Intel 5xx Series: The 5xx is the Prescott core based on the NetBurst architecture on a 90nm fabrication process. The 5xx chips feature 1MB of L2 cache and require a massive 130W of power. The 6xx series is based on the updated Prescott 2M core with 2MB of L2 cache. We will get back to 6xx later on, but for now, lets continue understanding the nuances of the 5xx series.

The 5x0 is the low-end model, and is placed between the 520, 530, ….. and 561. The only difference is that of the clock speed. They only support Intel’s HyperThreading technology and are not bestowed with Execute Disable (XD), EM64T or SpeedStep technologies. The consistency gets broken at the 570, which is marked with ‘J’ and shows that the processor also supports the Execute Disable function.

The 5x1 series is the higher-end version of the 5xx series and features everything including EM64T, XD and HT technologies. Even the 5x1 series doesn’t get EIST, which means that it will keep consuming an abundance of power regardless your usage patterns.

All processors in the 5xx series are manufactured using the 90nm fabrication process and have an 800MHz quad-pumped system bus with 1MB of L2 cache.

Intel 6xx Series: The 6xx series, as mentioned above, is an upgrade to the 5xx series. The current processors are based on the updated Prescott 2M core featuring 2MB of L2 cache and 800MHz system bus. All 6xx series processors feature EIST, EM64T, Execute Disable (XD) and HT technologies.

Intel 6x2: Intel is going to completely revamp the 6xx series beginning Q1’06. That is when Intel is scheduled to launch the last of the Prescotts, namely the Pentium 662 and the 672, both of which will feature Prescott 2M along with Intel’s Virtualization Technology (VT).

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