, its system or user. This enables the system/user to be identified by networks and applications. The processor serial number will be used in applications that benefit from stronger forms of system and user identification, such as the following:

  • Applications using security capabilities. Managed access to new Internet content and services; electronic document exchange.

  • Manageability applications. Asset management; remote system load and configuration.

  • Intel MMX Technology.

  • Dynamic Execution Technology.

  • Incorporates an on-die diode. This can be used to monitor the die temperature for thermal management purposes.

Most of the Pentium III processors will be made in the improved SECC2 packaging or, even better, the FC-PGA (Flip Chip PGA) package, which is much less expensive to produce and allows for a more direct attachment of the heat sink to the processor core for better cooling. The FC-PGA version plugs into Socket 370 but can be used in Slot 1 with a slot-ket adapter.

All Pentium III processors have either 512KB or 256KB of L2 cache, which runs at either half-core or full-core speed. Xeon versions have either 512KB, 1MB, or 2MB of L2 cache that runs at full-core speed. These are more expensive versions designed for servers and workstations.

All PIII processor L2 caches can cache up to 4GB of addressable memory space, and include Error Correction Code (ECC) capability.

Pentium III processors can be identified by their markings, which are found on the top edge of the processor cartridge. Figure 3.51 shows the format and meaning of the markings.

Figure 3.51 Pentium III processor markings.

Table 3.36 shows the available variations of the Pentium III, indicated by the S-specification number.

Pentium III processors are all clock multiplier locked. This is a means to prevent processor fraud and overclocking by making the processor work only at a given clock multiplier. Unfortunately, this feature can be bypassed by making modifications to the processor under the cartridge cover, and unscrupulous individuals have been selling lower-speed processors remarked as higher speeds. It pays to purchase your systems or processors from direct Intel distributors or high-end dealers that do not engage in these practices.

Pentium II/III Xeon

The Pentium II and III processors are available in special high-end versions called Xeon processors. Originally introduced in June 1998 in Pentium II versions, later Pentium III versions were introduced in March 1999. These differ from the standard Pentium II and III in three ways: packaging, cache size, and cache speed.

Xeon processors use a larger SEC (Single Edge Contact) cartridge than the standard PII/III processors, mainly to house a larger internal board with more cache memory. The Xeon processor is shown in Figure 3.52; the Xeon's SEC is shown in Figure 3.53.

Figure 3.52 Pentium III Xeon processor. Photograph used by permission of Intel Corporation.

Figure 3.53 Xeon processor internal components.

Table 3.36 Intel Pentium III Processor Variations

Speed (MHz)

Bus Speed (MHz)

Multiplier

Boxed CPU S-spec

OEM CPU S-spec

Stepping

CPUID

L2 Cache

L2 Speed

Temp. Max. (C)

Voltage

Max. Power (W)

Process (microns)

