Intel P4 2.53 GHz

When the P4 was initially introduced, we were skeptical of its appeal to the common user because of its high price and comparatively low performance. However, the situation has changed now. First of all, with the P4 processors entering mainstream usage, the demand has risen enough to keep the prices low. Secondly, with the introduction of the Northwood core, the P4 processor’s performance has reached new heights thanks to its increased L2 cache of 512 KB and smaller 0.13-micron die process. With the introduction of this 2.53 GHz processor, Intel had added another jewel to its crown–533 MHz FSB (133 MHz quad-pumped).

Setting new standards for upcoming processors

Snapshot

P4 2.53 GHZ

Price:

Rs 26,000

Meant for:

High-end machines

Feature:

Socket 478, 512 KB L2 cache, 0.13-micron manufacturing process Pros: Excellent performance

Cons:

High cost

Contact:

Neeraj Jain, Nicom Computers, New Delhi.

Tel:

011-6432303

We tested this processor on an Intel D845GBV motherboard with a Seagate Barracuda ATAIV HDD, 256 MB PC2100 DDR-RAM and a GeForce2 GTS. A point to note here is that it makes more sense to run this processor with PC2700 memory because of its additional bandwidth, but we were unable to do so due to non-availability of that memory. However, in spite of this slight handicap, the P4 2.53 GHz processor performed quite well in all benchmarks. In Business Winstone, it barely managed to outscore the previous best of our P4 2.4 GHz, but Content Creation saw a healthy increase in score. Since our new benchmarks are being done on Windows XP instead of Windows 98, one can expect an increase of roughly 10% due to the newer OS in CC Winstone. Since the 2.53 GHz processor scored almost 25% higher, we can attribute most of the advantage to the new CPU.

The Bottom Line: Overall, the P4 2.53 GHz sets new standards in all benchmarks that other new processors will have to live up to. Whether one needs this kind of CPU power or not, is all together a different question. Unless you are a power user involved in application development, CAM/CAD, video editing etc, this CPU will mostly lie idle in your machine. At Rs 26,000, the market of this CPU is limited to those with deep pockets, till (as is the norm) the prices get slashed drastically a couple of quarters down the line.

Anuj Jain at PCQ Labs