Intel Corp. Introduces Higher Performing PCI Chip Set for Pentium Processors; Triton Architecture Unlocks Pentium Processor Power Necessary for Multitude of Applications

Business Wire, Jan 31, 1995

FOLSOM, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 31, 1995--Intel Tuesday introduced the newest family member in its PCI chip set line, a third-generation Pentium processor chip set that runs Windows applications benchmarks up to 30 percent faster than its predecessor and other chip set products currently on the market.

The 82430FX, also called "Triton," is a four-component chip set that delivers high performance and several industry "firsts" -- PCI bus mastering IDE, a plug-n-play port for ISA peripherals and 100 MB/sec PCI data streaming -- which are needed to bring new levels of performance to multimedia, video conferencing and other PC applications.

"Coupled with the 75-, 90- or 100-MHz and future Pentium processors, the Triton PCIset forms the performance mainstream for the desktop in 1995," said Intel vice president Ronald J. Smith. "The Triton chip set provides the springboard for today's and future applications that are hungry for system resources."

Triton Architecture

The 82430FX PCIset comprises four components: The Triton System Component (TSC), the Triton Data Path (TDP), and the PCI ISA/IDE Accelerator (PIIX). Two TDPs are used to complete a system.

The TSC, or the "core" of the chip set and the TDP, the path to memory, comprise a host-PCI bridge that provides functions such as a 64-bit host bus interface, a 32-bit PCI interface, a 64-bit main memory interface, a write-back second-level cache interface, a host and PCI address decoder, and a PCI bus arbiter.

The PIIX multi-function component provides the bridge between the PCI bus and the ISA expansion bus and also serves as the PCI Bus Master IDE controller. It integrates functions found in ISA-based PC systems with a fast local-bus interface and a motherboard plug-n-play port for such devices as a Sound Blaster compatible chip set.

New, Faster Memory Technologies

Memory support ranges from four to 128 MB of main memory that can comprise either 3.3-V or 5-V DRAMS. Enhanced Data Out/Hyper Page Mode (EDO) and Page Mode DRAMS are supported. An end user can plug either Page Mode or EDO DRAMs in and have the TSC work with the BIOS to determine and program the correct DRAM type. Triton also supports 256 KB or 512 KB of write-back level two cache using either pipelined burst, burst or standard SRAMs.

Support for NSP

The Triton chip set enables Native Signal Processing (NSP). NSP is a cost effective way to run PC applications which demand more system resources for multimedia signal processing. Capabilities such as simultaneous voice and data (SVD), telephony (answering machine/speaker phone), wavetable MIDI audio and speech recognition require sufficient MIPS as well as a real-time environment for this type of processing.

The Triton capability to support a PCI to DRAM data stream of over 100 MB/sec meets the requirements for NSP and achieves the performance levels needed for the future desktop environment.

"The Triton chip set enables higher functionality while at the same time provides a top-to-bottom platform solution to OEMs," said Smith, who has responsibility for Intel's PCI Components Division. "It has the features and high performance to enable faster, better and cheaper platforms with multimedia capabilities."

Other Features

Triton supports the next generation Bus Master IDE interface. This feature cuts system overhead on CPU consumption and enhances system performance. CPU utilization is reduced from 20 percent to less than one percent using Bus Master IDE -- a feature important in multimedia applications or working with multi-tasking operating systems like Windows95.

"New technologies like faster memory and Bus Master IDE that are part of the Triton chip set enhance the Pentium processor platform," said Smith.

Intel PCIset Advantage

Intel's PCI Components Division is responsible for the robust advanced architecture embodied in Triton. Intel has invested heavily in developing and designing versatile PCIsets in addition to promoting PCI standards through the Intel Architecture Labs. Intel also takes broad measures to assure an adequate supply of its PCIsets by investing in its own fabrication, assembly, testing and finishing capacity.

In addition, Intel performs extensive pre-silicon simulation and post-silicon validation as a part of its PCIset testing and has increased its own internal capacity to meet future demands for its chip sets.

Samples and Availability

Samples of the 82430FX PCIset -- Triton -- are available now with production quantities slated for February 1995. In 10,000-unit quantities, the Triton chip set costs $41.95 (U.S.). For pricing and availability outside the United States, contact the Intel sales office in that region. For additional information about Intel's PCIsets, call a local sales office of the Literature Center at 800/548-4725 (in the U.S. and Canada).

Intel, the world's largest chip maker, is also a leading manufacturer of personal computer, networking and communications products. -0-

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