We have already reported that later this year Intel will implement its HyperThreading technology, presently used in its microprocessors for servers, in their desktop Pentium 4 CPUs. The first one to come will be the Pentium 4 3.06GHz that is due in the fourth quarter.

HyperThreading technology enables the CPU to work with two independent threads without switching between them. The system works with this CPU as with an ordinary SMP system. The pattern only functions when there are blocks that stand idle, so, we cannot compare such system to a computer with two processors, though, HyperThreading enabled system should perform up to 30% faster than a typical PC with one CPU, according to Intel. Of course, the technology should be supported by the software it runs.

According to Intel`s Taiwanese partners, the company has now started supplying them with HyperThreading enabled samples of Pentium 4 processors clocked 2.53GHz and higher. Another interesting detail that confirms the move Intel has made, is the fact that there are results of pre-tested Pentium 4 2.66GHz with HyperThreading turned on in SiSoft Sandra 2002 SP1 benchmark.

As stated on The Inquirer, Intel provides its motherboards partners the new CPUs so that they were able to turn on the support of this technology in their BIOSes and test the systems for stability and compatibility afterwards. Intel is rumoured to start sampling its 3.06GHz devices in early September, while the official announcement will take place sometimes in early November.

It is quite naturally that apart from BIOS, the technology also needs to be supported by the core-logic of your mainboard. Unfortunately, not all the chipset are able to utilise this new feature. Intel informed us that only motherboards based the following core-logic devices will support HyperThreading:

• i845GV;
• i845GE;
• i845PE;
• i845G B-Step;
• Springdale family;
• For the i850E and i845E special BIOS update will be needed.

It is quite sad to tell, but those, who have older i845D or even a shiny new i845G powered motherboard and want to upgrade to the newer CPU, will have to buy a new platform. Frankly speaking, all, who now have a typical board will need to upgrade it anyway, as Intel had asked motherboard makers to redesign their products because 3.06GHz CPUs may dissipate up to 82W of heat (see this news-story).

At the moment we have no information regarding HyperThreading support in chipsets from VIA and SiS. We will try to find it out during Intel Developer Forum that starts on September 9. We also wonder if Intel wants to extra-charge third-party chipset developers for turning HyperThreading on in their products.