9.4

Intel Pentium 4 670 CPU

Although both Intel and AMD have moved away from processor speed, speed still plays an important role in overall computer performance. The latest single core CPU from Intel is the 670 processor that boasts a clock speed of 3.8Ghz, 2MB of L2 cache and quad pumped 800Mhz frontspeed bus. Although the latest CPUs from both Intel and AMD are now boasting dual-core processors that are ideal for multitasking and applications of tomorrow, single-core processors for now are still the best option for gamers and current software applications.

Features of the Intel Pentium 4 670 CPU

• Frequency 3.80 GHz

• Package 775-pin PLGA

• Vcore 1.25V-1.388V

• Bus frequency 800 MHz

• Typical heat dissipation 115W

• Max. typical case temperature 72.8°C

• L2 cache size 2MB

• Production technology 90 nm

• Hyper-Threading Technology support

• Intel Extended Memory 64 Technology (EM64T) support

• Execute Disable Bit Feature (NX) support

Probably the first thing that you will notice about this new line of processors is the incredible tiny size of the CPU that is easily one of the smallest processors that I have seen, however the extremely large heat sink and fan make up for the size difference in order to keep this CPU cool while doing business, gaming or just surfing the net.

The 670 also features the popular Intel patent technology called Hyper-Threading Technology that in laymen's terms is like having two engines in your car that both perform different functions (if need be) that also combines for heavy duty applications.

Technically, it allows multi-threaded software applications to execute two software threads in parallel that not only improves responsiveness but also multitasking capabilities. For instance, while I was running Diskeeper 9 Professional, I was able to surf the net flawlessly without any interruptions that would be impossible on processors without HTT.

Another impressive feature of the 670 is the ability for Windows XP (or any other operating system that supports it) to automatically adjust the processor speed that minimises power consumption that is called Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology. As this processor is based on the Prescott-2M core, a key aspect to this processor that prevents it from overheating are the Enhanced Halt State, Thermal Monitor and Enhanced Intel SpeedStep technologies that not only automatically adjust the CPU speed but also prevent it from overheating.

64-Bit computing

Although AMD were the first manufactures of 64-bit processors to the public, the 670 is also 64-bit that not only allows the user to access more than 4 gigabytes of memory but also supports future 64-bit operating systems and applications that will result in enhanced performance and productivity.

Security

The 670 processor also supports Execute Disable Bit technology that basically implements security into the processor itself. This security feature of the 670 assists in preventing buffer overflows from malicious programs such as internet worms which the processor basically disables to prevent damage.

2M L2 Cache

This processor also supports a larger than usual L2 cache of 2M that is ideal for not only business applications but also gaming that will greatly assist those graphically intensive games available at the moment like Quake 4 or Farcry.

Software tests 

The following software packages were used on the 670 to test the power and performance of this CPU.

• Windows XP (Service Pack 2)
• Business Winstone 2004
• Doom 3
• FarCry
• 3DMark2001
• 3DMark05

Real-world applications simulations

Business Winstone 2004 (standard benchmark)

Pentium 4 670	(26.5)
Pentium 4 660	(22.2)
Pentium D 820	(19.6)

Business Winstone 2004 Multitasking test 1  

Pentium 4 670	(2.28)
Pentium 4 660	(2.20)
Pentium D 820	(2.09)

Business Winstone 2004 Multitasking test 2  

Pentium 4 670	(2.65)
Pentium 4 660	(2.59)
Pentium D 820	(2.50)

Business Winstone 2004 Multitasking test 3  

Pentium 4 670	(3.81)
Pentium D 820	(3.73)
Pentium 4 660	(3.65)

In order to thoroughly test the multitasking capabilities of the 670, we used Business Winstone 2004 to put this CPU through the hoops. Business Winstone is a system-level, application-based benchmark that measures a PC's overall performance when running Windows XP based operating systems and is probably the closest you can get to real-world application tests.

The 670 performed remarkably well on Business Winstone tests and is clearly the winner, even when compared to dual-core processors but keep in mind that when dual-core processors do take off, the 670 may have some difficulty keeping up but for now, this is the perfect choice of CPU's for at least a year or two.

Gaming Benchmarks

3DMark2001

Pentium 4 670	(27102)
Pentium 4 660	(26370)
Pentium D 820	(20239)

3DMark05

Pentium 4 670	(5715)
Pentium 4 660	(5658)
Pentium D 820	(5564)

Once again the 670 performed exceptional well on all 3DMark tests that makes this CPU perfect for all types of gaming

Farcry (frames per second)

Pentium 4 670	(176.2)
Pentium 4 660	(169.04)
Pentium D 820	(132.01)

Doom 3 (frames per second)

Pentium 4 670	(96.4)
Pentium 4 660	(94.31)
Pentium D 820	(84.1)

Mirroring the results of 3DMark, the Pentium 670 breezed through Farcry and gave Doom 3 a real run for its money with full detail and no loss of framerates whatsoever. With that said, anything over 60 frames per second is perfect for gaming but even more, well, lets just say amazing!

In conclusion, the Intel Pentium 4 670 processor is an extremely powerful single-core CPU that is probably one of the best out at the moment. With full functionality in both 32-bit and 64-bit environments, the 670 is the perfect processor for those wanting the best out of their gaming or as a business machine that could handle just about anything. The only downside to this CPU is that the introduction of dual-core processors will probably have an advantage when operating systems finally support this powerful combination but for now, there is little to worry about as this 3.8Ghz processor has a long shelf life. Not to mention that this will probably be Intel's last fast processor that is measured in gigahertz. Highly Recommended

Full Features

• P4 670 3.8GHz

• 800MHz "Quad-Pumped" frontside bus

• 0.09-micron manufacturing process

• Hyper-Threading Technology

• 2MB on-chip, full-speed L2 cache

• Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Power Savings technology

• Intel EM64T Extensions (64bit Capability)

• Execute Disable Bit (Security)

• 16KB L1 Data Cache

• Streaming SIMD Extensions - SSE2, SSE3

• 31-stage "Hyper Pipelined" Technology for higher clock speeds

• Rapid Execution Engine - ALU clocked at 2X frequency of core

• 128-bit Floating Point/Multimedia unit

• Intel "NetBurst" micro-architecture

• Supported by the Intel i925XE and i915 chipsets, with Hyper-Threading

• Intel MMX media enhancement technology

• Memory cacheability up to 256 terabytes of addressable memory in 64-bit mode and 4GB in 32-bit mode

• 1.25 - 1.4V operating voltage range

• LGA775 Packaging - Land Grid Array

• 115 watts TPD (Thermal Design Power)