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Politics : Formerly About Advanced Micro Devices -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Buckwheat who wrote (35008)	7/23/1998 3:08:00 AM
From: Paul Engel	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 1583677

Buckwheat - Re: " I know that none of the Intel-a-bees would be frequenting this thread." Why don't you read this other article on the same subject. It has an entirely different conclusion. Paul {=================================} news.com Intel server chip coming soon By Michael Kanellos Staff Writer, CNET NEWS.COM July 22, 1998, 6:00 p.m. PT Despite problems with its Pentium II Xeon chip for server computers, Intel stated that servers using its new high-end processor will be available in one to two weeks. Intel initially had to delay the release of Xeon Pentium II chips for servers earlier because of a bug. But today's statement essentially means that the first stage of its push into the upper echelons of corporate computing should be back on track. In the process of fixing this earlier bug, Intel came across another bug that interfered with the functioning of error correcting code (ECC) technology, according to Intel spokesman Bill Miller. ECC automatically corrects discrepancies in stored data and has become a central feature for high end servers. Intel's woes with Xeon began in June when it was discovered that four-processor Xeon servers would "freeze up" in certain circumstances. The problem existed in the 450NX chipset which is used in these powerful four-processor servers. Intel identified the latest bug to developers earlier this summer and has validated a "work-around" for the bug, Miller added. Essentially, Xeon chips have to be sent through a finer degree of testing than what was employed earlier. A slight delay results because all parts have to be re-tested. Miller said that computer makers can ship out their systems now or wait for Xeon parts that have passed the new testing procedures. Since most customers want ECC, most computer manufacturers will likely wait. The additional delay, however, will only last one or two weeks. Miller emphatically denied reports that Xeon servers will be delayed indefinitely. Intel has also resolved the initial Xeon bug. Intel's push into the high-end corporate enterprise computing space has this year so far been marked by slight stumbles. First, Intel moved the release of its 64-bit Merced chip from late 1999 until mid-2000. Then, on the eve of the release of the first Xeon chips last month, Intel announced that four-processor Xeon servers would be delayed because of a bug. Xeon processors, rolled out last month, are essentially Pentium II processors with additional high-speed cache memory among other features. One of Xeon's chief selling points for server vendors has been that up to four chips can be used in standard server configurations. Only two standard Pentium IIs can be used in standard server configurations. Intel is an investor in CNET: The Computer Network.

To: Buckwheat who wrote (35008)	7/24/1998 3:02:00 AM
From: Investor A	Respond to of 1583677

Question: Why do Intel processors contain so many bugs? Answer: Incompetent Dancers has been assigned to design Intel CPUs for years. By the CPU's June 29 introduction date, Intel had already posted a 60-page specification update containing 19 pages of descriptions and proposed fixes for errata -- design defects or errors that may cause the processor's behavior to deviate from published specifications. Intel said at the time that systems using the CPU in a four-way configuration would not ship for a few weeks until one specific problem was resolved. To resolve the problem, Intel has tightened testing on Xeon processors, and only CPUs that meet higher standards than run-of-the-mill parts will be shipped to OEMs for four-way applications, the representative explained. These "special specification" or "S-spec" parts will be available by the end of the month. infoworld.com Does that mean that the certified Xeons are sent to Dell and the non-certified ones sent to Gateway 2000 and other OEMs?