Transistors

Package

Introduced

450

100

4.5x

SL3CC

SL364

kB0

0672

512KB

225

90

2.00

25.3

0.25

9.5M

SECC2

Feb. 1999

450

100

4.5x

SL37C

SL35D

kC0

0673

512KB

225

90

2.00

25.3

0.25

9.5M

SECC2

Feb. 1999

500

100

5x

SL3CD

SL365

kB0

0672

512KB

250

90

2.00

28.0

0.25

9.5M

SECC2

Feb. 1999

500

100

5x

SL365

SL365

kB0

0672

512KB

250

90

2.00

28.0

0.25

9.5M

SECC2

Feb. 1999

500

100

5x

SL37D

SL35E

kC0

0673

512KB

250

90

2.00

28.0

0.25

9.5M

SECC2

Feb. 1999

500E

100

5x

SL3R2

SL3Q9

cA2

0681

256KB

500

85

1.60

13.2

0.18

28.1M

FCPGA

Oct. 1999

500E

100

5x

SL45R

SL444

cB0

0683

256KB

500

85

1.60

13.2

0.18

28.1M

FCPGA

Oct. 1999

533B

133

4x

SL3E9

SL3BN

kC0

0673

512KB

267

90

2.05

29.7

0.25

9.5M

SECC2

Sept. 1999

533EB

133

4x

SL3SX

SL3N6

cA2

0681

256KB

533

85

1.65

14.0

0.18

28.1M

SECC2

Oct. 1999

533EB

133

4x

SL3VA

SL3VF

cA2

0681

256KB

533

85

1.65

14.0

0.18

28.1M

FCPGA

Oct. 1999

533EB

133

4x

SL44W

SL3XG

cB0

0683

256KB

533

85

1.65

14.0

0.18

28.1M

SECC2

Oct. 1999

533EB

133

4x

SL45S

SL3XS

cB0

0683

256KB

533

85

1.65

14.0

0.18

28.1M

FCPGA

Oct. 1999

550

100

5.5x

SL3FJ

SL3F7

kC0

0673

512KB

275

80

2.00

30.8

0.25

9.5M

SECC2

May 1999

550E

100

5.5x

SL3R3

SL3QA

cA2

0681

256KB

550

85

1.60

14.5

0.18

28.1M

FCPGA

Oct. 1999

550E

100

5.5x

SL3V5

SL3N7

cA2

0681

256KB

550

85

1.60

14.5

0.18

28.1M

SECC2

Oct. 1999

550E

100

5.5x

SL44X

SL3XH

cB0

0683

256KB

550

85

1.60

14.5

0.18

28.1M

SECC2

Oct. 1999

550E

100

5.5x

SL45T

N/A

cB0

0683

256KB

550

85

1.60

14.5

0.18

28.1M

FCPGA

Oct. 1999

600

100

6x

SL3JT

SL3JM

kC0

0673

512KB

300

85

2.00

34.5

0.25

9.5M

SECC2

Aug. 1999

600E

100

6x

SL3NA

SL3H6

cA2

0681

256KB

600

82

1.65

15.8

0.18

28.1M

SECC2

Oct. 1999

600E

100

6x

SL3NL

SL3VH

cA2

0681

256KB

600

82

1.65

15.8

0.18

28.1M

FCPGA

Feb. 2000

600E

100

6x

SL44Y

SL43E

cB0

0683

256KB

600

82

1.65

15.8

0.18

28.1M

SECC2

Oct. 1999

600E

100

6x

SL45U

SL3XU

cB0

0683

256KB

600

82

1.65

15.8

0.18

28.1M

FCPGA

Feb. 2000

600B

133

4.5x

SL3JU

SL3JP

kC0

0673

512KB

300

85

2.05

34.5

0.25

9.5M

SECC2

Sept. 1999

600EB

133

4.5x

SL3NB

SL3H7

cA2

0681

256KB

600

82

1.65

15.8

0.18

28.1M

SECC2

Oct. 1999

600EB

133

4.5x

SL3VB

SL3VG

cA2

0681

256KB

600

82

1.65

15.8

0.18

28.1M

FCPGA

Feb. 2000

600EB

133

4.5x

SL44Z

SL3XJ

cB0

0683

256KB

600

82

1.65

15.8

0.18

28.1M

SECC2

Oct. 1999

600EB

133

4.5x

SL45V

SL3XT

cB0

0683

256KB

600

82

1.65

15.8

0.18

