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Intel Tualatin Processors and Motherboard Support?
IntelIntrique asks: "I became intrigued when I learned about the new P3 Tualatin processors with a 512K cache, but was disappointed to learn that they require specific new motherboards to support the chips (Intel claims voltage changes). However, HotHardware features a review where they use one of these new processors in an Intel D815EEA2 motherboard, one that Intel shows as not supporting the new processor. What gives?"
"I have an D815EEA2, and I'd love to grab one of these new processors, but not if it means buying a new motherboard. Is Intel trying to prevent existing motherboard owners from cashing in on this new super chip? Are there any other slashdotters who have tried these new P3's in older motherboards with success? I'm mainly concerned with people using the processors in Intel boards, since it seems as though Intel would be in a unique position to know what types of new chips might be around the corner, and build unofficial support into early board revs."
Intel has several different versions of the Tualatin, the 256K cache version for the desktop, and the 512K cache versions, one for the mobile segment and one for the lower-end workstation/server market. The Tualatin processors require a different stepping in the 810 and the 815 chipsets to support the new voltages as well as a new revision of 1.25V GTL versus 1.5V GTL+ used in the original Pentium III processors, which aren't compatible. More information about this can be found in the Pentium III-S Datashet here.
As far as motherboard compatibility, I think Intel didn't want the 512K version of the Tualatin (aka the Pentium III-S) to flow through the retail/desktop channels because in a lot of cases, it performed better than their lower end Pentium 4 processor line. That's also the reason why Intel has slowed/stopped production of Pentium 4 processors below 1.6Ghz and will halt production of the desktop version of the Tualatin and shift the current desktop Tualatin into the Tualatin-based Celeron (but without data pre-fetch and only at 100Mhz FSB). More information can be found at the regular sites: Anandtech, Aces Hardware, Tom's Hardware.
It says that the chip they reviewed had only a 256K cache, and that 512K would come in future versions. Without 512K, the chip is compatible with current motherboards.
or the latest version of the comparable VIA Apollo Pro chipset. Search pricewatch for the terms "FCPGA2" or "tualatin". Such board include:
Abit ST6/ST6-RA, Abit VH6-T Asus TUSL2, Soyo SY-TISU
Some board makers have been using the i815-B but don't mention it in the board specs ; marketing hasn't caught up with production yet.
BTW, the newest Celeron 1.2GHz uses the Tualatin core; no hardware prefetch and it uses a 100MHz FSB, but it can overclock to 1.5GHz with at most a minor voltage jump and standard cooling.
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That's actually a very common problem with older boards. Don't forget that those things shipped with maybe 4MB of RAM in a day when filling it up with 64MB would have cost thousands of dollars. Even memory pig OSes like OS/2 or WinNT really didn't need more than 32MB in those days. Besides, Intel was making Pentium Pro systems for the higher end workstation customers (insert consipiracy theory if you'd like).
HardOCP.com sez:
There will be a few of you excited about this. Powerleap has put together an adapter that will allow you to stick a S370 Tualatin chip on your current Slot 1 mainboard. Looks as if some of you might have some server upgrade options that you did not before. w00t!!1
The PL-iP3/T(TM) employs patented technologies to adapt Slot 1 systems to the voltage and signal requirements of the new generation of Intel's Pentium III (FC-PGA2) and Celeron-II (FC-PGA2) processors. With the PL-iP3/T(TM), a typical* P-III system can reach speeds up to 1.26 GHz with the latest Pentium III-S CPUs (133 MHz FSB required), and up to 1.2 GHz when used with the latest Celeron-II CPUs (100 MHz FSB required).
The ultimate network admin tool needs HELP!
BX is the key, unfortunatly it does not look like there will be any Via chipset support since Powerleap says it add a lot to the cost. Also note that they will only realease and make this when the market has a large supply of these chips.
The Tualatin is a 0.13um process version of the P3. It does out perform the p4 at the same clock speed. However, you have to keep in mind that the P4 can run at much higher clock speeds. The 0.18um version of the P4 easily hits speeds well above 2 ghz. (some over clocking number show 2.6Ghz). When the P4 goes to a 0.13um process it will be able to go even higher, as Intel has shown one at 3.5Ghz. The PIII at 0.13um will not be able to scale nearly that high, and thus won't be as fast.
Basicly, what Intel proved is something we already knew, if you shrink the die (within reason) you can ramp up the clockspeed to previously unreachable speeds. Remember there first attempt at the PIII 1.13 Ghz?:)