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The Intel Pentium Pro processor, released in 1995, was a significant advancement in its time. While its technology might seem outdated compared to modern CPUs, understanding its internal components can offer valuable insights into the evolution of processor design. Here's a breakdown of what was inside a Pentium Pro chip
Central Processing Unit (CPU) Die
Execution Units: The Pentium Pro had six execution units: two integer units, one floating-point unit (FPU), a load unit, store address unit, and a store data unit. These units handled different processing tasks like calculations, data movement, and memory access.
Cache: It incorporated two levels of cache:
L1 cache: 8 or 16 Kilobyte (separate for data and instructions) stored frequently used data close to the execution units for faster access.
L2 cache: Located on a separate die, it offered a larger capacity of 256 Kilobyte, 512 Kilobyte, or even 1megabyte further reducing main memory access latency.
Microprocessor Core: Built on a 0.50 micrometer or 0.35 micrometer BiCMOS process, it housed the transistors and logic circuits responsible for core processing tasks.
Package
Ceramic Multi-Chip Module (MCM): The Pentium Pro wasn't a single chip but two dies housed in a ceramic MCM. One die held the CPU core, and the other contained the L2 cache.
Socket: It used Socket 8, a specific connector interface compatible with motherboards designed for this processor.
Front-Side Bus: This bus connected the processor to the main memory and chipset, operating at 60 or 66 MHz for data transfer.
Clock Crystal: Regulated the internal operating frequency of the processor, typically ranging from 150 to 200 MHz.
Voltage Regulator: Provided the necessary power to various components within the chip.
Overall, the Pentium Pro was a complex and powerful processor for its time, featuring multiple execution units, large L2 cache, and BiCMOS technology. While its internal design wouldn't compare to modern multi-core processors, understanding its components gives us a glimpse into the fascinating journey of processor evolution.