Intel Corporation

Nathan C Schultz

Robert J Greiner

Benson D Inkley

Techniques for a processor temperature control interface. In one embodiment, a processor includes a bidirectional interface and output logic to assert a first signal indicating an internal high temperature on the bidirectional interface. Throttling logic throttles operations of the processor if either the internal high temperature is indicated or if an external signal is received on the bidirectional interface.

Processor temperature control interface

A handshake mechanism is provided to allow feature compatible processor and motherboard combinations to operate, and incompatible combinations to fail safely. The handshake mechanism also facilitates communication of feature settings between a motherboard and an attached processor. For each feature, the handshake mechanism includes connection pins correspondingly disposed on complementary connectors of the processors and the motherboards for conveying a feature setting selection signal for the feature. The handshake mechanism further includes particular manners for connecting the processors' connection pins and the motherboards' connection pins to their respective internal circuitry, depending on the manners the feature is supported by the various processors and motherboards.

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Portland, OR, United States of America

Nathan C Schultz