The mobile Pentium processor with MMX technology enables higher quality and performance for graphics, video, and audio. Intel's new 0.25 micron manufacturing process increases chip speed up to 60% while reducing power consumption (up to 53%) as compared to mobile Pentium processors with MMX technology 166MHz on the 0.35 process. (A quarter-micron is about 400 times smaller than the thickness of a typical human hair.) For the mobile user, that translates into an overall enhanced computing experience, through better multimedia and communications performance--without compromising battery life.

The process used to manufacture microprocessor devices or "die" is conventionally characterized by the smallest feature that can be created-smaller features result in faster speeds. The 0.25 micron process allows for die to be created that are about half the size of the 0.35 micron process, Intel's previous advanced microprocessor process. By continuously working to create the smallest circuit lines and features possible, Intel leads the industry with faster processors. Smaller die also result in more processors per silicon wafer, enabling Intel to quickly supply the industry with the highest performing mobile processors.

Why is it Good for Mobile Computers?
By using the 0.25 micron process, the speed increases to 266MHz and reduces the voltage to 2 volts! As a result, these microprocessors consume less power--even at higher speeds! (Typical power consumption can be reduced from 7.7 watts for mobile Pentium processors with MMX technology 166MHz on the 0.35 process to below 4 watts for the 233MHz product.)

The new low-power mobile Pentium processor 166MHz, manufactured on the 0.25 micron process, brings faster processor speed to value segment systems, while decreasing energy consumption. These processors are also perfectly suited for mini-notebook computers--a new breed of fully-functional ultra-portable mobile PCs that are about the size of a VHS tape and weigh under 2 pounds. The new 166MHz mobile processors give mini-notebooks the performance boost they need, over the current 120MHz processors, while minimizing heat generation and battery use.

Low power consumption provides longer battery life and in turn allows mobile manufacturers to add improved features--such as better displays, larger hard drives, faster CD-ROMs, and more memory.

Intel's MMX™ Technology Processor Features
Intel's MMX technology is a major enhancement to the Intel Architecture that enables richer multimedia and communications platforms. Intel's MMX technology is based on the SIMD technique- Single Instruction, Multiple Data-which enables increased performance on a wide variety of multimedia and communications applications. Intel's MMX technology consists of 57 new instructions that can enable faster graphics, video, audio and image processing. When integrated into software by developers, these new instructions accelerate certain compute-intensive loops in multimedia and communications software applications by processing multiple data elements in parallel. While the loops typically occupy a small fraction of the overall application code, they can account for a substantial portion of total execution time.

Innovative Power Management
The entire mobile Pentium processor family contains innovative power management and thermal characteristics. At the core of Intel's power management for extended battery life is Intel System Management Mode (ISMM). This maximizes energy savings by facilitating the slowdown, suspension, or complete shutdown of various system components. Using Intel's 0.25 micron process, the newest 266MHz, 233MHz, 200MHz, and 166MHz mobile computers are able to further reduce power consumption. The latest processors extend Intel's voltage reduction technology by interfacing to other components at 2.5 volts while the processor core runs at a more power efficient 1.8 to 2.0 volts.

The Intel Mobile Module
The mobile Pentium processor with MMX technology is offered in both a 320-lead Tape Carrier Package (TCP) and the new Intel Mobile Module.

The Intel Mobile Module is a building block for the mobile Pentium processor platform that accelerates the delivery of MMX technology and future processors to mobile computer users.

Intel's Mobile Module incorporates a common form factor that reduces the design time and resources required to accommodate processor transitions.

It is a highly integrated assembly containing the processor and its immediate system-level support--including all required electronic circuits. It supports the processor's superior power management tactics for extended battery life.

As the adoption of the Intel Mobile Module increases, TCP will remain popular in facilitating the design of smaller and lighter mobile computers. TCP's small size and thermal efficiency leaves room for enhanced capabilities and features in mobile computers.