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SANTA CLARA, Calif., -- March 27, 1995 -- Intel Corporation introduced a new, higher performance version of its Pentium(R) processor today. This Pentium processor operates at 120 MHz, delivers 140 SPECint92 and 103 SPECfp92 of performance and is available in volume now.
The Pentium Processor 120 MHz is the first volume microprocessor to be built using a 0.35 micron process technology (a micron is approximately 1/100th the diameter of a human hair). This new technology will allow the Pentium processor die to shrink to half its current size, which translates into higher performance, higher reliability and lower cost products for computer users in the future.
"The rapid implementation of the 0.35 micron manufacturing technology allows us to expand the Pentium processor family at an unprecedented pace," said G. Carl Everett, senior vice president, Microprocessor Products Group. "The 120 MHz Pentium processor introduces a new level of compatible performance for mainstream desktop computers."
Everett added, "In 1995, PC manufacturers again will be able to double microprocessor performance at major system price points and give PC users new choices in all computing segments." He projected that the 100 MHz Pentium processor -- which until today had been the performance leader in Intel's portfolio -- is targeted to become the volume desktop processor in systems priced at less that $2,000 in the second half of this year.
"New members of the Pentium processor family, including a 150 MHz version, will be introduced throughout the year," noted Everett. "These new high-performance versions of the Pentium processor will be manufactured on Intel's 0.35 micron manufacturing technology."
0.35 Micron Process Technology
Intel's move to volume microprocessor manufacturing on a 0.35 micron process technology is an industry first. It allows the die size to be reduced to approximately one-half the size of Intel's Pentium processors built on 0.6 micron process technology (75, 90, and 100 MHz) which was introduced just last year, or about one-fourth the size of the original Pentium processors built on the 0.8 micron technology (60 and 66 MHz) introduced in 1993.
Intel's 0.35 micron process technology is a 3.3 volt BiCMOS process that combines the energy-saving features of CMOS technology and the high-performance characteristics of bi-polar technology. The process features four layers of metal and full use of planarization (polishing each surface of the wafer flat before building the next layer upon it), and is built on 8-inch (200mm) wafers.
"The move to this smaller geometry keeps Intel in the forefront of manufacturing process technologies," said Everett. "Our ability to support volume manufacturing for wide ranges of high-performance products is a result of our steady investment in research and development, and capital additions."
For the fifth straight year, Intel expects to lead the semiconductor industry in capital investments. The company will invest $2.9 billion in capital additions and $1.3 billion in research and development in 1995, compared with $2.4 billion and $1.1 billion in 1994, respectively.
In 1,000-piece quantities, the Pentium processor 120 MHz is priced at $935. It is available in volume now. It is the first Intel microprocessor to reach the 1000 level on the iCOMP(R) Index.
Intel, the world's largest chip maker, is also a leading manufacturer of personal computer, networking and communications products.