Intel unveils higher-speed Pentium

Electronic News, June 10, 1996 by Jim DeTar

Santa Clara, Calif.--Intel last week boosted the top-end clock speed of the Pentium line of microprocessors by 20 percent with the introduction of a 200MHz version Pentium--thereby setting a new operating frequency benchmark for x86 architecture microprocessors.

The announcement follows on the heels of the recent introduction by Cyrix and its manufacturing partner, IBM, of the 6x86 P200 , a 150MHz Pentium competitor. Cyrix claims the P200 rivals the Pentium-200 in certain performance benchmarks.

Intel said it expects this 200MHz Pentium introduction to set the stage for 133- and 120MHz Pentiums to become the entry point for x86 systems later this year, while 150MHz and 166MHz Pentiums move into the mainstream.

The 200MHz version Pentium will initially be manufactured on a 0.35-micron process. The device is available for shipment immediately and, in 1,000-unit quantities, is priced at $599 each.

In terms of performance, Intel rates the Pentium-200 at 142 on its internally-developed iCOMP Index. Intel used version 2.0--a new version of the Intel benchmark that becomes effective simultaneously with the introduction of the 200MHz Pentium. In comparison, the 166MHz Pentium is rated at 127 and the 120MHz Pentium at 100 on the iCOMP index. On the more widely recognized Spec benchmarks, the 200MHz Pentium is rated at 5.47 SpecInt95 (integer) and 3.68 SpecFP95 (floating point).

Along with the expected announcement of a 200MHz Pentium (EN, June 3), Intel also identified a list of Pentium-200 customers, including Acer, ALR, AST, Compaq Computer, Corollary, Dell Computer, Digital Equipment, Gateway 2000, Hewlett-Packard, IBM, Micron Computer, NEC and Packard Bell. In an interview, Frank Spindler, Pentium processor marketing manager, said that every major PC OEM is planning to offer systems with the 200MHz version.

One of distinctive feature of the 200MHz Pentium is the use of a new package for Intel--the plastic pin grid array (PPGA) which Intel is hoping will enable better thermal conduction and spreading of heat. Although the company has used various techniques to keep Pentium heat down in recent years, at introduction the device was faulted for running hot. Mounted on the PPGA package is a copper/nickel heat slug that dissipates heat on-chip.

"The plastic pin grid array is not a new package but it is new to high-volume microprocessor production. We will use it on some of our 166MHz Pentiums and on all 200MHz Pentiums," Mr. Spindler said. The use of the PPGA package with attached heat slug does not, however, preclude the need for a heat sink mounted on back of the Pentium, Mr. Spindler noted.

Intel's rollout of a higher-speed version Pentium means there will be some overlap in speed grades between the Pentium and its more powerful sibling--the Pentium Pro. Intel's Mr. Spindler said, however, that the processors are still targeting distinct markets--with the Pentium aiming for the mainstream desktop PC and portable systems markets, while the Pentium Pro takes aim at the workstation, scientific systems and high-end PC markets.

In addition, some analysts said the PC market seems to be struggling right now--a factor which may impact MPU sales. When asked specifically what Intel foresees for the PC market, Mr. Spindler replied "We are comfortable with the 15-20 percent growth range for PC unit growth that analysts are predicting."

Mike Griffith, senior market analyst for micrologic at market research firm In-Stat, said that Cyrix has caught Intel's attention. "Cyrix has decided to become slightly more aggressive in marketing strategies. In the past it has kept a low profile but, for example, they are now they are branding their own PCs. In light of that, it has caught Intel's attention."

Mr. Griffith noted, however, that facing off against Intel--which is estimated to have more than 70 percent of the x86 MPU market--can be dangerous.

"If you go into a tiger's cage, you will do okay if you are satisfied with scraps on the edge but you run the risk of getting mauled if you try and take the meat from the tiger. I think Cyrix has decided to take on the tiger," Mr. Griffith said.

Noting that at this point Cyrix is the only company shipping alternative devices to Intel's high-end x86 lines, Mr. Griffith added "I think this will be a critical year to the industry to see if alternative suppliers emerge. After 1995, Intel is even stronger than they were." Steve Tobak, Cyrix VP of corporate marketing, said: "It basically comes down to two issues. Number one is that Cyrix has introduced a new high-performance product in advance of Intel. Regardless of who beat who by one week, we are in lock step with them, keeping pace with them. That's a new paradigm." Mr. Tobak said Cyrix also believes that Intel will not make its next-generation, multimedia-capable microprocessors compatible with existing processors.

"The second issue is the difference in the roadmaps between the two companies. With respect to the changing software environment, Pentium is a dead-end platform. In 1997, Intel will introduce the Klamath that will have support for multimedia. I don't think there will be any way for users to upgrade. Cyrix is enabling users to upgrade, to buy a 6x86 200 and down the road have upgradability to MMX via the M2 chip which (will be) plug compatible with the 6x86. "