The 604e is a second version of the 604 with double the internal L1 cache sizes that total 64K (32K for the instruction cache and 32K for the data cache). The 604 has a total of 32K L1 caches (16K instruction and 16K data). Additionally, the 604e shrinks the 5.6 million transistors to 148 sq mm (from 196 sq mm). The smaller die also provides a lower power requirement and can use up to a 5:1 bus multiplier (604 has 3:1). With the 5:1 multipliers, these cards can support 250 MHz.
This article was published in the Information Alley on 10 September 1996.
Article Change History:
17 Oct 1996 - Added alley info.