Intel puts Hyper-Threading into laptop processors

By Alun Williams

Posted on 25 Sep 2003 at 12:07

Intel has introduced its Hyper-Threading technology into notebook processors. Specifically, the Mobile Intel Pentium 4, which is aimed at the 'desktop replacement' segment of the notebook market.

With 512Kb of level 2 cache and 533MHz system buses, the chips run at 3.2, 3.06, 2.8 and 2.66GHz. Based on 1,000 unit quantities, the new processors will be priced at $653, $433, $294 and $234 respectively. They work with Intel 852GME and 852PM chipsets.

Hyper-Threading involves the processor carrying out two threads of action at apparently the same time, minimising idle time for the chip. For example, performing background tasks while also dealing with user-interface requests from word processing and gaming and such like.

Intel promises that power management - from SpeedStep, Deep Sleep and Deeper Sleep technologies - enable 'lower thermals' than for their desktop counterparts. Consumption of power, of course, and the related impact on battery life, are a big consideration for notebooks. The Centrino platform, for example - which has been designed from the ground up for mobile processing - does not employ Hyper Threading.

Intel has also upped the ante for the Celeron family, announcing a 2.7GHz version of its budget processor (with a 400MHz system bus). Again based on 1,000 unit quantities, it will be priced at $103.

See also

Hyper-Threading: best thing since sliced thread?
Intel hypes Hyper-Threading