Intel Pentium III Xeon 500 2MB socket: Slot 2
The Intel Pentium III Xeon 500 2MB uses the Slot 2 slot. It is a 36.2 W single-core Tanner server part at 500 MHz with 2 MB of L2 cache for Slot 2 database servers.
- Socket
- Slot 2
- Launched
- March 17, 1999
- Cores and threads
- 1 and 1
- Base power
- 36.2 W
- Codename
- Tanner
- Segment
- Server
- Family
- Intel Pentium III Xeon
- Clocks
- 0.5 GHz
Intel Pentium III Xeon 500 2MB specifications
| Cores | 1 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 1 |
| Core architecture | Tanner (P6) |
| Clocks | 500 MHz base, no turbo |
| Cache | 32 KB L1, 2 MB full-speed L2 |
| Processor base power (TDP) | 36.2 W |
| Manufacturing process | 250 nm |
| Memory support | Registered SDRAM through the server chipset |
| Front side bus | 100 MT/s |
| Package | Slot 2 (SECC cartridge, 330 contacts) |
| Multiplier | Locked (5x) |
| Integrated graphics | None |
Motherboard compatibility
Intel Pentium III Xeon 500 2MB needs a motherboard with a Slot 2 socket. Chipset by chipset data for this codename is not recorded yet. See the Slot 2 chipset list and the board maker's CPU support list.
Slot 2 at a glance
| Type | Slot, 330 contacts |
|---|---|
| Package size | n/a |
| Introduced | April 1998 |
| Memory | Registered SDRAM through the board chipset |
| Cooler mounting holes | Cartridge and retention cage |
What the Pentium III Xeon 500 2MB is
The Intel Pentium III Xeon 500 2MB is a 500 MHz single-core server processor from March 1999. It runs one P6 Tanner core at 500 MHz with no Hyper-Threading, so 1 core gives 1 thread. Cache is 2 MB of L2 at full CPU speed with 32 KB of L1 on a 250 nm process. Power is rated at 36.2 W in a Slot 2 SECC cartridge on a 100 MT/s front side bus with a 5x multiplier at 2.0 V.
Flagship cache at entry clocks gives the 500 2MB the largest working set per MHz in the Tanner line, which is why it headed large database servers despite modest frequency. Intel launched the 500 2MB on March 17, 1999 at $3692. The chip supports MMX, SSE and four-way SMP.
Large cache with a 36 W class envelope suits Slot 2 database racks with registered memory. That is why the 500 2MB shipped in quad database boxes.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The 500 2MB fits Slot 2 database servers with Tanner support. It needs a 330-lead SC330 board with a 100 MT/s bus and a BIOS that lists the 2MB Xeon 500. The Socket vs chipset: what decides whether a CPU works guide covers pairing rules.
Database rack servers are the natural match. Boards listing the 2MB string accept cartridges with 36.2 W heatsinks each.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
Memory is registered SDRAM through the server chipset, matched to the board sockets. The cartridge has no memory controller. Database boards commonly interleave ECC pairs.
A 100 MT/s front side bus ties each cartridge to the chipset, while PCI hangs off the chipset. No PCIe lanes originate on the cartridge. Cooling uses SECC heatsinks on the retention cage.
Upgrade paths
On the same slot, a move to a Pentium III Xeon 550 2MB such as Intel Pentium III Xeon 550 2MB keeps flagship cache for 50 MHz more at 34 W. A plain Xeon 500 such as Intel Pentium III Xeon 500 quarters cache to 512 KB at 36 W.
A move to Cascades Xeon adds 133 MT/s paths. The Slot 2 page lists the range. Note: the queue row lists 37 W; this page uses the verified 36.2 W.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Pentium III Xeon 500 2MB use?
Slot 2. It is a 36.2 W Tanner server part at 500 MHz with 2 MB of cache.
What memory does the 500 2MB use?
Registered SDRAM through the server chipset.
What is the upgrade path from the 500 2MB?
A 550 2MB for 50 MHz more at lower power.
Sources and verification
- List of Intel Xeon processors Tanner 500 2MB 36.2W (Wikipedia)
- Slot 2 (Wikipedia)
- Pentium III Xeon datasheet (Intel)
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .