zippyjuan

Intel Quietly Starts to Offer 64-bit Pentium 4 Processors

Intel Prescott Chips See 64-bit Update
by Anton Shilov
08/03/2004 | 11:47 PM

Intel Corp., the world’s largest producer of computer chips, Monday started to offer its clients Intel Pentium 4 processor with 64-bit extension technology known as EM64T.

Intel Gets 64-bit Desktop Parts

As expected, the new 64-bit capable product line contains Pentium 4 at 3.20GHz, 3.40GHz and 3.60GHz priced at $278, $417 and $637 respectively. The costs of the Pentium 4 chips with Extended Memory 64 Technology will equals to processors with no such capability at the same core-clock. To distinguish between chips with and without EM64T, Intel names the 64-bit capable chips as 3.20F, 3.40F and 3.60F.

Sources close to the company said that that the company would slash the pricing of its 3.40GHz and 3.60GHz chips to $278 and $417 on August 22, 2004.

The new chips are aimed at OEMs and compatible with i925X core-logic set. Additionally, the new 64-bit processors are packed into FCLGA775 packaging, not LGA775 packaging as ordinary Intel Pentium 4 processors.

64-bit Not for Everyone?

Earlier this year Intel unveiled its Extended Memory 64 Technology also known under 64-bit Extension Technology or IA32e that let Intel’s Prescott, Nocona and Potomac processors to execute specially-written 64-bit code while maintaining absolute compatibility with today’s 32-bit applications. Nocona is code-name for Intel’s upcoming Xeon processors for 2-way servers and workstations launching in Q2 2004; Potomac is the name of the core that enables next-generation Xeon MP chips unveiling in the Q1 2005; Prescott is the core that powers current Pentium 4 E processors and will power special chips for uni-processor servers and workstations with 64-bit capability. Previously it was believed that all Prescott processors in LGA775 packaging, such as Intel Pentium 4 E, would sport EM64T, but Intel denied such claim.

Intel said it would ship Prescott processors with 64-bit capability for 1P applications only to system integrators requesting such microprocessors for their servers and workstations. Although all Prescott CPUs, including Intel Pentium 4 and Celeron, are 64-bit from micro-architectural standpoint, processors supplying for retail channels as well as for typical desktops will have their 64-bit capability disabled. However, some sources doubt that it will be absolutely impossible for end-users and hardware enthusiasts to get Intel’s 64-bit Pentium 4 chips. They suggest that there will be some of such microprocessors supplied as OEM parts and reaching the channel.

Leading workstation makers, such as HP, already offer PCs with Intel's 64-bit Pentium 4 chips installed with Linux operating system installed.

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bachviet

So Intel is still behind AMD in providing end-users 64-bit processors.

Plus the Prescott runs pretty hot so I don't know if Intel has changed anything to make it run cooler.

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zippyjuan

But they are ahead on PCI Express.

Jeffbx

Intel's 64 bit chips are pretty much limited to Linux today...

http://www.xbitlabs.com/news/other/d...707102432.html

http://www.infoworld.com/article/04/...snocona_1.html

bachviet

That's why Intel only sells these processors to enterprises who need to run Linux as their servers.

Jeffbx

Well, they'll sell them to anyone, but today they're limited to running Linux. Most likely the reason for this is that the AMD64 was the only chip available for MS to develop on, so everything is written for that architecture.

I'm sure MS will support the Intel chip, but it may not be until Windows 64 is finished & publicly released for sale.

revil

I'm glad I run linux as my main operating system.