- #1
Saint
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Why a 1.7GHz Centrino can be faster than 2.53GHz desktop processor ? I read this in a news. [?]
The Speed of Intel Centrino CPU: 1.7GHz vs. 2.53GHz Desktop Processor
- Thread starter Saint
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Discussion Overview
The discussion centers around the performance comparison between a 1.7GHz Intel Centrino CPU and a 2.53GHz desktop processor, exploring factors that influence CPU speed and efficiency. Participants delve into technical aspects, design considerations, and the implications of different architectures, particularly in the context of laptops versus desktops.
Discussion Character
- Technical explanation
- Debate/contested
Main Points Raised
- Some participants suggest that clock speed alone does not determine processor performance, citing examples like the Athlon 2000xp matching the Pentium 2.0GHz.
- Factors influencing CPU performance mentioned include bus speed/size, number of registers, instruction set, op-code cycle times, logic-gate structure, transistor size, cache memory, and software control.
- There is a discussion about the Centrino being primarily for laptops, with a focus on pipeline length as a key efficiency factor, where a longer pipeline may slow down processing due to dependencies between instructions.
- Participants express uncertainty about the tradeoffs involved in pipeline length and clock speeds, with some suggesting it relates to delay times.
- Questions arise regarding the design of AMD Athlon processors and how they compare to Intel's P4, with responses indicating that "better" is subjective and context-dependent.
- The Intel Xeon is mentioned as potentially "better" for certain configurations, while a participant expresses a strong opinion favoring Itaniums over other processors.
- There is a query about Intel's delay in developing 64-bit CPUs for desktops, with speculation about AMD's influence on their decisions.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express multiple competing views regarding the factors that contribute to CPU performance, and there is no consensus on the superiority of one processor over another. The discussion remains unresolved on several technical points.
Contextual Notes
Limitations include varying definitions of "better" in processor performance, the complexity of technical factors influencing CPU efficiency, and the lack of clarity on specific architectural tradeoffs.
- #2
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The same reasons Athlon 2000xp (1.67ghz) matches a Pentium 2.0ghz. The amount of HZ doesn't tell the whole story behind how powerful and fast a processor is. What those factors are I'm not entirely sure 
- #3
J-Man
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Some of those factors are: bus speed/size, number of registers, instruction set, op-code cycle times, logic-gate structure, transistor size, amount of cache memory, software controling the cpu (i.e. BIOS), among other things.
- #4
J-Man
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BTW, isn't the centrino only for laptops/portables?
- #5
russ_watters
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J-man, yeah. Laptops only. And you missed the primary factor in the efficiency difference between most chips: pipeline length. The reason the p4 is slower per clock cycle than the p3 is they doubled the length of the pipeline. It takes 20 clock cycles to process an individual instruction. There may be 20 different instructions in the pipeline, but when an operation depends on the results of another, the later operation has to wait before it can be run.
The reason the pipeline was lengthened is there is a relationship between how high a processor will clock and how long the pipeline is. Its a tradeoff (not sure why though).
The centrino has a shorter pipeline than the p4 (not sure how much though).
The reason the pipeline was lengthened is there is a relationship between how high a processor will clock and how long the pipeline is. Its a tradeoff (not sure why though).
The centrino has a shorter pipeline than the p4 (not sure how much though).
- #6
Saint
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how about the design of AMD Athlon ?
What is better than intel P4 ?
What is better than intel P4 ?
- #7
J-Man
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I thought I included that in with bus size; I meant both number of conduits and physical dimensions, but I suppose I could have elaborated. Chalk it up to laziness on my part.
I could be wrong, but I believe it mainly has to do with the delay times.
- #8
J-Man
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It depends on what you mean by better, or what is better for your situation. The answer would vary depending on what is important for you be it price, size, power consumption, ips, ease of integration, instruction set, availability, etc.
- #9
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The Intel Xeon could be thought of as "better" because it allows duel-processor configuration.
- #10
MacTech
Xeons are nothing.. forget them...
Itaniums kick anythings butt, even PPC 970 :(
- #11
Saint
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Why intel wants to delay the project of 64bits CPU for desktop?
The news said that intel will follow suit if AMD is successful.
The news said that intel will follow suit if AMD is successful.
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