6
Microprocessor
The motherboard supports dual Pentium III processors. The processor’s VID pins
automatically program the voltage regulator on the motherboard to the required
processor voltage. The motherboard currently supports processors that run internally
at 450, 500, 550 and 600MHz with 512 KB second-level cache and 600, 650 and
700MHz with 256 KB second-level cache. The processor’s implements MMX™
technology and maintains full backward compatibility with the 8086, 80286, Intel386,
Intel486, Pentium, and Pentium Pro processors. The processor’s numeric
coprocessor significantly increases the speed of floating-point operations and
complies with ANSI/IEEE standard 754-1985.
Microprocessor Packaging
The Pentium III processor is a Single Edge Contact Cartridge Two (SECC2) that
connects to the motherboard through Slot 1, a 242-pin edge connector. The
Pentium III processor SECC2 consists of:
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Processor card including the processor core and the second-level cache:
burst pipelined synchronous static RAM (BSRAM)
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Thermal plate
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Back cover
When the Pentium III processors are mounted into the Slot 1 connectors, they are
secured by a retention mechanism attached to the motherboard.
Processor Upgrades
The motherboard can be upgraded with Pentium III processors that run at higher
speeds. When upgrading the processor the USER must manually configure the
processor speeds in the System BIOS see chapter 4.
Intel & Viglen recommend using identical stepping processors with the
server board whenever possible.