28.1M

FCPGA

Feb. 2000

650

100

6.5x

SL3NR

SL3KV

cA2

0681

256KB

650

82

1.65

17.0

0.18

28.1M

SECC2

Oct. 1999

650

100

6.5x

SL3NM

SL3VJ

cA20

681

256KB

650

82

1.65

17.0

0.18

28.1M

FCPGA

Oct. 1999

650

100

6.5x

SL452

SL3XK

cB0

0683

256KB

650

82

1.65

17.0

0.18

28.1M

SECC2

Oct. 1999

650

100

6.5x

SL45W

SL3XV

cB0

0683

256KB

650

82

1.65

17.0

0.18

28.1M

FCPGA

Oct. 1999

667

133

5x

SL3ND

SL3KW

cA2

0681

256KB

667

82

1.65

17.5

0.18

28.1M

SECC2

Oct. 1999

667

133

5x

SL3T2

SL3VK

cA2

0681

256KB

667

82

1.65

17.5

0.18

28.1M

FCPGA

Oct. 1999

667

133

5x

SL453

SL3XL

cB0

0683

256KB

667

82

1.65

17.5

0.18

28.1M

SECC2

Oct. 1999

667

133

5x

SL45X

SL3XW

cB0

0683

256KB

667

82

1.65

17.5

0.18

28.1M

FCPGA

Oct. 1999

700

100

7x

SL3SY

SL3S9

cA2

0681

256KB

700

80

1.65

18.3

0.18

28.1M

SECC2

May 2000

700

100

7x

SL3T3

SL3VL

cA2

0681

256KB

700

80

1.65

18.3

0.18

28.1M

FCPGA

May 2000

700

100

7x

SL454

SL453

cB0

0683

256KB

700

80

1.65

18.3

0.18

28.1M

SECC2

May 2000

700

100

7x

SL45Y

SL3XX

cB0

0683

256KB

700

80

1.65

18.3

0.18

28.1M

FCPGA

May 2000

733

133

5.5x

SL3SZ

SL3SB

cA2

0681

256KB

733

80

1.65

19.1

0.18

28.1M

SECC2

May 2000

733

133

5.5x

SL3T4

SL3VM

cA2

0681

256KB

733

80

1.65

19.1

0.18

28.1M

FCPGA

May 2000

733

133

5.5x

SL455

SL3XN

cB0

0683

256KB

733

80

1.65

19.1

0.18

28.1M

SECC2

May 2000

733

133

5.5x

SL45Z

SL3XY

cB0

0683

256KB

733

80

1.65

19.1

0.18

28.1M

FCPGA

May 2000

750

100

7.5x

SL3V6

SL3WC

cA2

0681

256KB

750

80

1.65

19.5

0.18

28.1M

SECC2

Dec. 1999

750

100

7.5x

SL3VC

SL3VN

cA2

0681

256KB

750

80

1.65

19.5

0.18

28.1M

FCPGA

Dec. 1999

750

100

7.5x

SL456

SL3XP

cB0

0683

256KB

750

80

1.65

19.5

0.18

28.1M

SECC2

Dec. 1999

750

100

7.5x

SL462

SL3XZ

cB0

0683

256KB

750

80

1.65

19.5

0.18

28.1M

FCPGA

Dec. 1999

800

100

8x

SL457

SL3XR

cB0

0683

256KB

800

80

1.65

20.8

0.18

28.1M

SECC2

Dec. 1999

800

100

8x

SL463

SL3Y3

cB0

0683

256KB

800

80

1.65

20.8

0.18

28.1M

FCPGA

Dec. 1999

800EB

133

6x

SL458

SL3XQ

cB0

0683

256KB

800

80

1.65

20.8

0.18

28.1M

SECC2

Dec. 1999

800EB

133

6x

SL464

SL3Y2

cB0

0683

256KB

800

80

1.65

20.8

0.18

28.1M

FCPGA

Dec. 1999

850

100

8.5x

SL47M

SL43F

cB0

0683

256KB

850

80

1.65

22.5

0.18

28.1M

SECC2

Mar. 2000

850

100

8.5x

SL49G

SL43H

cB0

0683

256KB

850

80

1.65

22.5

0.18

28.1M

FCPGA

Mar. 2000

866

133

6.5x

SL47N

SL43G

cB0

0683

256KB

866

80

1.65

22.9

0.18

28.1M

SECC2

Mar. 2000

866

