Intel Demonstrates "Geyserville" Technology -- Bringing Near Desktop Performance To Mobile PCs

Mobile PCs to Run at Speeds of 600 MHz in 1999

INTEL DEVELOPER FORUM, PALM SPRINGS, Calif., Feb. 24, 1999 – Intel Corporation today demonstrated a revolutionary new mobile processor technology that is expected to close the performance "gap" between mobile PCs and their historically higher performance desktop counterparts. The demonstration illustrated an Intel dual-mode mobile processor technology, code-named "Geyserville," that allows a mobile PC user to operate at a higher frequency when plugged into a wall outlet and automatically switch to a lower power and frequency when running on battery, conserving battery life.

Robert Jecmen, vice president, Intel Architecture Business Group, and general manager, Mobile/Handheld Products Group, demonstrated Intel's Geyserville technology during a keynote address on the second day of the Intel Developer Forum. Jecmen also cited several other key technology advancements that will enable Intel processor-based mobile PCs to run at speeds of 600 MHz or greater by the end of 1999. These advancements include the forthcoming Pentium® III processor for mobile PCs and future mobile processors manufactured on the advanced 0.18 micron process which will deliver greater performance and consume less power.

"The performance capabilities of future Intel mobile Pentium III processors enabled with Geyserville technology, combined with the power and performance benefits of the 0.18 micron manufacturing process, will mark the beginning of a new era in mobile computing," said Jecmen. "Delivering increasingly more performance is one of the key factors that will fuel the continued growth of the mobile PC market segment."

Jecmen also highlighted that Intel's first products manufactured on 0.18 micron process technology will be mobile Pentium II processors at frequencies up to 433 MHz, which are expected in mid 1999. By transitioning to a next generation manufacturing process technology, transistors get smaller, faster and consume less power — enabling higher performance, more power efficient processors that are ideally suited for mobile PCs.

Geyserville Technology
Jecmen emphasized Intel's Geyserville technology offers mobile users two performance modes: Maximum Performance mode and Battery Optimized mode. Maximum Performance mode takes advantage of the additional power provided by an AC power source to provide a new level of mobile PC performance, while Battery Optimized mode provides optimal performance while running on battery. Intel's Geyserville technology enables this dual-mode capability by automatically changing the processor voltage and frequency when a user switches from AC or battery power. By reducing the voltage and frequency, power consumption will drop significantly with a relatively minor reduction in processor speed, allowing for robust performance without sacrificing battery life. The Intel Geyserville technology demonstration featured a Pentium II processor-based mobile PC operating at 500 MHz in Maximum Performance mode and 400 MHz in Battery Optimized mode. When introduced, Intel Pentium III processor-based mobile PCs enabled with Geyserville technology, are expected to operate at 600 MHz or higher in Maximum Performance mode.

Enabling Value Mobile PCs with Low Cost Building Blocks
Jecmen also focused on several key building block technologies that are enabling the industry to deliver mini-notebooks and low-cost systems for the value mobile PC market segment. Intel's 1999 focus on enabling value mobile PCs (priced under $1500) began with the introduction of the first mobile Intel® Celeron® processor, and continues with the forthcoming highly integrated Intel 440MX chipset which will be available in the first half of this year.

The Intel 440MX is a low-cost chipset solution that integrates both the north- and south-bridge portions of the existing 440BX chipset into a single component. The 440MX and its AC'97 link, used in conjunction with Intel's Mobile Daughter Card Specification 1.0, provides a low-cost, low-power software-based audio/modem solution that is ideally suited for Value and mini-notebook PCs where cost and form factor are paramount.

"The value mobile PC market segment represents a significant opportunity for the industry to extend the benefits of mobile computing to new users," said Jecmen. "The 440MX chipset will allow mobile PC manufacturers to reduce component costs and the number of components, ultimately resulting in lower cost mobile PCs and mini-notebook platforms." For more information about Intel's mobile products and technologies, visit www.intel.com/mobile/.

About the Intel Developers Forum
The Intel Developer Forum is a three-day intensive semiannual forum providing hardware OEMs and IHVs in-depth information on Intel technologies and initiatives. More information on the Intel Developer Forum can be found at developer.intel.com/design/idf. Updated information between Intel Developer Forums is available by subscribing to the Intel Developer Update Magazine at www.intel.com/update/.

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