Simply put, EPM constantly puts the CPU in a pseudo-standby mode when throughput needs are low, but instantly accelerates to full speed potential when called upon. Called the "QuickStart power state", the fast on/off routine of the mobile Pentium III manages to retain its full speed potential while offering lower power needs.

How low? Intel states that a mobile Pentium III 500 CPU draws as much power using EPM as a previous Pentium II 400 CPU does.

Unlike previous generations of high speed mobile CPUs, the new mobile Pentium IIIs are very price competitive from the start, to ensure that their small packaging is put to good use even in mini-notebooks where prices seldom climb above $1,750.

The foundational core logic chipset platform needed to be improved upon as well versus the existing Celeron and Pentium II mobile part platforms in order to maximize on the new mobile Pentium III CPU's potential, and this is reflected by the fact that AGP2X and a 100MHz front side bus speed are supported via the 440BX chipset.

Mobile Pentium III Platform

The new Coppermine class of mobile Pentium IIIs will be the fastest portable processors available for at least the next year and their arrival coincides perfectly with the latest mobile 3D accelerator chips making their way to market from S3 and ATi.