Intel Processor Numbers

By Rich Eichacker
Vibrance Technology Corporation

Ever since the beginning of the PC industry, Intel and other processor makers have used clock speed as the metric for measuring performance. About 3 years ago, AMD decided to de-emphasizing clock speed and started using model numbers. AMD's numbers correspond to the processor's performance as measured by benchmarks such as Winstone.

In May, Intel introduced its own model numbering system for laptop processors and will apply the numbering scheme to desktop and server processors in June. Unlike AMD's numbering scheme, Intel's numbers are essentially meaningless and are not based on performance. In effect, they are similar to SKU or UPC numbers. You may find Intel's model numbers confusing, and they have admitted as much, saying that there will be a learning curve for both industry insiders and consumers.

In general, the 3-digit processor numbers have been divided into 3 major categories or processor families:

  • 3xx - Low-end - Celeron
  • 5xx - Midrange - Pentium 4
  • 7xx - High-end - Centrino for desktops or Pentium M for laptops

The 2 digits after the 1st number will encompass the following features:

  • Architecture
  • Cache Size
  • Clock Speed
  • Front Side Bus Speed
  • Other features and technologies

Finally, the processor number will be appended to the end of the processor name, for example "Intel Pentium Processor 534" or "Intel Celeron M Processor 378".

According to Intel's guidelines, you should be aware of the following regarding processor numbers:

  1. Processor numbers do not indicate a measure of performance. A 542 may have a 2MB cache and 3GHz clock speed, while the 554 may have a 512K cache and a 3.2GHz. In this case the performance of the 542 may exceed the 554 despite it's lower model number.
  2. Number increments do not indicate a corresponding increase or decrease in performance, especially when comparing processor families. A 510 may perform better than a 500, but that doesn't mean that there is an equivalent increase in performance (or features) between a 300 and 310.

Confusingly, and contrary to Intel's own statements, current processor numbers do indicate relative performance (higher number, greater performance), but they maintain that their model numbers are not designed to reflect performance.

To alleviate confusion, Intel will make available specifications for all processor models allowing consumers to make comparisons. It will remain to be seen if this new scheme will clarify the choices available or muddy the waters by concealing the processor's features in a 3-digit code.

Summer 2004 -Volume 14, Number 3

 

 

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