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           Intel OverDrive Processors: Top Questions and Answers           
                                                                           
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 OverDrive Processor TOP QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

 Q1:  What is the difference between the Intel OverDrive Processor and
      the Intel486 DX2-66 ?

 A1:  OverDrive Processors are END-USER INSTALLABLE system upgrades.
      OverDrive means: performance upgrade over that provided by your
      primary microprocessor.  Intel486 DX2s are CPUs which are sold only
      to OEMs who install them into their systems as the primary
      microprocessor. (Just like they install Intel486 DX-33 CPUs as the
      primary microprocessor)

 A2:  OverDrive Processors are available through all of the same outlets
      as math coprocessors, and likewise, carry a limited lifetime
      warranty from Intel. The warranty on the Intel486 DX2 will come
      from whomever you purchased either your system, or the Intel486 DX2
      CPU; not from Intel.

 A3:  With your OverDrive Processor, you will receive a User's Guide, a
      Utilities Diskette, an extractor tool and a grounding strap. In
      addition, you can count on Intel's superior technical support
      services. The warranty and support that you recieve on your
      Intel486 DX2 CPU will come from whomever you purchase either your
      system or the Intel486 DX2 CPU.

 Q2:  What is the difference in performance and structure of the Intel486
      DX2 and the Intel486 DX-50 ?

 A:   Both Intel486 DX2 and Intel486 DX-50 microprocessors contain all of
      the same features, but the Intel486 DX2 cpu utilizes speed doubling
      technology.

      In a Intel486 DX-50 system, the system board operates at 50 MHz. In
      a Intel486 DX2-50 based system, the Intel486 DX2 CPU operates
      internally at 50 MHz, but the system board operates at 25 MHz. What
      this means is that when the microprocessor has to go to system
      memory for data or instructions, it has to do so at the system
      operating frequency, ie., 25 MHz. Because the 8 Kbyte internal
      cache of the Intel486 DX2 has a hit rate of 85 to 95 %, the CPU
      only has to access system memory 5-15 % of the time.

      While the performance of the Intel486 DX-50 based system will be
      better than the Intel486 DX2 based system, the Intel486 DX-50
      system is inherently more difficult to design and will probably be
      more expensive to design and produce. The Intel486 DX-50 system is
      well suited to a file server situation, where memory access time is
      very important.

 Q3:  Will there be an OverDrive Processor for the Intel486 DX-50 ?

 A:   OverDrive Processors for Intel486 SX and Intel486 DX based systems
      utilize speed doubling technology, where the Overdrive Processor
      internally operates at twice the system board frequency. Producing
      an OverDrive Processor for Intel486 DX-50 based systems based upon
      speed doubling technology would mean that that OverDrive Processor
      would have to internally function at 100 MHz. Intel has not been
      able to profitably produce 100 MHz parts as yet.

 Q4:  My computer does not have an extra socket. Where do I install the
      OverDrive Processor?

 A:   Intel486 SX based systems: If your system does not have a second
      socket, but is compatible with the Intel487 SX Math Coprocessor, it
      will almost invariably be compatible with OverDrive Processor.
      Simply install the OverDrive Processor in the same socket that your
      system manufacturer recommends installing the Intel487 SX and
      configure the system the same too. For specific information contact
      your OEM.

 A:   Intel486 DX based systems: Intel has introduced two versions of
      OverDrive Processors for Intel486 DX based systems. One version is
      for those systems with a dedicated OverDrive Processor socket (NOT
      a Weitek socket). The second version is for those systems without a
      dedicated OverDrive socket. For the older systems, upgrading may be
      as simple as removing the Intel486 DX CPU and installing the
      OverDrive Processor in it's place. Those systems may require a BIOS
      upgrade and/or additional cooling to vent the additional heat
      generated by the OverDrive Processor. Intel is currently contacting
      OEMs to determine whether their systems are immediately upgradable,
      or can be upgraded. This data is being compiled into a system
      compatibility list which we will use to tell end-users about the
      upgradeability of their systems.

