Intel introduces PII/mobiles, PII/Celerons

Level two cache on die

Intel today introduced its mobile Pentium II processors as well as Celeron chips aimed at the notebook market. The mobile PIIs come at speeds of 333MHz and 366MHz, have smaller packaging, use less power and include 256K of level two cache on one die. That combination produces high performance than the Slot One Pentium II design where cache is separate from the processor. The last time we saw P6 architecture in this form was with the Pentium Pro. The processors use a ball grid array package which allows Intel to manufacture the PII/mobile to a height of one tenth of an inch. Several OEMs are today expected to announce notebooks based on the design. Intel has also upgraded its lower speed 266MHz and 300MHz mobile Pentium IIs to also include 256K level two cache on the processor. The company has now extended its Celeron range to the notebook market and has introduced two parts, the 266MHz and 300MHz mobile Celerons with 128K of level two cache incorporated into the chip die. The company claims that these mobile Celerons will give up to 56 per cent faster performance than the Pentium/MMX for the mobile platform. Intel has introduced the 440DX chip set to support the mobile Celerons. The PII/Celerons will cost $106 and $187 when bought in quantities of 1,000. ®