Intel's Prescott Chip: A New Era for Desktop Processors

Intel's Prescott chip marks the company's first foray into 90-nanometer technology, promising higher performance and lower manufacturing costs. The new chip, designed for use in high-end desktop devices, is set to be showcased in new products from major manufacturers Dell, Hewlett-Packard, and Sony. While Prescott boasts impressive specs, including 1MB of level 2 cache, it still requires more power than its predecessor, the Northwood Pentium 4. Initial concerns surrounding heat dissipation have been raised, but Intel remains committed to the Prescott's potential.

Key Takeaways:

• Prescott is Intel's first 90-nanometer chip, designed for high-end desktop applications.
• The chip features 1MB of level 2 cache and comes in three speeds: 3.4GHz, 3.2GHz, and 2.8GHz.
• Prescott chips will coexist with Northwood Pentium 4 processors, with the same clock speed model branded accordingly (e.g., 3.4GHz Prescott vs. 3.4GHz Northwood).
• Prescott's smaller chip size enables Intel to produce more chips on a silicon wafer, reducing manufacturing costs.
• Intel anticipates migrating customers to Prescott due to lower costs, with plans to release 4GHz Prescott chips by the end of 2004.
• New Prescott chips use between 90 and 115 watts of power, exceeding the requirements of high-end Northwood chips.

Statistics:

• Prescott chips have a 1MB level 2 cache.
• Initial Prescott speeds are 3.4GHz, 3.2GHz, and 2.8GHz.
• Prescott manufacturing costs are lower due to the smaller chip size.
• Intel plans to release 4GHz Prescott chips by the end of 2004.
• New Prescott chips consume between 90 and 115 watts of power.
• High-end Northwood chips used 90 watts or less of power.

Sources:

• Intel press release
• Krazit, Tom "Intel's Prescott is its first 90-nanometer chip"
• Data provided within the article