Intel backfills Pentium with MMX line to 133MHz

Electronic News, May 19, 1997 by Jim DeTar

The Tillamook processors, which will be Intel's first Pentiums with MMX to be manufactured at the 0.25-micron process technology level, will initially be offered at the 200MHz and 233MHz levels. The Tillamook chips will run at a sub-two volt internal (core) voltage and an external (I/O) voltage of 2.5V. As previously reported (EN, April 21), Intel plans to introduce the Tillamook processors in 2H97.

Electronic News has also learned that the company plans to roll out mobile versions of the Pentium II family in 1H98. In addition, Intel will provide its AGP (accelerated graphics port) technology to notebook computers in 2H98. Those devices will require a third connector on the card, Intel sources said.

Charlie Carey, mobile product launch manager, commented in an interview on the planned Tillamook line that: "These devices will use the mobile module we introduced in February (EN, Feb. 10)."

Meanwhile, Intel today will also launch a 133MHz version of the Pentium processor with MMX, thereby broadening its reach into the lower end of the PC price range in a bid to attract first time and value-conscious users that want multimedia-enabled systems. The 133MHz Pentium processor with MMX technology is available now, priced at $284 each in quantities of 1,000 units.

The 133MHz Pentium processor with MMX technology expands the company's line of mobile products, which includes the previously-introduced 166MHz and 150MHz Pentium processors with MMX, targeted at the high-end, desktop equivalent segment and mid-range notebook markets, respectively.

"Intel's new 133MHz Pentium processor with MMX technology enables value-conscious notebook consumers to take advantage of high-quality graphics, full-motion video and stereo sound while working at home, in the office or on the road," noted Frank Spindler, director of marketing, Intel's Mobile and Handheld Products Group.

Built on Intel's 0.35-micron CMOS process, the 133MHz device features power consumption of 6.2 watts and is claimed to run software not MMX enabled 10 to 20 percent faster than current Pentium processor-based systems. Additionally, the chip posts a 65 percent boost in system performance when compared with an equivalent speed Pentium running on Intel's Media Benchmark, consisting of audio, video, imaging and 3D geometry applications.