CPU & Memory
iCOMP 2 index |  History (Intel) | AGP)

Intel - Pentium

[Ref 11]

• Branch Prediction
  A tiny memory bank looks for patterns and tries to predict what a program will do next.
• Code Cache
  An 8k "cache" of memory reserved just for software code enables the Pentium to store frequently needed program instructions close at hand, speeding retrieval times.
• 64-Bit Bus Interface
  A wider highway or bus interface than the 486 (64 v's 32). This permits more data to reach the microprocessor faster.
• Dual Processors
  Pentium's two main processing elements enable it to execute two instructions in a single pass, or clock cycle. This super-scaler design endows the Pentium with two 32-bit wide pipelines for processing data, greatly enhancing its speed. Pentium also has a third processor for floating-point math.
• Data Cache
  A separate 8 k bank of memory for data allows the chip to compute data simultaneously with software instructions, and avoids any processing conflict between the two.