Intel 850 Chipset

CPU's

Intel� 850 Chipset Platform Overview

As the next step in the evolution of Intel� Hub Architecture, the Intel 850 chipset was designed in tandem with the Intel� Pentium� 4 processor. Doubling the length of the pipeline between the processor and the chipset enables higher performance than ever before. To further eliminate bottlenecks, the Pentium 4 processor features a 400 MHz system bus that provides three times the bandwidth over previous technologies.

The Intel Pentium 4 processor also provides advanced dynamic execution to more accurately predict branch utilization. An execution trace cache stores decoded instructions, which removes the decoder from the main instruction loop. The Intel Pentium 4 processor also provides 144 new streaming SIMD Extension 2 instructions, with double precision floating point, 128-bit SIMD integer, and improved cache and memory management instructions.

Revolutionary Architecture

The 850 chipset is based on Intel� Hub Architecture, which delivers twice the I/O bandwidth as previous generation northbridge/ southbridge technology. With dedicated data paths to fully optimize the additional bandwidth, the Intel 850 chipset offers support for future Intel processors based on NetBurst micro-architecture, and delivers significant gains for desktop PCs and entry-level workstations.

The 82850 Memory Controller Hub (MCH) delivers dual RDRAM memory channels and a 400 MHz system bus, providing the latest graphics support through 1.5V AGP4X technology. Together these features deliver the highest total bandwidth capabilities to the PC platform.
The enhanced 82801BA I/O Controller Hub (ICH2) delivers twice the I/O bandwidth over traditional bridge architecture and provides dedicated data paths to fully optimize the additional bandwidth. The ICH2 makes a direct connection from the graphics and memory for faster access to peripherals and provides the features and bandwidth required for the extended PC.

In addition to advanced application support, the 850 chipset was designed with the following features to enhance the end-user experience of audio, video, entertainment and Internet applications.

400 MHz system bus delivers a high bandwidth connection between the Intel Pentium 4 processor and the platform. To ensure maximum performance, the system bus is balanced with the dual RDRAM channels at 3.2GB/s, providing 3x the bandwidth of platforms based on Intel� Pentium� III processors.
Dual RDRAM memory channels, operating in lock step, deliver 3.2 GB/s of memory bandwidth to the processor. High memory bandwidth, coupled with an efficient protocol, deliver balanced platform support and provides the memory bandwidth necessary to extract full performance from the Intel Pentium 4 processor.
The AGP4X interface allows graphics controllers to access main memory at over 1 GB/s twice that of previous AGP platforms. With RDRAM memory and the new Intel Pentium 4 processor, AGP4X delivers the next level of 3D graphics performance.
Two controllers double the bandwidth available for USB peripherals to 24Mbps over four ports. This results in a significant increase over previous integrated 1-4 port hubs at 12Mbps.

The latest AC'97 audio delivers six channels of audio for enhanced sound quality and full surround sound capability for live broadcast and other Digital Dashboard programming.
LAN Connect Interface (LCI) provides flexible network solutions such as home phone line, 10/100Mbps Ethernet, and 10/100Mbps Ethernet with LAN manageability. All three network options utilize Intel� SingleDriver� Technology, which supports multiple products to simplify network connectivity and increase ease of deployment.
Dual Ultra ATA/100 controllers support the fastest IDE interface for transfers to storage devices. Additional performance is gained with Intel's Storage Driver over standard ATA drivers.
Communication and Networking Riser (CNR) offers flexibility in system configuration with a baseline feature set that can be upgraded with an audio card, modem card, or network card.

The Intel 850 chipset offers innovative design, high-speed memory, and configuration options that optimize performance and provide a solid base for the Intel Pentium 4 processor.

Platform Advantage

Intel's new platform architecture delivers the superior performance and high scalability required for today's exciting e-Business and e-Home applications. Intel's comprehensive efforts to enable the industry have ensured fast deployment of next-generation platforms, maximizing the user's competitive advantage. Our world-class platform validation creates a robust foundation for emerging applications, while minimizing deployment risks.