IDT WinChip 2-250 socket: Super Socket 7
The IDT WinChip 2-250 uses the Super Socket 7 socket. It is a 10.9 W single-core WinChip 2 desktop part at 233 MHz with 64 KB of L1 cache for low-power Super Socket 7 boards.
- Socket
- Super Socket 7
- Launched
- 1998
- Cores and threads
- 1 and 1
- Base power
- 10.9 W
- Codename
- WinChip 2
- Segment
- Desktop
- Family
- IDT WinChip 2
- Clocks
- 0.23 GHz
IDT WinChip 2-250 specifications
| Cores | 1 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 1 |
| Core architecture | WinChip 2 (Centaur) |
| Clocks | 233 MHz base, no turbo |
| Cache | 64 KB L1, L2 on board modules |
| Processor base power (TDP) | 10.9 W |
| Manufacturing process | 0.35 micron |
| Memory support | EDO DRAM and SDRAM through the board chipset |
| Front side bus | 83 MHz |
| Package | Super Socket 7 (CPGA 296) |
| Multiplier | Locked (3x) |
| Integrated graphics | None |
Motherboard compatibility
IDT WinChip 2-250 needs a motherboard with a Super Socket 7 socket. Chipset by chipset data for this codename is not recorded yet. See the Super Socket 7 chipset list and the board maker's CPU support list.
Super Socket 7 at a glance
| Type | PGA, 321 contacts |
|---|---|
| Package size | n/a |
| Introduced | May 1998 |
| Memory | EDO DRAM and SDRAM through the board chipset |
| Cooler mounting holes | Socket lug (clip) |
What the WinChip 2-250 is
The IDT WinChip 2-250 is a 233 MHz single-core desktop processor from 1998. It runs one Centaur WinChip 2 core at 233 MHz with no turbo, so 1 core gives 1 thread. Cache is 64 KB of L1 with no on-die L2 on a 0.35 micron process. Power is rated at 10.9 W in a Super Socket 7 CPGA 296 package on an 83 MHz front side bus with a 3x multiplier at 3.45 to 3.6 V.
Dual MMX and 3DNow units in a simple in-order pipeline give the WinChip 2 media paths that plain Pentium rivals lack, which is why the 2-250 at 233 MHz suits basic multimedia boxes. IDT sold WinChip 2 parts in 1998 with Centaur design. The chip supports MMX and 3DNow, the only non-AMD Socket 7 chip to do so.
A 233 MHz clock on an 83 MHz bus with a 10.9 W envelope suits low-power Super Socket 7 towers with SDRAM. The odd 83 MHz bus needs an exact board setting. That is why the 2-250 shipped in quiet office boxes.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The 2-250 fits Super Socket 7 low-power desktops with WinChip support. It needs a 321-pin board with an 83 MHz bus path and a BIOS that lists WinChip 2 parts. The Socket vs chipset: what decides whether a CPU works guide covers pairing rules.
Quiet SDRAM towers are the natural match. Boards listing WinChip 2-250 accept the chip with a small cooler.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
Memory is EDO DRAM and SDRAM through the board chipset, matched to the board sockets. The CPU has no memory controller and no on-die L2. Boards commonly run SDRAM pairs.
An 83 MHz front side bus ties the CPU to the chipset, while PCI hangs off the chipset. No PCIe lanes exist. Cooling uses the socket lug clip with a cooler rated for 10.9 W.
Upgrade paths
On the same socket, a WinChip 2A-300 such as IDT WinChip 2A-300 keeps the family for 250 MHz actual at 16 W on a 100 MHz bus when the board supports it. A Cyrix MII-300GP such as Cyrix MII-300GP is the rival PR300 part.
A move to Slot A Athlon needs a new board. The Super Socket 7 page lists the WinChip to Sharptooth range for planning.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the WinChip 2-250 use?
Super Socket 7. It is a 10.9 W WinChip 2 desktop part at 233 MHz.
What memory does the 2-250 use?
EDO DRAM and SDRAM through the board chipset.
What is the upgrade path from the 2-250?
A WinChip 2A-300 for 250 MHz actual on a 100 MHz bus.
Sources and verification
- WinChip 2-250 233MHz 10.9W (Wikiland WinChip)
- WinChip 2 3DNow Super Socket 7 (OpenWiki)
- WinChip Socket 7 family (InfoSekolah)
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .