Intel Technology In New Mobile Pentium® III Processors Turbo-Charges Mobile PCs

New Intel® SpeedStep™ Technology Gives Users Highest Performance of Any Notebook - Systems Offer Internet, E-Business Capabilities Any Time, Anywhere

SANTA CLARA, Calif., Jan. 18, 2000 -- Intel Corporation today introduced mobile Pentium® III processors featuring Intel® SpeedStep™ technology at 650 and 600 MHz. These CPUs will allow notebook computers to function at desktop-class speeds, while delivering great performance whether plugged in at the office or operating in battery mode while on the go. These new processors improve on Intel's industry-leading power management features and packaging technology, and allow notebook manufacturers to incorporate 650 MHz of performance into a range of notebook designs, including "thin and light" as well as full-size mobile PCs.

Mobile Pentium III processors featuring Intel SpeedStep technology have the capability of operating in two different modes: Maximum Performance Mode and Battery Optimized Mode. The system by default automatically chooses which mode to run in, depending on whether the computer is running on batteries or is plugged into AC power.

"In the last three months, the mobile PC performance landscape has been completely reshaped," said Robert Jecmen, vice president and general manager of Intel's Mobile Computing Group. "With the October introduction of the mobile Pentium III processors at 500 MHz, and now boosting that to 650 MHz with Intel SpeedStep technology, we have nearly doubled the performance of mobile PC's. The performance vs. mobility compromise is now obsolete."

Intel also announced the availability of a low-power mobile Pentium III processor running at 500 MHz (fixed frequency) designed especially for the strict demands of even the smallest, lightest "mini-notebooks." All these processors are now available in mobile PCs from leading computer manufacturers.

Intel SpeedStep Technology: Maximum Performance
According to a December 1999 report from market research firm IDC, 80 percent of mobile users think their CPU speed is insufficient. Mobile Pentium III processors featuring Intel SpeedStep technology deliver the turbo-boost these mobile users want.

Mobile Pentium III processors featuring Intel SpeedStep technology can dynamically switch frequency and voltage depending on whether the computer is running on batteries or is plugged into AC power. When running in Battery Optimized Mode, the processors run at a fast 500 MHz and 1.35 volts, significantly lowering CPU power consumption. When a user plugs into an AC outlet, the notebook can automatically switch to Maximum Performance Mode, increasing the voltage to 1.6 volts and the speed to either 650 or 600 MHz (depending on the processor). These transitions happen in only 1/2000^th of a second-so fast they are completely transparent to users, even if they occur in the middle of performance intensive applications such as; running performance-intensive applications such as playing a DVD movie. Users also have the freedom to select the Maximum Performance Mode even while running on batteries. Making that switch is as easy as clicking an icon at the bottom of the screen, with no reboot required.

Intel developed both the hardware and software components to make this technology work seamlessly, including the system BIOS, end user interface software, switch control ASIC and support in the chipset.

Intel SpeedStep technology is supported under all major PC operating systems, including Windows* 98, Windows* 95, Windows* NT 4.0, and the upcoming Windows* 2000. No change to operating systems or software applications is needed in order to take advantage of Intel SpeedStep technology.

Performance and Mobility
Mobile PCs based on the new mobile Pentium III processors are ideal for conveniently accessing the Internet or conducting e-business, anywhere, any time. These notebooks can offer desktop-class performance, and often feature large screens and huge hard drives, DVD drives and AGP 3-D graphics, as well as USB connectors for easy connection to external peripherals. Some systems also have IEEE 1394 (FireWire) capabilities and can be configured with recordable CD drives-features usually associated with high-performance desktop PCs.

The new mobile Pentium III processors feature a 100 MHz system bus, 256 Kilobyte, full-speed Advanced Transfer Cache, Advanced System Buffering, and Internet Streaming SIMD extensions for high performance. These mobile systems are built with Intel's current mobile chipsets, making them easier for large businesses to integrate into their current computing environment. These notebooks can also be ideally suited to run the newest software, such as Windows* 2000 and the latest software office suites.

More System Choices, Lighter Mobile PCs
According to the IDC report, 82 percent of mobile users think their notebook computers are too heavy. The new mobile Pentium III processors featuring Intel SpeedStep technology are manufactured using Intel's Ball Grid Array (BGA) packaging, making the CPUs about the size of a postage stamp and thinner than a quarter. These processors also implement Intel's QuickStart power management technology that lowers processor power consumption and increases battery life.

"Mobile users want greater processor performance and more choice of notebook designs and features, as well as lighter weight," said Jecmen. "Mobile PCs based on these new mobile Pentium III processors meet all those needs. They will give mobile users desktop-class performance and features without sacrificing portability." A wide selection of Pentium III processor-based notebooks will be available in multiple shapes, sizes and colors, as well as a range of price points.

Processor Specifications and Pricing

Mobile Pentium III processor (with Intel SpeedStep technology) 650 MHz

Maximum Performance Mode: 650 MHz, 1.6 volts, Active Power 9.1 watts, Thermal Design Power typical 14 watts.
Battery Optimized Mode: Runs at 500 MHz, 1.35 volts, Active Power 5.1 watts, Thermal Design Power typical 7.9 watts.

Mobile Pentium III processor (with Intel SpeedStep technology) 600 MHz

Maximum Performance Mode: 600 MHz, 1.6 volts, Active Power 8.5watts, Thermal Design Power typical 13watts.
Battery Optimized Mode: 500 MHz, 1.35 volts, Active Power 5.1 watts, Thermal Design Power typical 7.9 watts

Low-power mobile Pentium III processor 500 MHz (fixed frequency)

Runs at 1.35 volts, Active Power 5.1 watts, Active Power 5.1 watts, Thermal Design Power typical 7.9 watts.

In 1,000 unit quantities, prices for the mobile Pentium III processors at 650 and 600 MHz are $637 and $423, respectively. The low-power mobile Pentium III processor at 500 MHz is $294 in the same quantities. They are all shipping in volume now.

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