133

6.5x

SL49H

SL43J

cB0

0683

256KB

866

80

1.65

22.5

0.18

28.1M

FCPGA

Mar. 2000

933

133

7x

SL47Q

SL448

cB0

0683

256KB

933

75

1.65

25.5

0.18

28.1M

SECC2

May 2000

933

133

7x

SL49J

SL44J

cB0

0683

256KB

933

75

1.65

24.5

0.18

28.1M

FCPGA

May 2000

1000

133

7.5x

n/a

SL48S

cB0

0683

256KB

1000

60

1.70

33.0

0.18

28.1M

SECC2

Mar. 2000


SECC = Single Edge Contact Cartridge ECC = Error Correcting Code

SECC2 = Single Edge Contact Cartridge revision 2 1. This is a boxed processor with an attached heat sink

CPUID = The internal ID returned by the CPUID instruction

Besides the larger package, the Xeon processors also include more L2 cache. They are available in three variations, with 512KB, 1MB, or 2MB of L2 cache. This cache is costly; the list price of the 2MB version is about $2,000!

Even more significant than the size of the cache is its speed. All the cache in the Xeon processors run at the full-core speed. This is difficult to do considering that the cache chips are separate chips on the board; up until recently they were not integrated into the processor die. The original Pentium II Xeon processors had 7.5 million transistors in the main processor die, whereas the later Pentium III Xeon came with 9.5 million. When the Pentium III versions with on-die cache were released, the transistor count went up to 28.1 million transistors in the 256KB cache version, 84 million transistors in the 1MB cache version, and a whopping 140 million transistors in the latest 2MB cache version, setting an industry record. The high transistor counts are due to the on-die L2 cache, which is very transistor intensive. The L2 cache in all Xeon processors has a full 64GB RAM address range and supports ECC (Error Correcting Code).

Table 3.37 shows the Xeon processor specifications for each model.

Table 3.37 Intel Pentium II and III Xeon Specifications

Pentium II Xeon:

Speed (MHz)

Bus Speed (MHz)

S-spec

Stepping

CPUID

L2 Cache

Transistors

Process (microns)

400

100

SL2RH

B0

0652

512KB

7.5M

0.25

400

100

SL2NB

B0

0652

1024KB

7.5M

0.25

400

100

SL35N

B1

0653

512KB

7.5M

0.25

400

100

SL34H

B1

0653

512KB

7.5M

0.25

400

100

SL35P

B1

0653

1024KB

7.5M

0.25

400

100

SL34J

B1

0653

1024KB

7.5M

0.25

450

100

SL33T

B1

0653

512KB

7.5M

0.25

450

100

SL354

B1

0653

512KB

7.5M

0.25

450

100

SL36W

B1

0653

512KB

7.5M

0.25

450

100

SL2XJ

B1

0653

512KB

7.5M

0.25

450

100

SL33U

B1

0653

1024KB

7.5M

0.25

450

100

SL2XK

B1

0653

1024KB

7.5M

0.25

450

100

SL33V

B1

0653

2048KB

7.5M

0.25

450

100

SL2XL

B1

0653

2048KB

7.5M

0.25

Pentium III Xeon:

