Intel Introduces New Chipset for Intel Pentium III Processor-based Performance PCs; Intel 820E Chipset Features New I/O Controller Hub with Enhanced I/O Integration for Flexibility - Product Announcement

Edge: Work-Group Computing Report, June 12, 2000

Intel Corporation Monday introduced a new chipset for Intel Pentium III processor-based PCs targeted at the performance desktop market segment.

The Intel 820E Chipset features a new I/O Controller Hub (ICH2) for greater system performance and flexibility. The Intel 820E Chipset uses the same RDRAM Memory Controller Hub (MCH) found on the original Intel 820 Chipset introduced in November, and the ICH2 provides an additional Universal Serial Bus controller, a Local Area Network (LAN) Connect Interface, dual Ultra ATA/100 controllers and up to six-channel audio capabilities.

"With its enhanced I/O capabilities, the Intel 820E Chipset provides greater system flexibility to computer manufacturers and integrators," said Louis Burns, vice president and general manager of Intel's Desktop Platforms Group. "And like the Intel 820 Chipset, the Intel 820E Chipset is designed to take advantage of the power in the fastest Intel Pentium III processors, providing the highest performance in video, graphics and multimedia both on and off the Internet." The ICH2: Added Performance and Flexibility

With two USB controllers, the ICH2 offers 24 Mbps of bandwidth across four ports, supporting Intel's push for Ease of Use of the PC. Feature integration also includes dual Ultra ATA/100 controllers to support the fastest integrated device electronics (IDE) transfer rates available and added performance using Intel's storage driver. To meet the needs for e-home use, the ICH2 has an enhanced AC'97 interface supporting full surround-sound for Dolby(a) Digital audio found on DVD and simultaneously supports a soft modem connection. To meet the networking needs for e-home or e-Business, the ICH2 has a LAN Connect Interface (LCI) supporting multiple network connectivity solutions. Integrated LAN Functionality: The Next Generation in Low Cost Networking

By integrating the Intel PRO/100 Fast Ethernet controller directly into the chipset, Intel makes it easier for computer manufacturers and system integrators to implement cost-effective network connections in a range of desktop systems. The controller works with one of three new physical layer components from Intel and enables three distinct solutions for computer manufacturers. These solutions include: managed 10/100Mbps Ethernet with Alert on LAN(a) technology for business environments; basic 10/100Mbps connectivity for the value segment; and 1 Mbps home networking connectivity. These physical layer components can be placed directly on the PC motherboard or used on a new type of network adapter card such as the Intel PRO/100 VE Desktop Adapter, which is based on the Communications and Networking Riser (CNR) specification. The CNR card allows computer manufacturers to configure network-ready solutions for several different market segments.

The new components are a part of Intel's PRO/100 family of network connectivity solutions, which include mobile, desktop and server network adapter cards and LAN-on-motherboard products. All of Intel's PRO/100 Network Connections are based on a common architecture and use the Intel SingleDriver technology, allowing IT managers to use a single software driver for all their networked PCs and servers.

The Intel 820E Chipset is currently available to customers and priced at $35 each in 1,000-unit quantities.

Intel, the world's largest chip maker, is also a leading manufacturer of computer, networking and communications products. Additional information about Intel is available at www.intel.com.