Originally from : "Samuel Bernas" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Originally dated: Thu, 2 Dec 1999 09:06:13 +0700
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~~~~~~Forum Diskusi Software dan Internet untuk Kristen-Katholik~~~~~~~
Bug in new Pentium IIIs hampers boot-up
By Michael Kanellos
Staff Writer, CNET News.com
December 1, 1999, 5:45 p.m. PT
update A bug that complicates starting computers based around "Coppermine"
Pentium III processors has been identified, but Intel said it will soon
eliminate the problem.
The flaw, or erratum, becomes apparent in the "boot-up" sequence and
essentially forces computer owners to hit the "on" button twice, according
to Michael Sullivan, an Intel spokesman. If a computer contains a chip with
the flaw, it does not start until the second try.
"It is like starting something twice," he said.
The bug only affects 1 to 2 percent of "Coppermine" Pentium III processors
and has only been observed in labs, Sullivan said.
Still, Dell Computer has put an "engineering hold" on the manufacture of new
Optiplex GX110 computers, which are based around Coppermine, until testing
procedures can be devised to weed out any chips containing the bug, a Dell
spokesman said. The testing procedures could be completed later today or
tomorrow, the spokesman added.
Intel said the flaw will be fixed in the next "stepping," or manufacturing
tweak, of the processor. The company also is testing to screen out chips
containing the flaw.
The latest glitch contributes to Coppermine's short but eventful product
life. Although the chip has been touted for its performance and
capabilities, it has endured a number of setbacks.
Coppermine was the code name for the most recent generation of Pentium IIIs.
Released on Oct. 25, they differ from earlier Pentium IIIs in that, among
other reasons, they are made on the more advanced 0.18-micron manufacturing
process.
Chips made on this process have smaller transistors than older Pentium IIIs
manufactured on the 0.25-micron manufacturing process, making the new chips
both faster and more efficient. Because of earlier delays, however,
Coppermine chips have been in relatively tight supply, although shipments
are increasing, various sources have said.
Originally due in September, the Coppermine Pentium IIIs promised a number
of benefits. It would become the first Intel chip to be used with the
advanced Rambus memory technology and would come with a revamped "secondary
cache," a small amount of memory near the processor, to substantially boost
performance. The chip also promised to close the gap in performance between
notebooks and desktops.
During the summer, however, Intel postponed its release until November
because of low manufacturing yields of the fastest Coppermine chips. The
Santa Clara, California, chipmaking giant eventually moved up the release of
the chip to October.
But the shift forward created an inventory hiccup and lead to a shortage at
Coppermine's launch. Unusually, PC makers announced products based around
Coppermine upon its release but started shipping new systems later. Normally
the pipeline is well stocked with new PCs.
Meanwhile, AMD released its rival Athlon processor. Despite initial
shortages, AMD has been able to increase manufacturing volume and boosted
the chip's speed to 750 MHz.
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