500

100

SL2XU

B0

0672h

512KB

9.5M

0.25

500

100

SL2XV

B0

0672h

1024KB

9.5M

0.25

500

100

SL2XW

B0

0672h

2048KB

9.5M

0.25

500

100

SL3C9

B0

0672h

512KB

9.5M

0.25

500

100

SL3CA

B0

0672h

1024KB

9.5M

0.25

500

100

SL3CB

B0

0672h

2048KB

9.5M

0.25

550

100

SL3FK

C0

0673h

512KB

9.5M

0.25

500

100

SL3D9

C0

0673h

512KB

9.5M

0.25

500

100

SL3DA

C0

0673h

1024KB

9.5M

0.25

500

100

SL3DB

C0

0673h

2048KB

9.5M

0.25

550

100

SL3AJ

C0

0673h

512KB

9.5M

0.25

550

100

SL3CE

C0

0673h

1024KB

9.5M

0.25

550

100

SL3CF

C0

0673h

2048KB

9.5M

0.25

550

100

SL3TW

C0

0673h

1024KB

9.5M

0.25

550

100

SL3Y4

C0

0673h

512KB

9.5M

0.25

550

100

SL3FR

C0

0673h

512KB

9.5M

0.25

500

100

SL385

C0

0673h

512KB

9.5M

0.25

500

100

SL386

C0

0673h

1024KB

9.5M

0.25

500

100

SL387

C0

0673h

2048KB

9.5M

0.25

550

100

SL3LM

C0

0673h

512KB

9.5M

0.25

550

100

SL3LN

C0

0673h

1024KB

9.5M

0.25

550

100

SL3LP

C0

0673h

2048KB

9.5M

0.25

600

133

SL3BJ

A2

0681h

256KB

28.1M

0.18

600

133

SL3BK

A2

0681h

256KB

28.1M

0.18

667

133

SL3BL

A2

0681h

256KB

28.1M

0.18

667

133

SL3DC

A2

0681h

256KB

28.1M

0.18

733

133

SL3SF

A2

0681h

256KB

28.1M

0.18

733

133

SL3SG

A2

0681h

256KB

28.1M

0.18

800

133

SL3V2

A2

0681h

256KB

28.1M

0.18

800

133

SL3V3

A2

0681h

256KB

28.1M

0.18

600

133

SL3SS

A2

0681h

256KB

28.1M

0.18

667

133

SL3ST

A2

0681h

256KB

28.1M

0.18

733

133

SL3SU

A2

0681h

256KB

28.1M

0.18

800

133

SL3VU

A2

0681h

256KB

28.1M

0.18

600

133

SL3WM

B0

0683h

256KB

28.1M

0.18

600

133

SL3WN

B0

0683h

256KB

28.1M

0.18

667

133

SL3WP

B0

0683h

256KB

28.1M

0.18

667

133

SL3WQ

B0

0683h

256KB

28.1M

0.18

733

133

SL3WR

B0

0683h

256KB

28.1M

0.18

733

133

SL3WS

B0

0683h

256KB

28.1M

0.18

800

133

SL3WT

B0

0683h

256KB

28.1M

0.18

800

133

SL3WU

B0

0683h

256KB

28.1M

0.18

866

133

SL3WV

B0

0683h

256KB

28.1M

0.18

866

133

SL3WW

B0

0683h

256KB

28.1M

0.18

933

133

SL3WX

B0

683h

256KB

28.1M

0.18

933

133

SL3WY

B0

683h

256KB

28.1M

0.18

700

100

SL3U4

A0

6A0h

1024KB

84M

0.18

700

100

SL3U5

A0

6A0h

1024KB

84M

0.18

700

100

SL3WZ

A0

6A0h

2048KB

140M

0.18

700

100

SL3X2

A0

6A0h

2048KB

140M

0.18

700

100

SL4GD

A0

6A0h

1024KB

84M

0.18

700

100

SL4GE

A0

6A0h

1024KB

84M

0.18

700

100

SL4GF

A0

6A0h

2048KB

140M

0.18

700

100

SL4GG

A0

6A0h

2048KB

140M

0.18


Note that the Slot 2 Xeon processors do not replace the Slot 1 processors. Xeon processors for Slot 2 are targeted at the mid-range to high-end server and workstation market segments, offering larger, full-speed L2 caches and four-way multiprocessor support. Pentium III processors for Slot 1 will continue to be the processor used in the business and home desktop market segments, and for entry-level servers and workstations (single and dual processor systems).

Pentium III Future

There are several new developments on target for the Pentium III processors. The primary trend seems to be the integration of L2 cache into the processor die, which also means it runs at full-core speed.

