Original Link: https://www.anandtech.com/show/296
There are two things that happen every time a new processor is released, prices go down and the number of options a buyer has goes up. It's common sense, and it is the phenomenon that Intel's latest processor release will be causing for the next couple of weeks, the time to buy is now but the problem is deciding what processor to grab. The decision of what processor to buy is always becoming more and more difficult with every processor release, on the one hand you want to get the best out there and on the other hand you want to make sure that you're not going to regret spending your hard earned money on a processor that will definitely need to be upgraded in a very short amount of time.
For the average user the most intelligent thing to do is buy the "mean" in this case, basically a processor that isn't the fastest nor is it the slowest on the market. At the same time, you have the users that happen to be a bit luckier than the rest and for one reason or another have a very large (and sometimes annoying) budget for computer hardware. For these users, often times the best choice for them may not be the fastest thing out on the market, rather the previous title owner that the new release just replaced.
In the case of Intel, the previous holder is the Pentium(r) III 500 and the new comer is the recently released Pentium(r) III 550. How much of an improvement does 50MHz give you in the real world, or better yet, will you notice the difference between a 550MHz and a 500MHz Pentium(r) III investment a few months down the line when you begin having thoughts of upgrading? Let's try and find out as AnandTech takes a look at Intel's "latest and greatest," the Pentium(r) III 550.
A Quick Overview
The Pentium(r) III 550 carries on the same tradition as the original Pentium(r) III processors. Based on the same 0.25 micron core as the Pentium(r) III 500, the only differences the Pentium(r) III 550 holds over previous releases is the fact that it runs at a fixed 5.5x clock multiplier and makes use of 512KB of L2 cache that is capable of running at 275MHz. Coincidentally, most Pentium(r) III 500 owners will vouch for their processor's L2 cache being able to run at above their 250MHz rating, as many 500 owners are running at 560MHz with the L2 cache operating at a hefty 280MHz (the L2 cache operates at 1/2 the clock speed).
| The Pentium(r) III is also a complete implementation of Intel's new Organic Land Grid Array packaging process, a deviation from the standard Plastic Land Grid Array packaging which is much larger in comparison. | |
| The OLGA package of the Pentium(r) III can also be seen, in limited quantities, on newer Pentium(r) II processors, such as some Pentium(r) II 450 units. | |
The 550, like all other Pentium(r) III processors, is a Slot-1 solution and is equipped with 32kb of L1 cache integrated into the processor's die. The card itself is home to both the 550 chip itself as well as two 256KB L2 cache chips making up the processors 512KB L2 cache that operates, as briefly mentioned before, at half of the clock frequency.
The retail heatsink/fan the processor ships with make contact with only the chip itself, and leave the L2 cache chips essentially "uncooled" during normal operation, possibly to deter overclocking and remarking by making sure that the L2 cache works fine at its rated frequency/temperature with as little room for tolerance as possible. It is possible to purchase an OEM Pentium(r) III 550 chip that doesn't ship with the retail heatsink/fan and use a third party cooling solution that does take care of cooling the L2 cache chips if you're that worried.
Like all Intel processors now, the 550 is clock-locked meaning that the only clock multiplier the processor can accept is the pre-set 5.5x value (100MHz x 5.5 = 550MHz). The Pentium(r) III 550 still operates at the same 2.0v core voltage setting that all processors since the Pentium(r) II 333 have been running at, and generally requires the use of an active cooler (heatsink/fan combo) for proper operation. The only requirements for compatibility are that the motherboard supports the Pentium(r) III processor, and the 100MHz FSB. With the exception of Intel's own motherboards, the Pentium(r) III 550 worked fine on all BX motherboards AnandTech tested it on. Most older motherboards without a BIOS update detected the processor as a Pentium(r) II running at 550MHz, and after flashing the BIOS with the latest updates the BIOS reported the correctly identified Pentium III running at 550MHz.
If you happen to own an Intel SE440BX you'll be out of luck as the 550 isn't supported by the motherboard at all. The only Intel boards that do support the 550 as of now are the SR440BX and the newer SE440BX2 which is basically the older SE440BX with a BIOS update to support the 550. It would make very little sense for Intel not to release a BIOS update for SE440BX users in order to enable Pentium(r) III 550 support, however on their web site they seem to only support the 450 and 500 parts on the original SE440BX.
Web Performance
There have been numerous claims made by Intel that the Pentium(r) III will "improve" your web browsing experience. While that may not be true for most of the sites you visit on a daily basis, here's a small albeit working example of the CPU dependency a single web page can bring with it.
Pentium(r)III systems will perform the rotation of this Java cube faster than older processors.
Intel does make these cute little JavaScript programs available for download if you do happen to want to use them on your own page, however it'll probably be a while before you see stuff like this become "mainstream" in the web arena. The day when we all have to stop joking about how you don't need a Pentium(r) III 550 to surf the web...scary, no?
