Silicon Investor (SI) -- The First Internet Community

STOCKTALK

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor. We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community. If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.

Technology Stocks : Intel Corporation (INTC) -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Reginald Van Pelt who wrote (74402)	2/24/1999 4:36:00 PM
From: Monica Detwiler	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 186894

Here's something pretty cool from Intel in notebook technology. They demonstrated their "Geyserville" (I hope that is not near "Amityville" !!! ) technology, demonstrating a dual speed processor that speeds UP when the notebook is docked (AC power) and slows DOWN when running on battery power. Looks like Intel has also integrated the 440BX chip set with the southbridge chip [anybody know what this is?], along with audio functions, to make a single chip 'chip set' - also for low cost mobile notebooks. Lots of advances will be coming our way. intel.com{headline=mp022499} Intel Demonstrates "Geyserville" Technology -- Bringing Near Desktop Performance To Mobile PCs Mobile PCs to Run at Speeds of 600 MHz in 1999 INTEL DEVELOPER FORUM, PALM SPRINGS, Calif., Feb. 24, 1999 – Intel Corporation today demonstrated a revolutionary new mobile processor technology that is expected to close the performance "gap" between mobile PCs and their historically higher performance desktop counterparts. The demonstration illustrated an Intel dual-mode mobile processor technology, code-named "Geyserville," that allows a mobile PC user to operate at a higher frequency when plugged into a wall outlet and automatically switch to a lower power and frequency when running on battery, conserving battery life. Robert Jecmen, vice president, Intel Architecture Business Group, and general manager, Mobile/Handheld Products Group, demonstrated Intel's Geyserville technology during a keynote address on the second day of the Intel Developer Forum. Jecmen also cited several other key technology advancements that will enable Intel processor-based mobile PCs to run at speeds of 600 MHz or greater by the end of 1999. These advancements include the forthcoming Pentium® III processor for mobile PCs and future mobile processors manufactured on the advanced 0.18 micron process which will deliver greater performance and consume less power. "The performance capabilities of future Intel mobile Pentium III processors enabled with Geyserville technology, combined with the power and performance benefits of the 0.18 micron manufacturing process, will mark the beginning of a new era in mobile computing," said Jecmen. "Delivering increasingly more performance is one of the key factors that will fuel the continued growth of the mobile PC market segment." Jecmen also highlighted that Intel's first products manufactured on 0.18 micron process technology will be mobile Pentium II processors at frequencies up to 433 MHz, which are expected in mid 1999. By transitioning to a next generation manufacturing process technology, transistors get smaller, faster and consume less power — enabling higher performance, more power efficient processors that are ideally suited for mobile PCs. Geyserville Technology Jecmen emphasized Intel's Geyserville technology offers mobile users two performance modes: Maximum Performance mode and Battery Optimized mode. Maximum Performance mode takes advantage of the additional power provided by an AC power source to provide a new level of mobile PC performance, while Battery Optimized mode provides optimal performance while running on battery. Intel's Geyserville technology enables this dual-mode capability by automatically changing the processor voltage and frequency when a user switches from AC or battery power. By reducing the voltage and frequency, power consumption will drop significantly with a relatively minor reduction in processor speed, allowing for robust performance without sacrificing battery life. The Intel Geyserville technology demonstration featured a Pentium II processor-based mobile PC operating at 500 MHz in Maximum Performance mode and 400 MHz in Battery Optimized mode. When introduced, Intel Pentium III processor-based mobile PCs enabled with Geyserville technology, are expected to operate at 600 MHz or higher in Maximum Performance mode. Enabling Value Mobile PCs with Low Cost Building Blocks Jecmen also focused on several key building block technologies that are enabling the industry to deliver mini-notebooks and low-cost systems for the value mobile PC market segment. Intel's 1999 focus on enabling value mobile PCs (priced under $1500) began with the introduction of the first mobile Intel® Celeron™ processor, and continues with the forthcoming highly integrated Intel 440MX chipset which will be available in the first half of this year. The Intel 440MX is a low-cost chipset solution that integrates both the north- and south-bridge portions of the existing 440BX chipset into a single component. The 440MX and its AC'97 link, used in conjunction with Intel's Mobile Daughter Card Specification 1.0, provides a low-cost, low-power software-based audio/modem solution that is ideally suited for Value and mini-notebook PCs where cost and form factor are paramount. "The value mobile PC market segment represents a significant opportunity for the industry to extend the benefits of mobile computing to new users," said Jecmen. "The 440MX chipset will allow mobile PC manufacturers to reduce component costs and the number of components, ultimately resulting in lower cost mobile PCs and mini-notebook platforms." For more information about Intel's mobile products and technologies, visit www.intel.com/mobile/. About the Intel Developers Forum The Intel Developer Forum is a three-day intensive semiannual forum providing hardware OEMs and IHVs in-depth information on Intel technologies and initiatives. More information on the Intel Developer Forum can be found at developer.intel.com/design/idf. Updated information between Intel Developer Forums is available by subscribing to the Platform Solutions Newsletter at developer.intel.com/solutions. Intel, the world's largest chip maker, is also a leading manufacturer of computer, networking and communications products. Additional information about Intel is available at www.intel.com/pressroom. Monica

To: Reginald Van Pelt who wrote (74402)	2/24/1999 4:49:00 PM
From: Burt Masnick	Read Replies (5) \| Respond to of 186894

Yes indeed you are a VBF of AMD - Since at least as far back as 1997. Since they haven't yet managed to make you at least wary of their forward looking statements, I would imagine that you will continue to be a fan almost no matter what they befalls them. At this juncture they are indeed tantalizing. They have so many possibilities. The rather amusingly named K6-III (sort of like someone surnamed SMITH insisting that it be pronounced SMYTHE) is so tempting to believe in. It has that LARGE on-chip Cache. Unfortunately it also has that large (for AMD) die size and that 2.2 volt requirement that spells, at the very least, extreme caution about AMDs process capability, yield, and bin distribution. Bottom line - the chip might be a winner but their ability to produce economically is suspect. Hence nobody of substance is on the bandwagon saying that they will build boxes with it. Then there is the K-7 that is supposed to ship in first half on 1999. Since AMD has had such a sterling history of meeting their date commitments, this is another worrisome product (initially to be delivered in .25 micron which has not been a bullet-proof process in AMDland). On paper it is an interesting chip. In silicon, it may well be a formidable task to produce in quantity, as indicated above. Lord knows what voltage it will run at. AMD has chosen to vigorously attack, on both the price and technological platforms, a manufacturing monolith with stellar process control, manufacturing margin, DEEP pockets and awake management. It is sometimes possible for a nimble, savvy opponent to outbox and outthink a heavier opponent. But that nimble guy better be very prone to near perfect execution. It's hard to accuse AMD of near perfect execution of their business plan. AMD can yet pull it out. All they have to do is get their yields way up on the K-6, bring in the K-7 on schedule, convince the boxmakers and the business community to trust them, not run into any more snafus on production of potentially profitable chips and not run out of cash while attempting the above. I can see the appeal of AMD as an investment. If AMD is successful at the tasks before it, long time investors will have pulled to an inside straight and a large pot. Almost nothing provides as much ego gratification and satisfaction as picking an investment gem early. Good luck, Burt