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Intel's Extended Memory 64 Technology allows the Pentium to access larger amounts of memory and support newx86-64 instructions. Intel promises that its line of EM64T enabled chips will support the new wave of 64-bit operating systems from Microsoft and various flavours of Linux.

In keeping with Intel's new strategy of not chasing clock speed the four models that debut in the 600 series range from 3GHz to 3.6GHz which keeps the clocks on a par with the existing line. However, each is equipped with 2Mbye of on board cache - twice that of the existing designs. They all include an 800MHz bus.

The extra cache means

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that the transistor count has increased from 125 million to 169 million. The chip size has also gone up to 135 square mm.
The chips also include Speedstep technology which cuts the power used whilst the chip is not at maximum usage. Whilst this technology is more often associated with mobile processors where the need is to minimise power consumption, in the 600 series the aim is to reduce the amount of heat generated and allows them to be packed in a small space.

The chips also support the NX instruction designed to prevent buffer overflows and boldter the defences against hackers.

Despite the 64 bit support, these are probably the end of an era for Intel as they probably represent the last major upgrade for the single core Pentium line. In the spring the action is expected to move to the dual core 'Smithfield` that represent the future.

Prices range from $224 for the 630,3GHZ part to $605 apiece for the top of the line 660 model in quantities of 1000.

Intel has also introduced a new model of its Extreme Edition range aimed at the gamer and enthusiast market. This chip runs at 3.73GHz and is equipped with a 1066MHz bus. It does cost a hefty $999 in quantities of 1000 though.