X-bit labs

Intel Pentium D 920 and Pentium D 930 Processors (page 3)

Category: CPU

by Ilya Gavrichenkov

[ 03/21/2006 | 08:24 AM ]

Among the distinguishing features of these processors we should definitely mention large L2 cache memory of 4MB total (2MB for each core). As you already know, dual-core Pentium D processors do not use the entire available L2 cache memory at once. At this time only the mobile Intel Core processors have shared L2 cache memory. Another peculiarity of the Pentium D processor is the absence of Hyper-Threading support. Although it is theoretically implemented in the Presler core, it is truly activated only in extremely expensive Pentium Extreme Edition CPUs. However, Pentium D 920 and Pentium D 930 fully support x86-64 64-bit extensions and Virtualization Technology.

I would like to specifically point out that Presler processors on B1 core stepping do not support Intel Enhanced SpeedStep technology. At the same time, these processors do not support the entire Demand Based Switching set, i.e. Enhanced HALT State and Thermal Monitor 2. Although the minimal multiplier Presler processors theoretically support equals 12x, power saving technologies will only be implemented in the C1 core stepping.

CPU-Z diagnostic utility reveals the following details on the CPUs we are working with today:

Pentium D 920

Pentium D 930

As we can see, the two processors we have at our disposal support slightly different nominal Vcore. Pentium D 920 worked at 1.3V Vcore, while the nominal voltage for Pentium D 930 equaled 1.35V.

Pentium D CPUs are shipped in newly designed boxes with update logo images:

Besides the actual CPU, the box also contains a traditional cooler that now has a massive copper center, and is not very tall. However, this is more than enough to properly cool down the youngest Pentium D models based on 65nm core.

Among other peculiarities of this cooler we should also mention relatively low level of generated noise and extremely inconvenient retention mechanism. So, we wouldn’t pin too many hopes upon it, to be honest.