The Processor Identification Number: Danger or Paranoia?
As mentioned in AnandTech's original Pentium III review, the Pentium III is the first processor to boast Intel's new processor identification number technology that basically gives your processor an individual identification number which is unique to your processor alone. This number can allow your processor to be tracked down via the Internet for a variety of purposes, and at the same time the number has obviously caused a lot of commotion in the industry.
Motherboard manufacturers have quickly jumped on the bandwagon of supporting the ability to disable the number via their BIOS setup utility, so if the number's presence is that bothersome to you then you should write your motherboard manufacturer if an update to your BIOS hasn't already been made. At the same time, programmers are saying that there are methods to enable the number even if it is off already. This poses a problem as many believe that the ability for your presence to be tracked on-line is a severe violation of your privacy. Whether the threat of Intel's new id system is a dangerous threat or just paranoia on the part of the users, the conclusion of the argument is this: the number is included on Pentium III processors, including the newly release 550MHz parts.
In reality, your final decision shouldn't be swayed by whether or not your processor features a traceable serial number however it can be an influential force in forming your opinion of manufacturers that do boast the technology. In some cases the identification number is actually a security advantage as the data stored on the processor now allows you to run a utility supplied by Intel that will report the proper FSB and clock multiplier settings the CPU was made to run at. What must be pointed out is that there wasn't a dire need for such a drastic move by Intel proving that in some cases, necessity isn't the mother of invention.
Heat and Overclocking
The Pentium III 550 does generate more heat than the 450MHz and 500MHz parts, which is expected considering the 550MHz processor does run at a faster clock speed while using the same core as the 450/500MHz parts. Contrary to the rumors of the 550MHz Pentium III having heat problems as reported by The Register, an on-line news publication, AnandTech's hands-on experience as well as that of many other individuals and manufacturers shows the Pentium III 550 to run perfectly fine as long as it is cooled using a Pentium III heatsink/fan combo. Although Intel may be known to use some pretty harsh business tactics, they would definitely not release a processor that runs at too high of a temperature for reliable operation.
In terms of overclocking, the 550 definitely has the ability to run at much higher frequencies than the 500 could. While most 500MHz Pentium IIIs maxed out at around 560MHz (112MHz x 5.0), the 550 can easily hit 616MHz (112MHz x 5.5) with L2 cache enabled. After reaching 616MHz the ability to run the 550 any higher begins to be dependent on the quality of and the cooling applied to (if any) the processors L2 cache. At 616MHz, the L2 cache operates at 308MHz, over 10% above its rated operating frequency. The next possible setting is 644MHz (117MHz x 5.5) which was stable with some added cooling, although your success will vary even more from chip to chip than the ability to hit 616. At 644MHz, the L2 cache runs at 322MHz, around 17% above the specified operating frequency. After 644MHz it quickly becomes very difficult to overclock the 550 with L2 cache enabled.
So far, overclocking has been mentioned under the explicit conditions that L2 cache remains enabled, however what happens when L2 cache is disabled? If you disable the L2 cache of the Pentium III processor, youre essentially testing the potential of Intels core and you end up removing the L2 cache as a bottleneck for overclocking. Luckily, AnandTechs Pentium III 550 processor was an engineering sample which did not have the clock multiplier implemented, meaning the clock multiplier could be adjusted in 0.5x increments. An interesting phenomenon occurred after manipulating the clock multiplier of the processor, the L2 cache was disabled. This allowed the core of the Pentium III 550 to truly be put to the test, and after booting into Windows 98 at 100MHz x 6.5 (650MHz) the next step was running at the big 700 (100MHz x 7.0). Surprisingly enough, the sample hit 700MHz without any added cooling (other than the retail heatsink/fan) although its stability was next to nonexistent. Added cooling did help increase the stability of the Pentium III 550 at 700MHz, however for the most part supercooling would be necessary to hit 700MHz on the 550.
700MHz: What does it mean?
So the Pentium III 550s core can hit 700MHz, so what? What this is showing is that Intels manufacturing process is at a point where a few tweaks in the core would allow for speeds greater than 550MHz to hit the streets today, if the need were to rise. From Intels standpoint, the Pentium III 550 doesnt need a 600MHz partner just yet since their closest competitor, AMD, has yet to even release a 500MHz K6-3 part.
The physical limit of the Pentium IIIs current manufacturing process happens to be around the 700MHz mark, meaning that it wouldnt be too far fetched to "hypothesize" the 0.18 micron Coppermine processors that are due out later this year would feature clock speeds of around 700MHz+. It also wouldnt be surprising to see the "mysterious" arrival of a 600MHz Pentium III (not Coppermine, current technology 0.25 micron) if AMD does indeed ship their upcoming K7 at 550MHz as planned. Intel wont stand idle as AMD takes the lead in the clock frequency race, and the potential of the overclocked 550 is proof in itself that Intel could make the move to 600MHz and beyond if the need were to come around.
