Monday, February 07, 2000

The Intel Coppermine FC-PGA Processors

Before to begin the analysis of the KW15, I want to take a few moments to talk about the new Intel Pentium Coppermine FC-PGA. While descended from the Pentium III line of microprocessors, the Coppermine FC-PGA - also known as the Pentium III E - differs from its predecessor principally in its addition of an on-die L2 cache - or if you prefer, within the processor itself; this contrary to the Pentium III, which has its L2 cache on the circuit board. This new manufacturing process was rendered possible due to Intel's switchover to a 0.18 micron manufacturing process; compared to the 0.25 microns manufacturing process used for the Pentium III. As far as copper is concerned, the Intel Coppermione 500E FC-PGAS doesn't use any copper in its inner circuitry. The mass production of copper processors has been voluntary retarded by Intel until they reach 0,13 microns manufacturing process later this year.

As Intel can now fit more components into the processor die itself, there remains little reason for them to continue support for Slot 1 connectors, and their respective processor cartridges. It's also been possible for Intel to save money in two ways and return a part of this cost drop to the end users: By cutting the need for 3rd party cache memory products - since the L2 cache is now produced on-chip, and by dropping support for Slot 1, in favor of the less expensive Socket 370.

Electronically speaking, asides from the integrated L2 cache, the FC-PGA processors have only minor differences with the Pentium III. One of these fundamental difference between the Pentium III, and FC-PGA processors, still remains to be mentioned. That is, not only is the L2 cache located within the processor, but it is no longer relegated to half the speed of the processor core. Rather it runs at an equal footing, allowing for a great boost in performance. What's more, the L2 cache of the Coppermine FC-PGA is not only 256KB in size, but it is also 256-bits wide - wish gives 4 times the bandwidth of the Pentium III. The Coppermine's L2 cache also happens to have a 25% lower latency than its predecessor, and benefits from the "Advanced System Buffering" technology, thus allowing for another increase in memory performance.

In fact, the 500E (500Mhz, with a 100Mhz FSB), and the 550E (550Mhz, with a 100Mhz FSB) are the only two processors of this family currently available at the time of this writing, but Intel has announced an entire series of future speed grades, including: 533, 600, 650, 667, 700 and 733, with certain among them supporting a Front Side system bus of 133Mhz.

One final note, is to remember that the Coppermine 500E FC-PGA is different than the Coppermine Slot 1 in terms of voltage. The FC-PGA draws 1.6 volts, while the Pentium III Coppermine requires 1.65 volts. As well, it must be noted that not all Socket 370 motherboards support FC-PGA, as the Intel 440BX, and 440VX chipsets were designed well before the development of this new processor, and are therefore not compatible. It's necessary, then, to make use of a board that uses the Intel i810, i810E, or i820 chipset, have a BIOS that is updated for the Coppermine, and finally, have a board with the proper Socket 370 contacts - including those that were not previously used before the Coppermine. The board must also be able to supply voltage at the required 1.6 Volts, and that supports the VRM 8.4 standard. While the first few requirements are met by the majority of motherboards, you'll find that it is only the most recent that are VRM 8.4 compatible, and sport an i810E chipset. One note to mention, is that the Pentium III E Coppermine, which mounts in a Slot 1, does not have to be VRM 8.4 compatible, and is therefore usable with all existing Slot 1 boards.

As concerns Socket 370 to Slot 1 adaptors, it must not be forgotten that not a single Slot 1 motherboard is actually compatible with the VRM 8.4 standards. Thus, for all intents, it's not simply by slapping in a Socket 370-to-Slot 1 adaptor that you'll be able to use FC-PGA processors... In order to make use of an adaptor for this purpose, it is required that the adaptor in question possess an integrated VRM that meets the required standard or to use a motherboard recognized to be compliant with VRM 8.4. Hopefully, you now know the right questions to pose to your dealer, if you're intending to purchase a board that is 100% compatible with Intel Coppermine FC-PGA processors, or in buying a Socket 370-to-slot 1 adaptor.

Next: The Fic KW15 mainboard.

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