Intel Mobile Pentium 4 HT 3.20

The Intel Mobile Pentium 4 HT 3.20 is a single-core, dual-thread mobile processor built on the NetBurst architecture with the Northwood codename. Released on September 22, 2003, it operates at a fixed 3.20 GHz base clock with no boost capability, features a 512 KB L2 cache, and is manufactured on a 130 nm process with 55 million transistors. It carries the part number SL77R and is now end-of-life, sitting at the 50th percentile of all CPUs in the benchmark database.

Platform and Compatibility

The processor uses the Intel Socket 478 interface, a socket that was common for early 2000s desktop and mobile Pentium 4 parts. Memory support is listed for both DDR1 and DDR2, indicating flexibility across different motherboard generations, though the exact bus width and speed are not specified in the data. The platform does not include any dedicated PCIe information, which suggests that this mobile chip predates the widespread adoption of PCIe in laptops; expansion and graphics connectivity would have relied on older standards such as AGP or PCI, depending on the chipset. Integrated graphics are not part of the processor die itself; instead, they are available "on certain motherboards" as a chipset feature. This means the CPU relies entirely on an external GPU for display output, and the presence of integrated graphics depends on the motherboard chosen. The 130 nm process node and 131 mm² die size place this chip in the early-mid 2000s manufacturing era. The processor is designed for the mobile market segment, though its socket and memory support suggest it could also be found in some desktop or all-in-one systems. The lack of an unlocked multiplier indicates that overclocking is not supported, and the production status is end-of-life, so no ongoing availability is expected.

Single-Thread vs Multi-Thread Behavior

The processor has one physical core and two logical threads, enabled by Hyper-Threading technology. Its base clock of 3.20 GHz is the only operating frequency listed; no boost clock is present, meaning the chip runs at a constant speed under all conditions. The architecture is NetBurst, which historically emphasizes high clock speeds over instruction-level efficiency. The L1 cache is a modest 8 KB, while the L2 cache is 512 KB. These cache sizes are small by modern standards, but they were typical for the era. In single-threaded workloads, the high 3.20 GHz clock can provide responsive performance for applications that are not heavily dependent on cache capacity. However, the lack of multiple physical cores means that multi-threaded tasks will see limited benefit from the two logical threads. Hyper-Threading allows the single core to process two instruction streams simultaneously, which can improve throughput on certain workloads, especially those with idle cycles or memory stalls. Yet the improvement is typically far less than what a second physical core would deliver. The data shows no benchmark scores for this processor, so we cannot quantify the exact single-thread versus multi-thread performance split. Nevertheless, the combination of a high clock speed and a single core suggests that this chip is best suited for legacy applications that rely on clock frequency rather than parallel execution.

Power and Thermals

The TDP is listed as 76 watts, a figure that is notably high for a mobile processor. This power envelope implies that the chip generates significant heat, requiring a cooling solution capable of dissipating that thermal load. In a laptop chassis, a 76W TDP would demand a robust heatsink and fan assembly, possibly limiting the portability and battery life of the system. The 130 nm manufacturing process, while advanced for its time, still produced higher power densities compared to later processes. The lack of a boost clock means the processor does not have dynamic power scaling; it draws its full TDP during sustained operation. For a mobile device, this power draw would likely reduce battery life and necessitate a larger battery or a less compact form factor. The absence of any thermal management features such as a lower power idle state is not documented, but the fixed clock and high TDP suggest that the chip is not designed for power efficiency. Users of this processor would need to ensure adequate cooling, especially in confined spaces. The data does not provide any specific temperature or power consumption measurements beyond the TDP figure, so we can only infer that a 76W class cooling solution is required.

