Intel Patents Anti-Overclocking Technology

VCAGuy writes "It appears that Intel has pantented a crystal-locking technology to lock processors to the processor's clock speed. The Inquirer has a story about it, and you can read the patent description from the USPTO. Let's hope AMD doesn't try to copy this..."

Comments

This patent is old

[angle_slam]

It was originally filed in September 1999. Look at some of the language of the patent:

Currently, system clock (operating) speeds of host processors can vary from 66 MHz to about 500 MHz. Host processors may be rated at a particular clock frequency based on their ability to operate without errors. Typically, processor manufacturers may be very conservative when rating such a clock frequency. For example, a processor which successfully operates during tests at 333 MHz may be only intentionally rated (marked) at only 133 MHz, 150 MHz, 166 MHz, 200 MHz or 250 MHz for different market reasons.

IIRC, processor mismarking was a problem during those days, which is probably why the invention was made.

Also, the invention is implemented in the chipsets, not the CPU.

The usual FUD is misplaced then. If Intel is using this technology, they've been using it for as much as 3.5 years.

Re: so ? - READ THE ARTICLE first....

[angle_slam]

Maybe I can see about 5-6 years ago this having been a problem, but the fact is that CPU prices have dropped so much and been driven down so "far"( anyone remember when a "NEW" CPU from Intel meant that it's initial retail price was over a $1000...it wasn't that long ago, HELLO ! )

Read the patent. It was filed in 1999, back when the problem was occurring.

My problem is the *patent*

[HarveyBirdman]

It's a freaking frequency counter. I think I might have an old Don Lancaster circuit book from the 1970's that has a similar circuit. I have a Logic 101 book from college that describes a similar method.

Sheesh! They'll be trying to patent the AND gate next.