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Hardware Prefetcher
The processor has a hardware prefetcher that automatically analyzes its re-
quirements and prefetches data and instructions from the memory into the
Level 2 cache that are likely to be required in the near future. This reduces the
latency associated with memory reads. W hen enabled, the processor's hard-
ware prefetcher will be enabled and allowed to automatically prefetch data and
code for the processor. W hen disabled, the processor's hardware prefetcher
will be disabled.
Adjacent Cache Line Prefetch
The processor has a hardware adjacent cache line prefetch mechanism that
automatically fetches an extra 64-byte cache line whenever the processor
requests for a 64-byte cache line. This reduces cache latency by making the
next cache line immediately available if the processor requires it as well. W hen
enabled, the processor will retrieve the currently requested cache line, as well
as the subsequent cache line. W hen disabled, the processor will only retrieve
the currently requested cache line.
Max CPUID Value Limit
The Max CPUID Value Limit BIOS feature allows you to circumvent problems
with older operating systems that do not support the Intel Pentium 4 processor
with Hyper-Threading Technology. W hen enabled, the processor will limit the
maximum CPUID input value to 03h when queried, even if the processor sup-
ports a higher CPUID input value. When disabled, the processor will return the
actual maximum CPUID input value of the processor when queried.
Intel(R) Virtualization Tech
Virtualization enhanced by Intel Virtualization Technology will allow a platform
to run multiple operating systems and applications in independent partitions.
With virtualization, one computer system can function as multiple "virtual" systems.
Execute Disable Bit Capability
Intel's Execute Disable Bit functionality can prevent certain classes of malicious
"buffer overflow" attacks when combined with a supporting operating system.
This functionality allows the processor to classify areas in memory by where
application code can execute and where it cannot. W hen a malicious worm
attempts to insert code in the buffer, the processor disables code execution,
preventing damage or worm propagation.
Core M ulti-Processing
CMP (Core Multi Processing) is the ability to have many independent processing
cores on a single die, each with their own L1 Code & Data caches, Local APICs
& thermal controls, while having a shared L2 cache, power management & bus
interface. Intel multi-core architecture has a single Intel processor package that
contains two or more processor "execution cores," or computational engines to
enable enhanced performance and more-efficient simultaneous processing of
multiple tasks.
BIOS Setup
3-7
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