i925X Alderwood chipset to take advantage of IA32e 64-bit processors?

Intel said that it positions its Pentium 4 E processors with 64-bit extension technology for uni-processor servers targeted for mid-2004 launch. Intel does not indicated availability of performance mainstream and mainstream desktop Intel Pentium 4 E processors with enhanced functionality this year. Keeping in mind that all Pentium 4 E processors have the same core with the same functionality inside, 64-bit support is probably a question of marketing and positioning, certainly not something that lies in technology.

As stated by people familiar with Intel’s roadmap, the company’s high-end Pentium 4 E processors targeted for mid-year launch utilize LGA775 packaging and function at 3.60GHz speeds. For UP workstations – the machines where 64-bit extension technology will be available according to Intel – the Santa Clara, California-based firm positions i925X chipset and LGA775 Intel Pentium 4 processors. This fundamentally means that i925X has a new memory controller and certain other tweaks to take advantage of the IA32e.

In fact, Intel’s high-end chipsets for expensive desktops and workstations, such as i850E and i875P, usually contain some undeclared features. For instance, i850E supported the Hyper-Threading technology earlier than others, whereas, i875P is in fact a chipset capable of working with 2 CPUs. Evidently, their mainstream counterparts, such as i865PE, does not boast with the same kinds of functionality.