Intel Press Release

Intel's Pentium® Pro Processor, Now With One Megabyte Of L2 Cache

Improved Performance and Scalability for High-end Server Computing Solutions

SANTA CLARA, Calif. – Aug. 18, 1997 -- Intel Corporation today announced the Pentium® Pro processor with one megabyte of integrated Level 2 cache. Increasing the L2 cache to one MB provides performance boosts over previous versions, making it ideal for OLTP, data warehousing and other database applications. The Pentium Pro processor with one MB of cache operates at 200 MHz and is Intel's highest performance processor for four-way and beyond server systems.

"The Pentium Pro processor with one MB of L2 cache offers the highest performance level for Intel Architecture-based servers running OLTP, data warehousing and other database applications," said John Miner, vice president and general manager, Enterprise Server Group, Intel Corporation. "With the introduction of this new version of the Pentium Pro processor, Intel is enabling server manufacturers to provide computing solutions that demonstrate industry-leading performance at exceptional prices. This continued price/performance advantage highlights the benefits of adopting Intel Architecture-based servers."

The larger L2 cache, coupled with the Pentium Pro processor, improves system scalability and performance. Systems based on this processor offer significant headroom for business computing solutions, as proven by recent benchmarks. A Hewlett Packard NetServer LX Pro system, powered by four of these new processors, was able to break the 10,000 TPC-C barrier with a result of 10,505 tpmC with a price/performance value of $48.72/tpmC. In addition, Unisys Corporation's six-way Aquanta HS/6 achieved 12,026 tpmC @ $39.38/tpmC, a new price/performance record. Application benchmarks also see the improved scalability. Sequent Computer Systems NUMA-Q 2000 demonstrated a Baan benchmark result of 5400 reference users in a 24-processor configuration. Compaq Computer Corporation's four-way ProLiant 7000 achieved a new four-way server record of 1011 SD benchmark users on SAP R/3. These results illustrate the continued evolution of the Intel architecture to meet the growing performance needs of business-critical computing.

The Pentium Pro processor with one MB offers proven performance and added functionality for continued leadership in high-end server solutions. Product features include:

  • One megabyte L2 cache operating at full 200 MHz CPU core speed
  • Meets existing Pentium Pro processor electrical and timing specifications
  • Scaleable up to four processors and beyond in a multiprocessor server system
  • Socket 8 compatible pinout

The Pentium Pro processor family, with one MB and 512 KB caches targeted for multiprocessing servers, offers Intel's highest performance for enterprise server systems. Each processor comes in a multicavity package that tightly couples the Pentium Pro chip and the Level 2 cache chip. Based on Intel's advanced 0.35 micron BiCMOS process, the Pentium Pro processor family includes advanced data integrity, reliability and serviceability features for mission-critical applications. The Pentium Pro processor with one MB of L2 cache is now available for $2675 in 1000-unit quantities. Building block products (boards and systems) which support the new processor, are also available now from Intel. Systems based on the Pentium Pro processor with one MB of L2 cache will become available from a wide range of leading server system vendors through the remainder of 1997.

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