There will also be further reductions in the process size used to manufacture the processors. Pentium III processors first used the 0.25 micron Katmai core and later shifted to the 0.18 micron Coppermine core with on-die L2 cache. The future will see the migration to the Willamette core, which is an enhanced Pentium III, along with a migration to a 0.13-micron die with likely a larger integrated L2 cache. The shift to the 0.13 micron process will also include a shift from aluminum interconnects on the chip die to copper interconnects, as well as the use of larger 300mm (12") wafers.

InformIT Promotional Mailings & Special Offers

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Overview


Pearson Education, Inc., 221 River Street, Hoboken, New Jersey 07030, (Pearson) presents this site to provide information about products and services that can be purchased through this site.

This privacy notice provides an overview of our commitment to privacy and describes how we collect, protect, use and share personal information collected through this site. Please note that other Pearson websites and online products and services have their own separate privacy policies.

Collection and Use of Information


To conduct business and deliver products and services, Pearson collects and uses personal information in several ways in connection with this site, including:

Questions and Inquiries

For inquiries and questions, we collect the inquiry or question, together with name, contact details (email address, phone number and mailing address) and any other additional information voluntarily submitted to us through a Contact Us form or an email. We use this information to address the inquiry and respond to the question.

Online Store

For orders and purchases placed through our online store on this site, we collect order details, name, institution name and address (if applicable), email address, phone number, shipping and billing addresses, credit/debit card information, shipping options and any instructions. We use this information to complete transactions, fulfill orders, communicate with individuals placing orders or visiting the online store, and for related purposes.

Surveys

Pearson may offer opportunities to provide feedback or participate in surveys, including surveys evaluating Pearson products, services or sites. Participation is voluntary. Pearson collects information requested in the survey questions and uses the information to evaluate, support, maintain and improve products, services or sites, develop new products and services, conduct educational research and for other purposes specified in the survey.

Contests and Drawings

Occasionally, we may sponsor a contest or drawing. Participation is optional. Pearson collects name, contact information and other information specified on the entry form for the contest or drawing to conduct the contest or drawing. Pearson may collect additional personal information from the winners of a contest or drawing in order to award the prize and for tax reporting purposes, as required by law.

Newsletters

If you have elected to receive email newsletters or promotional mailings and special offers but want to unsubscribe, simply email information@informit.com.

Service Announcements

On rare occasions it is necessary to send out a strictly service related announcement. For instance, if our service is temporarily suspended for maintenance we might send users an email. Generally, users may not opt-out of these communications, though they can deactivate their account information. However, these communications are not promotional in nature.

Customer Service

We communicate with users on a regular basis to provide requested services and in regard to issues relating to their account we reply via email or phone in accordance with the users' wishes when a user submits their information through our Contact Us form.

Other Collection and Use of Information


Application and System Logs

Pearson automatically collects log data to help ensure the delivery, availability and security of this site. Log data may include technical information about how a user or visitor connected to this site, such as browser type, type of computer/device, operating system, internet service provider and IP address. We use this information for support purposes and to monitor the health of the site, identify problems, improve service, detect unauthorized access and fraudulent activity, prevent and respond to security incidents and appropriately scale computing resources.

Web Analytics

Pearson may use third party web trend analytical services, including Google Analytics, to collect visitor information, such as IP addresses, browser types, referring pages, pages visited and time spent on a particular site. While these analytical services collect and report information on an anonymous basis, they may use cookies to gather web trend information. The information gathered may enable Pearson (but not the third party web trend services) to link information with application and system log data. Pearson uses this information for system administration and to identify problems, improve service, detect unauthorized access and fraudulent activity, prevent and respond to security incidents, appropriately scale computing resources and otherwise support and deliver this site and its services.

