Intel's New Family of 800 MHz FSB Processors

Review by Michael Tran on 6.05.03
Managing Editor: Harry Lam
CPU Provided by Intel

Conclusion:

The Intel 800 MHz FSB Family of processors truly lives up to its name.  After looking at the results which tests are CPU limited and which are video card limited, the data concludes that there is a certain balance between the dependency of the video card and the processor.  As the graphics get more intense, the performance becomes more dependent on the video card.  The Intel 3.0GHz 800MHz FSB is definitely cutting edge and the CPU really shines during programs that require the most calculations and complexity.  For example, the Unreal Tournament Botmatch is CPU dependent because the program requires many calculations and factors of each bot or player.  On the other hand, there are other programs where the CPU is not needed as much, such as programs that require complex lighting and transform calculations by the video card or other video card specific features.  The power of the CPU allows it to shine in conjuncture with older APIs or engines, such as DirectX8 or the Quake3 Engine, which are not as dependent on the video card.  These programs allow the CPU to have more of an influence on the performance, creating greater improvements.  With brand new programs or software based on DirectX9, the graphics are so intensive that a stronger video card is needed, with the CPU playing a lesser role (at least the high end CPUs, this may be different with lower end CPUs).  This causes a less noticeable effect on improvement with greater CPU speeds, but that will only improve over time when the development of video cards are increased.  In the future, the software based on DirectX9 won't be so dependent on the video cards due to new technology and the CPU will be able to shine in these regions as well.  This comes to show that the potential of the Intel 3.0GHz 800MHz FSB is still uncharted and performance with the CPU should dramatically increase when coupled with future video cards.  After seeing the capabilities and performance during strenuous tests, the Intel's family of 800MHz FSB processors have earned our Editor's Choice Award.

Pros:

-Extremely impressive processor performance
-Revealed that the limiting factor is more of the video card and less on the CPU
-800 MHz FSB
-Hyperthreading

Cons:

-Bit expensive, especially the 3.0GHz
-Requires dual-channel DDR for synchronous memory and CPU speeds
-Requires either a Springdale or Canterwood chipset supported motherboard to be fully utilized

$ - Check prices on the Intel Pentium 4 3.0 800 MHz FSB processor - $