This is unfortunate for AMD seeing as they do not have the same luxury as Intel in terms of the quality of their yields as well as the number of fab plants they have. Not only must AMD have more lenient QA testing but they must also work with the fact that they dont have as many fabrication plants as Intel. Whereas Intel can crank out a 600MHz Pentium III now and possibly a 650MHz part soon enough, AMD must do a little more work to get 550MHz and 600MHz parts shipping before they can concentrate on raising the bar any more. Luckily for AMD, they will be able to compete with Intel quite well at 550MHz so they wont have to rely on a clock frequency lead to gain the edge in performance when the K7 hits the streets in June/July.
The Test
The Socket-7/Super7 Test System Configuration was as follows:
- AMD K6 233, AMD K6-2 300, AMD K6-3 450 (engineering sample)
- FIC PA-2013 w/ 1MB L2 Cache
- 64MB PC100 SDRAM
- Western Digital Caviar AC35100 - UltraATA
- Matrox Millennium G200 AGP Video Card (8MB) - All other Benchmarking
- 3dfx Voodoo3 3000 - Gaming Benchmarks
- VIA AGP GART Drivers v2.9
- VIA Bus Master IDE Drivers
- VIA PCI IRQ Remapping Drivers
The Pentium II comparison system differed only in terms of the processor and motherboard in which case the following components were used:
- Intel Celeron 300, Intel Celeron 300A, Intel Pentium II 400, Intel Pentium II 450, Intel Pentium III 500, Intel Pentium III 550
- ABIT BX6 Revision 2.0 Pentium II BX Motherboard
The Pentium Pro comparison system differed only in terms of the processor and motherboard in which case the following components were used:
- Intel Pentium Pro 200 (256KB L2), Intel Pentium II OverDrive 333 (512KB L2)
- Octek Rhino P6 Pro Socket-8 FX Motherboard
The following drivers were common to both test systems:
- MGA G200 Drivers v1677_426
- DirectX 6.1
- Quake 2 v3.20 w/ 3DNow! Support enabled when applicable
The benchmark suite consisted of the following applications:
- Ziff Davis Winstone 98 under Windows 98
- Ziff Davis Winstone 99 under Windows 98 & Windows NT4 SP4
- Quake 2 v3.20 using demo1.dm2 and Brett "3 Fingers" Jacobs Crusher.dm2 demo
- Naturally Speaking Professional Speech Recognition Software
- Microsoft Netshow Encoder
- Adobe Photoshop 5.02
- Dispatch by Rage Software w/ SSE support
All Winstone tests were run at 1024 x 768 x 16 bit color, all gaming performance tests were run at 800 x 600 x 16 bit color. 3DNow! support was enabled when applicable.
For the in-depth gaming performance tests Brett "3 Fingers" Jacobs Crusher.dm2 demo was used to simulate the worst case scenario in terms of Quake 2 performance, the point at which your frame rate will rarely drop any further. In contrast, the demo1.dm2 demo was used to simulate the ideal situation in terms of Quake 2 performance, the average high point for your frame rate in normal play. The range covered by the two benchmarks can be interpreted as the range in which you can expect average frame rates during gameplay.
Windows 98 Performance
Note: * used a special test system outfitted with 128MB of RAM and a 10GB 7200 RPM Ultra ATA 33 HDD instead of the formal AnandTech Test Bed.
Desktop Application Performance
Gaming Performance
Raw FPU Gaming Performance
Windows NT Performance
Conclusion
For a user that is not going to be overclocking and has already decided on buying a Pentium III, the best option is probably the 450 or 500MHz parts, depending on the price of the processor. Until the release of the Pentium III 550, the 500MHz parts were simply too expensive to even consider, however now that the 550 has made it out the 500 should drop to a more reasonable (for a Pentium III) level.
For overclockers, the 450MHz chips are probably more than enough considering they provide the most bang for your buck if you overclock them to 504MHz, something that is very possible with most retail 450MHz parts. The 500MHz chips, for those of you that just feel 504MHz isn't enough, generally hit 560MHz without a hitch however the overclocking monsters are the 550MHz chips. At 616MHz, the 550 is unbeatable by any other competing x86 chip, however you can expect to spend a pretty penny on a nicely outfitted 550MHz system. The performance boost experienced from 550MHz to 616MHz may or may not be worth the money depending on what you believe justifies the added cost of the processor.
The most bang for your buck still seems to be the Celeron processor which is now at speeds of 466MHz (overclockable to 525MHz pretty easily), however for the user that must have it all, Intel's latest 550MHz part is capable of breaking the 600MHz barrier quite effortlessly. With AMD still insisting that their K7 will be released next month (most likely it'll hit the streets at the end of June or towards mid July), it'll be interesting to see how long Intel's 550 stays at the top of their Pentium III line. What you're seeing are the effects of competition, but one thing's for sure, prices are bound to fall, it depends how long you're willing to play the waiting game for that makes the difference.
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