Cookies and Related Technologies

This site uses cookies and similar technologies to personalize content, measure traffic patterns, control security, track use and access of information on this site, and provide interest-based messages and advertising. Users can manage and block the use of cookies through their browser. Disabling or blocking certain cookies may limit the functionality of this site.

Do Not Track

This site currently does not respond to Do Not Track signals.

Security


Pearson uses appropriate physical, administrative and technical security measures to protect personal information from unauthorized access, use and disclosure.

Children


This site is not directed to children under the age of 13.

Marketing


Pearson may send or direct marketing communications to users, provided that

  • Pearson will not use personal information collected or processed as a K-12 school service provider for the purpose of directed or targeted advertising.
  • Such marketing is consistent with applicable law and Pearson's legal obligations.
  • Pearson will not knowingly direct or send marketing communications to an individual who has expressed a preference not to receive marketing.
  • Where required by applicable law, express or implied consent to marketing exists and has not been withdrawn.

Pearson may provide personal information to a third party service provider on a restricted basis to provide marketing solely on behalf of Pearson or an affiliate or customer for whom Pearson is a service provider. Marketing preferences may be changed at any time.

Correcting/Updating Personal Information


If a user's personally identifiable information changes (such as your postal address or email address), we provide a way to correct or update that user's personal data provided to us. This can be done on the Account page. If a user no longer desires our service and desires to delete his or her account, please contact us at customer-service@informit.com and we will process the deletion of a user's account.

Choice/Opt-out


Users can always make an informed choice as to whether they should proceed with certain services offered by InformIT. If you choose to remove yourself from our mailing list(s) simply visit the following page and uncheck any communication you no longer want to receive: www.informit.com/u.aspx.

Sale of Personal Information


Pearson does not rent or sell personal information in exchange for any payment of money.

While Pearson does not sell personal information, as defined in Nevada law, Nevada residents may email a request for no sale of their personal information to NevadaDesignatedRequest@pearson.com.

Supplemental Privacy Statement for California Residents


California residents should read our Supplemental privacy statement for California residents in conjunction with this Privacy Notice. The Supplemental privacy statement for California residents explains Pearson's commitment to comply with California law and applies to personal information of California residents collected in connection with this site and the Services.

Sharing and Disclosure


Pearson may disclose personal information, as follows:

  • As required by law.
  • With the consent of the individual (or their parent, if the individual is a minor)
  • In response to a subpoena, court order or legal process, to the extent permitted or required by law
  • To protect the security and safety of individuals, data, assets and systems, consistent with applicable law
  • In connection the sale, joint venture or other transfer of some or all of its company or assets, subject to the provisions of this Privacy Notice
  • To investigate or address actual or suspected fraud or other illegal activities
  • To exercise its legal rights, including enforcement of the Terms of Use for this site or another contract
  • To affiliated Pearson companies and other companies and organizations who perform work for Pearson and are obligated to protect the privacy of personal information consistent with this Privacy Notice
  • To a school, organization, company or government agency, where Pearson collects or processes the personal information in a school setting or on behalf of such organization, company or government agency.

Links


This web site contains links to other sites. Please be aware that we are not responsible for the privacy practices of such other sites. We encourage our users to be aware when they leave our site and to read the privacy statements of each and every web site that collects Personal Information. This privacy statement applies solely to information collected by this web site.

Requests and Contact


Please contact us about this Privacy Notice or if you have any requests or questions relating to the privacy of your personal information.

Changes to this Privacy Notice


We may revise this Privacy Notice through an updated posting. We will identify the effective date of the revision in the posting. Often, updates are made to provide greater clarity or to comply with changes in regulatory requirements. If the updates involve material changes to the collection, protection, use or disclosure of Personal Information, Pearson will provide notice of the change through a conspicuous notice on this site or other appropriate way. Continued use of the site after the effective date of a posted revision evidences acceptance. Please contact us if you have questions or concerns about the Privacy Notice or any objection to any revisions.

Last Update: November 17, 2020