Reborn Tech Maniac

Chapter 851 Rockefeller Center Bought Back Bird
……

The BUG of the Pentium microprocessor originated from the fact that Intel fixed the multiplication table on the chip in order to improve performance.

This is a good design, but among the 2048 digital items in the multiplication table, 5 are wrong, which leads to wrong results in some rare floating-point calculation scenarios.

The situation is similar to that of a master of abacus, strategizing and invincible, but he just misremembered a few formulas.

A specific example is: when the number 3145727 is used to divide 4195835, the calculation result starts from behind "1.333", and a large error occurs.

A professor of mathematics in the United States encountered confusion when enumerating prime numbers through a computer. A high-end RISC Fangyuan computer with a Holder microprocessor is the same as a mid-range CISC computer with a Pentium microprocessor. Mathematical algorithm, why the results are not the same?
After a lot of tossing, he confirmed that there was a chip defect in the Pentium microprocessor, and sent an email to Intel for a report.

In fact, Intel has discovered this bug earlier.

According to one engineer, the bug causes about one error in about every 90 billion long division operations.

Convert this data into a more vivid statistical caliber, that is, the average failure interval is about 700 years.

The conclusion from this is that this bug is almost impossible to occur - but the reality is that it was found anyway, and some people claim to encounter this bug much more often.

Intel seems slow and even stupid in handling this matter, otherwise, it would not have given an excuse of 700 years between failures.

Don’t forget, we are now entering the Internet era.It can praise you to the sky, or it can scold you like a dog. Intel's arrogance has attracted overwhelming condemnation from the virtual community.So much so that in the real world, professional computer magazines like "byte" and cable news, which are extremely influential media, have carried out comprehensive reports.

This BUG affects the scope of the product, basically covering Pentium microprocessors with 0.8 micron process and 0.6 micron process and operating frequency below 120MHz, which can be described as a serious disaster.

Intel, which has many prevarication reasons, doesn't matter if its own reputation is bad, and it has also affected the personal computer industry, scaring many customers away from buying computers using Pentium microprocessors, or even the entire Intel family of microprocessors.

You should know that in specific daily applications, the calculator and spreadsheet software that comes with the operating system will call the floating-point operation instructions built into the CPU. If the financial report unfortunately encounters a BUG, ​​the problem will be difficult to evaluate.

I have to say that Intel’s current public relations department is really unflattering. In addition to being judged by users and the media from the moral high ground, it has also attracted complaints from the industry.

Gein, the timing of this crisis is so annoying.

No matter what the actual product is, NC poses a visible threat to PC at least in terms of momentum, while the Holder product line of Fangyuan personal computer is aimed at mid-to-high end, and the Pentium product line is the main force to fight NC and compete for market share—— Now that Intel has lost the chain, isn't this putting everyone in a dilemma.

In this case, the richest man issued a rare leadership order to convene the major hardware and software manufacturers in the personal computer industry to gather in Cupertino to discuss how to clean up this unprepared mess - not to Larry Ellison's sarcastic remarks and NC took advantage of the opportunity.

Tang Huan's attitude is very clear. There is no other solution but to recall the product. Now it is no longer a problem of 700 years between failures, but a crisis in the outside world's impression of Intel and confidence in its products.

The truth is there. It’s like buying a product online in the original time and space. Except for the damaged packaging and the suspicion of second-hand goods, there is no problem. Look at the evaluations given by customers.

Intel CEO Andy Grove also sees the current situation clearly, but he still can't get over that hurdle in his heart.

In a small-scale meeting, Andy Grove said to Tang Huan with a bitter face: "If the product is recalled, the related financial loss may exceed US$5 million."

John Chambers, CEO of Fangyuan Company, interjected dissatisfiedly: "You have seen Intel's economic losses, but you don't want to think about it. The PC industry, facing the challenge of NC, only completes the hardware replacement and replaces the Pentium microprocessor with bugs. How much time is spent and how many opportunities are missed?”

Andy Grove's temper is famously tough, but now it's really too unreasonable, so he can only keep silent.

"No one wants this. Everyone wants to make money comfortably, so let's look forward." Tang Huan waved his hand and said thoughtfully: "Although replacing a flawless Pentium microprocessor requires a process, users can directly use it. The experience depends a lot on the software.”

Andy Grove, who was in a state of desperation, had been running at high speed during this time, so he quickly realized, "What does Don mean, can control the Pentium floating point to eliminate the adverse effects of errors from the operating system level?"

Tang Huan nodded slightly, "Zheru Software has done a technical evaluation. In addition to being able to identify the Pentium microprocessor that has a floating point error, it can also temporarily bypass the problematic multiplication table at the expense of performance. Achieve data security.”

At this point, Tang Huan emphasized his tone and pointed out: "But you have to understand that this is just a temporary measure. Intel cannot waste the buffer time that it has finally won."

"Intel will definitely seize the time to correct its mistakes." A relieved Andy Grove solemnly assured: "The Pentium microprocessor using the new core P54C is ready to replace the P5 core product. .It’s a product recall, a bit of economic pressure.”

"I can help you find funds." Tang Huan comforted Andy Grove, then turned his gaze to John Chambers, "Fangyuan can also provide support, and consider it as an investment for the next generation of CPU."

John Chambers didn't object, but just reminded Andy Grove, "Intel's promised new microprocessor with built-in native multimedia instructions can't go wrong anymore."

Andy Grove agreed more and more relaxedly, not paying any attention to the unceremonious warning in the other party's words.

