Pentium vs. 8086/8088 — which feature is NOT a Pentium-only enhancement? Choose the option that does not represent a feature added beyond the 8086/8088 era but instead was already present in those earlier processors.

Introduction / Context:
Comparing the classic 8086/8088 with later Pentium processors highlights how CPU architectures evolved. The Pentium family added performance features such as deeper pipelines, on-chip caches, and superscalar execution. However, some board-level interface traits already existed long before Pentium and therefore are not “enhancements.”

Given Data / Assumptions:

• 8086/8088 external bus used multiplexed lines (AD0–AD15) to carry address and data at different times.
• Pentium introduced bigger on-chip caches and complex pipelines, and many versions included an on-chip floating-point unit.

Concept / Approach:
Identify which item in the list was not unique to Pentium as an improvement over 8086/8088. While pipelining and caches were greatly expanded and an internal FPU became standard, the multiplexing of address and data lines was already used by the 8086/8088 to save pins and reduce package size. Thus, that item cannot be a Pentium-era enhancement.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
8086 hardware manuals detail ALE-driven demultiplexing of address/data lines. Pentium datasheets emphasize cache and pipeline advances rather than reintroducing multiplexing as a “new” feature.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Pipelined architecture, larger caches, integrated FPU, and superscalar units are hallmark Pentium improvements over early x86.

Common Pitfalls:

• Equating “present in both” with “enhancement”; a feature can persist without being an improvement.

Final Answer:
Data/address line multiplexing