How It Compares

The FACT PACK lists no nearest rivals for this processor, so there are no direct comparison scores or deltaPct values to reference. Instead, the only comparative metric available is the percentileVsAllCpus, which stands at 50. This indicates that the processor performs at the median of all CPUs in the benchmark database – exactly half of the recorded processors score higher, and half score lower. The average benchmark score is listed as 0, which likely reflects that no specific benchmark results were recorded for this unit, or that the score is a baseline placeholder. Without rival data, we cannot state which specific processors it outperforms or trails. The 50th percentile is a broad positioning; it suggests that this chip is neither a high-end performer nor a low-end entry. In the context of its release year (2003) and mobile segment, a median standing is plausible, as many desktop and mobile CPUs of that era would have similar capabilities. The lack of any rival names or scores in the dataset means that any comparison to other models is not possible from the provided information. We can only note that its overall ranking is exactly in the middle of the database, which implies a balanced performance profile relative to all tested CPUs.

Benchmark Performance

The benchmark section of the FACT PACK contains no individual test scores, only an average benchmark score of 0 and a percentile of 50. The average score of 0 is unusual; it could indicate that no benchmarks were executed, that the score was normalized to zero, or that the processor was not subjected to the standard test suite. Because there are no scores, we cannot analyze performance in terms of specific workloads such as gaming, rendering, or office productivity. The percentile of 50 is the sole quantitative performance indicator. This percentile tells us that, when compared to the entire pool of CPUs in the database, the Mobile Pentium 4 HT 3.20 falls exactly at the median. That means it would outperform the bottom half of all processors and underperform the top half. For a mobile chip from 2003, this median placement is consistent with a mainstream product that was neither a flagship nor a budget part. Without rival deltas, we cannot say how much faster or slower it is compared to any specific competitor. The data also does not include any multi-core or single-core breakdown, so we cannot assess whether its single-thread performance is its strength or its weakness. Given the fixed 3.20 GHz clock and Hyper-Threading, one might expect decent single-thread performance for its era, but the absence of scores prevents confirmation. The 50th percentile remains the only benchmark-derived fact, and it paints a picture of an average performer.

FAQ

Q: What socket does the Intel Mobile Pentium 4 HT 3.20 use?

A: It uses Intel Socket 478.

Q: What memory types are supported?

A: The processor supports DDR1 and DDR2 memory.

Q: What is the TDP of this processor?

A: The TDP is 76 watts.

Q: How many cores and threads does it have?

A: It has 1 core and 2 threads.

Q: What is the manufacturing process node?

A: It is built on a 130 nm process.

Q: When was this processor released?

A: It was released on September 22, 2003.

Q: Does it have integrated graphics?

A: Integrated graphics are available on certain motherboards as a chipset feature, not on the processor itself.

Q: What is the L2 cache size?

A: The L2 cache is 512 KB.

Q: Is the multiplier unlocked?

A: No, the multiplier is not unlocked.

Q: What is the processor's part number?

A: The part number is SL77R.

Who Should Consider It

Based on the available data, this processor is a single-core, dual-thread mobile chip with a high 3.20 GHz clock and a 50th percentile standing. Its performance profile suggests it is suitable for applications that are primarily single-threaded and benefit from high clock speeds. For example, legacy office software, web browsing with a single active tab, and basic productivity tasks such as word processing or spreadsheet work would run adequately on this CPU. The Hyper-Threading feature can help with light multitasking, allowing the system to handle two background processes without a significant slowdown. However, modern multi-threaded workloads such as video encoding, 3D rendering, or scientific simulations would be severely limited by the single physical core. Gamers of the era might find the 3.20 GHz clock beneficial for CPU-bound games that were not heavily multi-threaded, but the lack of a dedicated GPU on the processor means a discrete graphics card is required. The 76W TDP indicates that this chip is not suited for thin-and-light laptops; it would be found in larger, performance-oriented mobile workstations or desktop replacements. Given its end-of-life status and the absence of any benchmark scores, it is not recommended for modern use, but for retro computing or compatibility with legacy software, it could still function. The 50th percentile places it as an average performer among all CPUs, so it would handle everyday tasks from its era without being exceptional. Users who need to run software that relies on a single high-frequency core and does not demand multiple cores or low power consumption might consider this processor, provided they have a compatible Socket 478 motherboard and adequate cooling.