Posted 06/03/09 at 02:03:41 PM by Mark Edward Soper

As we told you about earlier today, Intel is taking the Pentium brand name for another go-round, this time for its CULV processors for ultra-thin notebooks. And Intel has wasted no time in rolling out the first CULV processor to get the Pentium name, the Pentium SU2700.

Introduced this week at the 2009 Computex Taipei trade show, the Pentium SU2700 is a 1.3GHz dual-core processor that has a TDP (thermal design power) requirement of only 10 watts (about the wattage output of a couple of typical night lights). The SU2700 uses Intel's 45nm process, and includes 2MB of L2 cache.

Typically, a new Intel processor is matched with a new chipset, and in this case, the Pentium SU2700's running mate is the Intel GS40 Express chipset. The Intel GS40 Express chipset includes integrated graphics that support MPEG4/H.264 video acceleration, integrated HDMI output, and acceleration for Windows Vista's Aero desktop. The GS40 also supports dual-channel DDR3 memory running at 667 or 800MHz and an 800MHz system bus. The GS40 is paired with the ICH9M I/O Controller hub to provide up to six PCI Express x1 I/O ports, up to four Serial ATA host adapters, Intel HD audio, and up to 12 Hi-Speed USB 2.0 ports. For a schematic diagram and much more technical information about the GS40 and ICH9M, download the Mobile Intel 4 Series Express Chipset Family Graphics Memory Controller Hub (G)MCH Specification Update (PDF format).

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Posted 06/03/09 at 10:18:37 AM by Paul Lilly

We don't expect to see any more Blue Man Group commercials, but making a comeback is the near-dead Pentium brand name. This time around, Intel plans to use the Pentium nomenclature for its ultra-thin notebooks, which will help separate the higher powered portables from netbooks.

The fear has always been that the highly popular netbook segment would ultimately cut into sales of higher priced notebooks. By bringing back the Pentium name, Intel will attempt to protect the sales of netbooks -- and it's Atom line -- while at the same time push customers into pricier notebooks with higher profit margins.

"We think that the ultra-thin laptos augurs in an era where more and more people will be taking their laptop out on the go without compromising performance," said Uday Marty, director of product marketing for Intel's mobile platforms group.

Meanwhile, AMD has kept the Athlon brand going with the recent announcement of Athlon II. However, unlike Intel, AMD has thus far avoided using the netbook term altogether.

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Posted 04/14/09 at 12:00:00 PM by Paul Lilly

Believe it or not, your terrifically fast Core i7 fresh off Intel's assembly line contains DNA that dates back over three decades. The same is true if you roll with AMD's latest silicon, the Phenom II X4. We're of course referring to the longstanding x86 microprocessor architecture that has dominated the desktop and mobile scene since before some of you were even born, and will probably be a mainstay still yet for many more years to come.

Invented by Intel in 1978, the x86 architecture has evolved through the ages, not only getting faster, but increasingly flexible as more and more extensions and instruction sets accompany each new release. It's been a wild ride the past 30 years, and whether you lived through it all or have only recently picked up your first processor, we invite you to join as we look back at not only the most popular x86 CPUs in its history, but ones you may never even have heard of.

Buckle up, sit back, and join us after the jump for a look back at the x86 timeline.

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Posted 11/11/08 at 02:00:53 PM by The Maximum PC Staff

I built my computer about a month ago—it’s nothing special. I’m running an Intel Pentium D 820 on an Asus P5W DH Deluxe motherboard. For a videocard, I’m rocking a BFG 9800 GTX.

I stumbled upon the System Information at the bottom-left corner of the Nvidia Control Panel recently. When I clicked it, I took note of the plethora of information on the 9800 GTX. What caught my eye was the very last line: BUS: PCI Express x4. That seems off, given that my card uses an x16 interface. What gives?

—Juan Campos

Check out Juan's answer, after the jump!

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Posted 01/01/05 at 12:00:00 AM by The Maximum PC Staff

In the PDF archive of the January 2005 issue, you can find:

• Amazing new technologies will reinvent your PC
• How fast is Intel's new 3.8ghz Pentium 4J?
• 36 Lab Tests
• Half-Life 2 Exclusive!
• Power Supply Showdown
• Ask the Doctor
• Rig of the Month
• The Watchdog
• And a whole lot more!

Click the big giant cover image to the right to download the PDF archive today!

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