Conference nesbit::modular

228.0. "Boosting the EBM3*-PA line" by SHRCTR::WADAMS () Wed May 14 1997 15:41

    As the x86 market delivers more performance with P5 MMX and AMDs K6,
    the Digital Intel line , EBM3*-PA line is planned to be enhanced...but
    may not be optimal for every situation.
    
    Several people have suggested we leap ahead with K6 in the EBM3*-PA.
    This can not be done because K6 is designed for socket 7. The EBM3*-PA
    features socket 5. There are now plans to upgrade to socket 7, becuase
    this requires a new PCB layout...and in turn more DECstd 102 testing.
    
    There is a socket 5 solution to get MMX functionality. Intel has a
    overdrive chip for socket 5. The fastest chip provided to date is
    166MHz MMX.  There is reference in Intels materials to have an
    overdrive chip for 200MHz. [Native P5 MMX chips are designed for socket
    7]
    
    Planned enhancements on the horizon, under consideration, for EBM3*-PA are:
    	- dual 200MHz w/o MMX
    	- single/dual 166MHz w/ MMX (this is with socket 5 overdrive chip)
    
    One of our weak points if we move the enhancements forward is competing
    with a single processor 200MHz MMX chip....and if MMX makes significant
    application performance difference. A dual 200MHz solution will cost
    more than a single chip 200MHz solution [Also, note that many
    applications on the market have not been designed for dual processor
    boards...even though the OS that runs on the SBC has been...]
    
      

    Wayne,
    
    During this week's Intel Videocast, on "The Next PRocessor Transition -
    Pentium II"...  Intel was "aggressively" telling everyone considering
    Pentium technology, that they should move to Pentium II NOW, and if
    they already have Pentium or Pentium Pro to "plan their migration
    immediately"... Pentium II implements SEC (Single Edge Contact)
    Cartridge (followon to Socket 7)... processor/cache "brick" design,
    obviously requiring new motherboard design... I have already had
    several customers ask about our plans for future support of Pentium
    II...  Any Comments??
    
    Thanks, Rick.

    The DMCC Pentium II offering is projct Whitney, to be available in
    Q1CY98.  It will feature the LX chipset, which is optimized for Pentium
    II. Systems shipping today with P-II have the FX chipset (Natoma). 
    Orignally, our thinking 8 months ago was that Intel was to obsolete the
    Pentium pro and FX chipset....but now Intel will have a dual processor
    strategy, since Pentium II is not a direct replacement of Pentium
    Pro....and so the FX chipset will live on.  We are too far along in one
    design path to switch tracts now.