
Features
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Dual-Core Intel Xeon Processor 3000 Series Datasheet
6.2.4
Extended HALT Snoop or HALT Snoop State,
Stop Grant Snoop State
The Extended HALT Snoop State is used in conjunction with the new Extended HALT
state. If Extended HALT state is not enabled in the BIOS, the default Snoop State
entered will be the HALT Snoop State. Refer to the following sections for details on
HALT Snoop State, Grant Snoop State and Extended HALT Snoop State.
6.2.4.1
HALT Snoop State, Stop Grant Snoop State
The processor will respond to snoop transactions on the FSB while in Stop-Grant state
or in HALT Power Down state. During a snoop transaction, the processor enters the
HALT Snoop State:Stop Grant Snoop state. The processor will stay in this state until the
snoop on the FSB has been serviced (whether by the processor or another agent on the
FSB). After the snoop is serviced, the processor returns to the Stop Grant state or HALT
Power Down state, as appropriate.
6.2.4.2
Extended HALT Snoop State
The Extended HALT Snoop State is the default Snoop State when the Extended HALT
state is enabled via the BIOS. The processor remains in the lower bus ratio and VID
operating point of the Extended HALT state.
While in the Extended HALT Snoop State, snoops are handled the same way as in the
HALT Snoop State. After the snoop is serviced the processor will return to the Extended
HALT state.
6.3
Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology
The processor supports Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology. This technology
enables the processor to switch between multiple frequency and voltage points, which
results in platform power savings. Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology requires
support for dynamic VID transitions in the platform. Switching between voltage/
frequency states is software controlled.
Note:
Not all processors are capable of supporting Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology.
More details on which processor frequencies support this feature is provided in the
Dual-Core Intel Xeon Processor 3000 Series Specification Update.
Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology creates processor performance states
(P-states) or voltage/frequency operating points. P-states are lower power capability
states within the Normal state as shown in Figure 6-1. Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology enables real-time dynamic switching between frequency and voltage
points. It alters the performance of the processor by changing the bus to core
frequency ratio and voltage. This allows the processor to run at different core
frequencies and voltages to best serve the performance and power requirements of the
processor and system. The processor has hardware logic that coordinates the
requested voltage (VID) between the processor cores. The highest voltage that is
requested for either of the processor cores is selected for that processor package. Note
that the front side bus is not altered; only the internal core frequency is changed. To
run at reduced power consumption, the voltage is altered in step with the bus ratio.