ClockWeb's Computing Section 1

Intel's Celeron 266

As a computer user, you probably have noticed that there are many different types of processor in the market. And most of the low-cost, yet capable machines do not have the "Intel Inside" logo.

Things may soon change when Intel releases their new Celeron processor. Basically, it is a stripped down Pentium II chip aimed for the fast-growing market of entry-level computers.

Good news is that this will boost further improvement in computer technology, force CPU makers to slash price and push performance of their processor. The Bad news is Celeron processor itself does not have flying colors in terms of performance.

The new chip has been rushed out to counter their rival competitors such as, AMD (Advanced Micro Devices), Cyrix and Centaur. According to tests, Intel's rivals are still ahead. Simply put, the Celeron chip fails to live up to its name.

Celeron Power !

The Celeron Text System earned a PC WorldBench 98 score of 106. Similarly, PCs using AMD's 233 MHz K6 scored an average of 126. Celeron's performance on business application was worse than the low-priced Cyrix based systems. In fact, Intel's latest chip couldn't keep up with PMMX-200 system.

It is said that the final release verion of the chip will have better performance level. Nevertheless, PC vendors and the consumers express little enthusiasm over the new chip's performance.

Celeron pathetic performance may spell delight for Intel's rivals, however, it may be good news for consumers too. The reason? AMD, the largest of non-intel CPU need breathing spaces badly. If it does not start making money, Intel could have the playing field to itself.

AMD Company Logo

Cyrix Latest Chip

What A Mistake!?

Intel realised its mistake months ago, but finding a recovery route has not been easy. Not only is designing chips tough, but Intel is in the midst of moving from pin-and-socket arrangement to the cartrige arrangement. The new arrangement, Slot 1 and Slot 2, first to be used by Pentium II is the future of motherboard archetiture.

Observers disagree about why Intel choose to adopt that design. According to Intel and some analysts, Socket 7 is a barrier to increased system performance. Skeptics say Socket 7 has plenty of life left and suggest that the main reason Intel moved to the new arrangement is to control the cpu market and make life difficult for competition - which it did.

So, what's the catch?

Whatever the company's motive are, the new arrangement make chip production more expensive than Socket 7 chips. To save money, Intel removed the outer casing and secondary cache, allowing it to sell at US$155.

Secondary cache is an extra bit of memory outside the core of the chip. Without it, system performance drops dramatically.With more Socket 7 CPUs reaching towards the 300 MHz mark, it is still to early to say or give any conculsion on Celeron. If AMD and Cyrix can actually deliever the products on their roadmap, the outcome could be a big win for consumers. If not, Intel may win the battle.

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