[Ham-Computers] RE: CPU Flavors...

[Hsu, Aaron (NBC Universal)]

Don't even get me started with the new Intel numbering scheme!  The company
that originally preached clock speed as the benchmark for performance is now
preaching that clockspeed isn't everything (as evidenced by the "M" series
processors.

The following processors are replacing the current Pentium 4 and "M"
family...


Celeron "D" 300 series - replaces the current P4-core Celerons

Celeron "M" 300 series - Celeron "M" processors

Pentium 4 500 series - 1MB L2 cache Pentium 4's

Pentium 4 600 series - 2MB L2 cache Pentium 4's

Pentium "M" 700 series - Pentium "M" CPU's

Mobile Pentium 4 500 series - 1MB L2 Pentium 4's for laptops (lower power)

Pentium "D" series - Dual core Pentium-4 class CPU's (dual processor)

Pentium "EE" series - Pentium 4 Extreme Edition (gamers)


The second digit of the number typically signifies the speed on desktop
processors.  The third digit specifies any particular "extras" the CPU might
have.  For example, a Pentium 540 is a 3.2GHz Pentium-4 class CPU with 1MB
L2 cache.  The 640 is the same CPU with 2MB L2 cache.  The 541 is a 540 with
64-bit extensions.  The 530 is 3.0GHz vs 3.2GHz.  The mobile series of CPU's
have last digits that specify the voltage rating and front side bus speed.
The "D" and "EE" carry an 800 series number.

This comes from a CPU chart I downloaded from Intel a few months ago.  There
are also additional sub-categories, such as th "J" series - for example, the
540J.  I believe the "J" moniker added the "execute disable bit" function
which is used to combat virii and spyware.

Confusing, eh?  It was much easier when Intel just used a single number and
the clockspeed to reference the CPU.  Now, it might not be a true indicator
of performance these days, but it was much easier to follow.  It's also
easier to just remember that a 2.0GHz Pentium "M" is faster than a 2.0GHz
Pentium-4 for typical applications.  For now, the 2nd digit on desktop
processors signify's the clockspeed...not too difficult.  But that may
change in the future...read on...

Currently, there's no way to compare the new "M" numbering schemes against
each other to determine performance - for example, the Pentium M 715 and 758
processors are the same speed and L2 cache, but one the 758 is a lower
voltage part - otherwise, the same performance.  The 725, 730, 735, 740,
745, 750, and 755 processors are all higher clockspeed than the 758, but are
lower in number.  To an ordinary person, one would assume that the 758 is
the fastest of these.  But, in reality, it's the slowest.  This is basically
a salesperson's worst nightmare...having to explain why the higher numbered
processor is slower than the lower numbered processor.  And remember, Intel
was the one who preached that higher is better.

Oh well...I told you not to get me started on the new numbering scheme!

73,

  - Aaron, NN6O



-----Original Message-----
From: ham-computers-bounces at mailman.qth.net
[mailto:ham-computers-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Rich B
Sent: Friday, September 16, 2005 4:37 PM
To: Computers (or other) used for amateur radio, communications, or
experimenting
Subject: Re: [Ham-Computers] CPU Flavors...


Don't forget the new Pentium 4D (as in Dual Core)

We were buying AMD processor computers from small
distributors because the floating point functions were
much better than the P4's in applications like Matlab.
Our tests with the new P4 D's are indicating they are
as good or better than the AMD's so we will now be
able to purchase all of our machines from Dell and not
have to rely on the mom and pop support (or lack
thereof)

-Rich
-N2BRT