It has to be said that compared to the original control of the personal computer industry by Time and Space, Intel's current status has dropped directly to a level - it depends on the face of Fangyuan Company.

After reaching a consensus in this small-scale meeting, Tang Huan began to chair a larger-scale industry meeting to coordinate various affairs.

Because the cost of the Pentium microprocessor recall was resolved by Intel and Fangyuan, the burden on other companies was not heavy, and it was completely within their acceptable range, and the atmosphere of the meeting was not as heavy as many people imagined before. After debating for a while, they unanimously raised their hands and accepted the work content undertaken by each, which is enough to release the news to the outside world.

A large number of reporters squatting in Cupertino were very surprised by the speed of this meeting. They were still surprised when they were arranged in the conference room where the press conference was held.

Andy Grove, the protagonist, sits in the middle.He solemnly announced that Intel is a responsible and great company. In order to dispel the doubts of users, it decided to recall the flawed Pentium microprocessor regardless of gains or losses.

The impassioned statement really moved many people.

But someone still asked sharply—how to deal with the defective Pentium microprocessor after being recalled?Will it re-enter the market after being "polished"?
Andy Grove gritted his molars and replied, "In order to reassure everyone, this batch of defective Pentium microprocessors will be destroyed centrally."

Seeing that the atmosphere of the press conference was somewhat tragic, the richest man interrupted and said, "I have a suggestion, I don't know if it will work - this batch of defective Pentium microprocessors, it is better to make creative ideas like keychains Small objects, as souvenirs, given to everyone and affected users, can be regarded as a wake-up call."

Upon hearing this, without waiting for Andy Grove to express his opinion, there was a burst of applause - Tang is still considerate and generous. We have never received such a "high-tech" keychain. We are really looking forward to it. !
Seeing that Tang Huan made the reporters cheer with just a few words, Andy Grove couldn't help but smiled bitterly to himself—I don't expect to improve my personal charm, but my public relations skills really need to be strengthened.

……

Intel's crisis came very suddenly, but after the initial chaos, it quickly entered a smooth and orderly remedial stage.

Among them, the cooperation of Zheru software has made great contributions.It quickly launched a free tool to help users identify the CPU of their computer, whether there is a Pentium floating-point error; , through software patches and option settings, temporarily disable the floating-point operation function of the CPU, and the cost is only to sacrifice performance.

Thanks to the current Pentium microprocessor, which has a higher operating frequency, as long as the calculation is not particularly intensive, the impact on the system's operating efficiency is within an acceptable range.

Most importantly, this effective handling of Pentium floating-point errors has quickly restored confidence in the enterprise market.

With this buffer, there is no need to stop working computers in large areas, and when users accept Intel's public relations, they will feel much calmer.

In this regard, the media and observers commented appreciatively that Tang is worthy of being hailed as the leader of Silicon Valley. In this product defect incident that affected the entire PC industry, he exerted outstanding leadership, coordinated all parties, and solved the problem quickly and effectively. Instead of watching the excitement, arguing endlessly, or even taking advantage of the fire with different minds; the rights and interests of users are also guaranteed to the greatest extent.

We noticed that Tang’s proposal of “making a defective Pentium microprocessor into a keychain” was adopted by Intel.This unique souvenir is so popular that many people have even caught wind of it and spent money to collect this kind of not-for-sale product. You can see a lot of related information on America Online.

It has to be said that Tang, who spared no effort to come up with ideas, is partial to Intel.

……

It wasn't long before Tang Huan's industry leadership was praised, and his financial resources were immediately talked about again.

The "New York Times" broke the news that the Rockefeller Center, a New York landmark that was bought by a single person a few years ago, was really bought back by the richest man. The official signing time is just around the corner.

When Tang Huan, who attended this year's "Forbes 400 Rich List" banquet in the United States, was asked about this issue, he said calmly, "In the process of looking for a new headquarters for America Online, I asked Mitsubishi Estate whether it was for sale. After discussing for a period of time, a deal was indeed reached—I came to the east coast of the United States this time to attend the signing ceremony at the Rockefeller Center.”

The richest man really can’t offend anyone with his words - it’s no secret that the rental situation of Rockefeller Center has not been ideal in recent years. I must have been unable to hold on any longer, so I had to quit in despair.

Without waiting for the American media to gloat and bombard a book, Mitsubishi Estate issued an announcement on heels. During the contact with Tang, we were convinced by some of his ideas. We felt that Rockefeller Center, a national historical site in the United States, was Under Tang's management, there should be another kind of charm that is worth looking forward to, so she decided to be an adult beauty.After discussion, Mitsubishi Estate will still hold the two buildings in Rockefeller Center, and the rest will be awarded to Don.We believe that Tang is not only an ideal partner, but also a trustworthy asset manager.

"What a cunning little book! The reaction is really fast enough." The American media, who were about to scold them, almost suffered internal injuries.

No matter what, this is news worth celebrating, and the attention is immeasurable. Let’s seize the time and go to the scene to capture first-hand news.

On the day of the signing, more than a thousand people from the media gathered in Rockefeller Center; there were countless people watching the excitement.

Reporters noticed that in addition to the seller headed by Mitsubishi Estate President Takeshi Fukuzawa and the buyer headed by Tang Huan, some members of the Rockefeller family, such as the third generation of David Rockefeller, James Rockefeller, Lawrence Rockefeller, the fourth generation of Jay Rockefeller, etc., also appeared.

Looking at the gray-haired elders of the third generation of the Rockefeller family, many people couldn't help muttering to themselves——Mr. the richest man bought the Rockefeller Center back, and the commotion was a bit big!

(End of this chapter)