 Q5:  When will the OverDrive for DX computers be available ?

 A:   Two versions of OverDrive Processors for Intel486 DX based systems
      have been introduced already. Being a retail product, they are
      available through the same retail stores that currently sell math
      coprocessors and computer supplies.

 Q6:  What is the price for the OverDrive Processor for Intel486 DX and
      i486 SX systems ?

 A:   The following are suggested U.S. End User List Prices. Because of
      tariff and shipping issues, international prices may vary
      considerably.

      OverDrive Processors for Intel486 SX Systems
      VERSION          PACKAGE       Price      Pin Config.
      BOXODP486SX-20   169 pin PGA   $449.00    i487SX
      BOXODP486SX-25   169 pin PGA   $599.00    i487SX
      BOXODP486SX-33   169 pin PGA   $799.00    i487SX

      OverDrive Processors for Intel486 DX Systems
      VERSION          PACKAGE       Price      Pin Config.
      BOXODP486DX-33   169 pin PGA   $799.00    i487SX
      BOXODPR486DX-25  168 pin PGA   $599.00    i486DX
      BOXODPR486DX-33  168 pin PGA   $799.00    i486DX

 Q:   What is the performance difference of the OverDrive Processor,
      Intel486 DX2, Intel486 DX-50, Intel386 DX / Intel387 DX and the
      future Pentium Processor ?

 A:   Specific performance data is available in FaxBACK documents #3040,
      3041, and 3042. The data in these documents is extracted from Intel
      Performance Briefs which are available through Intel's Literature
      Service by dialing 800-548-4725.

 Q:   What is the 238 pin socket in these new systems all about ?

 A:   OverDrive Processors are END-USER INSTALLABLE system upgrades.
      OverDrive means: performance upgrade over that provided by your
      primary microprocessor. The primary microprocessor in a Intel486
      DX2 based system is the Intel486 DX2 CPU. Just like there are
      OverDrive Processors available for standard Intel486 SX and
      Intel486 DX based systems, early in '94, there will be an OverDrive
      Processor available for Intel486 DX2 based systems. Even though
      this OverDrive Processor has not been introduced yet, Intel has
      laid out the socket specifications for this 238 pin OverDrive
      Processor socket, so that OEMs can design their systems to be ready
      for this product when it is introduced. This means that if your
      system has a 238 pin socket which is designed for this upcoming
      OverDrive Processor, you will be able to upgrade your system to
      even higher performance.

 Q:   What are the differences between all of Intel's CPUs ?
      
 A:   Two documents will be of help you. Both are available through
      Intel's FaxBACK service. The first is called 32 Bit Architecture
      Overview, Document # 9013. The second is called CPUs At A Glance,
      document # 3017.

 Q:   What is the warranty of the Intel CPU ?

 A:   CPUs are classed as OEM products. Intel warrents OEM products to
      OEMs and to authorized Intel distributors for a period of one year
      from the ship date. Once that OEM or distributor sells the system
      or the CPU, he/she extends the warranty to the purchaser. The
      warranty on your CPU is from whomever you purchased your system or
      the CPU from.  We always coach our customers that a warranty is
      only as good as the business which extends it.

 Q:   I have a bad Intel486 DX-33 and I need a replacement. I saw the
      Intel Inside and bought the computer because of this. Will you help
      me out?

 A:   The warranty on your CPU is from whomever you purchased your system
      or the CPU from. Intel warrents OEM products to OEMs and to
      authorized Intel distributors for a period of one year from the
      ship date. Once that OEM or distributor sells the system or the
      CPU, he/she extends the warranty to the purchaser. We always coach
      our customers that a warranty is only as good as the business which
      extends it. So, your recourse is from whomever you purchased your
      system, or the CPU from.



End of file                 Intel FaxBack # 3101          March 19,1993
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