Intel Pentium 4 HT 2.8E

The Intel Pentium 4 HT 2.8E is a desktop processor built on Intel's NetBurst architecture, specifically the Prescott codename, fabricated on a 90 nm process. It features a single physical core with two threads, a fixed base clock of 2.80 GHz, and a 1 MB L2 cache. Released in January 2004, this part holds a 50th percentile ranking among all CPUs in the benchmark database, yet it carries no recorded benchmark scores. The processor is end-of-life and targets the Intel Socket 478 platform, with a TDP of 115 W that dictates its thermal requirements.

How It Compares

The dataset for the Pentium 4 HT 2.8E does not include any nearest rival entries, meaning a direct side-by-side comparison against specific competing models is not available from the provided information. Consequently, its competitive position must be inferred from the overall percentile field, which places it at the 50th percentile of all CPUs in the database. This median standing indicates that the processor is neither a top-tier performer nor a bottom-tier entry; it sits exactly in the middle of the historical performance distribution. For a single-core, dual-threaded design, reaching the median is a notable achievement, as many processors in the database likely feature more cores or higher clock speeds.

The 2.80 GHz base clock is the primary operating frequency, and the absence of a boost clock in the dataset suggests that this is a fixed speed with no dynamic overclocking headroom. The 1 MB L2 cache provides a substantial buffer for the single core, which can help mitigate the relatively small 16 KB L1 cache. Without rival scores or deltaPct values, the analysis relies on the architectural characteristics and the percentile to gauge its standing. The 50th percentile is a useful anchor, but it does not reveal how far ahead or behind any specific competitor it might be. In the absence of rival data, the performance narrative is driven by the core count, thread count, and cache hierarchy, placing it in a middle-ground position that reflects its era and design.

Platform and Compatibility

The Pentium 4 HT 2.8E is designed for the Intel Socket 478 platform, a socket that was common for desktop processors in the early 2000s. The processor supports DDR1 and DDR2 memory types, giving system builders flexibility in choosing memory modules, though ECC memory is not supported, which limits its use in error-correcting environments. The integrated graphics are not part of the CPU die; instead, they are available on certain motherboards as a chipset feature, meaning a discrete graphics card or a motherboard with integrated graphics is required for display output.

The multiplier is locked, so overclocking via multiplier adjustment is not possible; any frequency increases would have to come from the base clock, but the dataset does not specify the base clock adjustability. The production status is end-of-life, which has significant implications for the upgrade path. Since the socket is fixed at 478, any upgrade would require a processor that fits the same socket, but with the platform being end-of-life, the availability of such parts is limited. The 90 nm process node, with 125 million transistors on a 109 mm² die, indicates a relatively advanced manufacturing process for its time. The memory controller is not integrated into the CPU, as the memory support is listed as DDR1/DDR2 and no memory bus is specified, so the chipset handles memory communication. The platform's longevity is effectively capped by the end-of-life status, making it a legacy platform for retro builds or specific legacy applications. The lack of a PCIe specification in the dataset means the bus interface is not detailed, but the chipset likely governs expansion capabilities.

Benchmark Performance

The benchmark results for this processor are conspicuously absent from the dataset; the benchmarks array is empty, and the average benchmark score is recorded as 0. This means that no synthetic or real-world performance metrics are available to quantify its speed against other CPUs. However, the architectural specifications offer a qualitative picture. The 2.80 GHz base clock is a moderately high frequency for a single-core part, and the 1 MB L2 cache is generous, likely aiding in reducing memory latency for frequently accessed data. The 16 KB L1 cache is relatively small, which could be a bottleneck in some workloads, but the larger L2 cache compensates.

The dual-threading capability, which allows 2 threads on 1 core, permits better utilization of the execution pipeline on multitasking or threaded workloads, though it does not double the performance. The NetBurst architecture, with the Prescott codename, was historically known for high clock speeds and deep pipelines, but the dataset does not confirm the pipeline depth. The 50th percentile ranking is the only quantitative performance indicator, and it places the processor at the exact median of the database's CPU population. This suggests that, on average, it performs similarly to half of the processors in the database, which is a reasonable position for a single-core part from 2004. Without specific rival scores or deltas, a precise percentage comparison is impossible. The data does not provide any deltaPct values, so any claims of being "X% faster" would be unfounded. The analysis must therefore rely on the fact that the processor is a 1-core, 2-thread part with a 2.80 GHz clock, which places it in the lower-to-middle tier of modern CPUs but was competitive in its era.

FAQ

Q: What socket does the Intel Pentium 4 HT 2.8E use?

A: The processor uses the Intel Socket 478 socket.

Q: Does this processor have integrated graphics?

A: No, integrated graphics are not on the CPU. They are available on certain motherboards as a chipset feature.

Q: What types of memory does it support?

A: It supports DDR1 and DDR2 memory types, but it does not support ECC memory.

Q: Is the processor overclockable via multiplier?

A: No, the multiplier is locked, so multiplier-based overclocking is not possible.

Q: What is the TDP of this processor?

A: The TDP is 115 W.

Q: When was this processor released?

A: It was released in January 2004, specifically on 2004-01-31.

Power and Thermals

The Pentium 4 HT 2.8E has a TDP of 115 W, which is a substantial power draw for a single-core processor. This TDP class indicates that the processor generates significant heat under load, requiring a robust cooling solution. A capable air cooler is implied, but the exact cooling tier is not specified in the dataset. The 90 nm process node, while advanced for its time, still results in a 125-million-transistor design on a 109 mm² die, and the thermal density is a consideration. The high TDP is likely a consequence of the high base clock of 2.80 GHz and the NetBurst architecture's design choices.

For system builders, this means that the cooling solution must be chosen carefully to avoid thermal throttling. The lack of a boost clock in the dataset suggests that the processor runs at a constant 2.80 GHz, which means the thermal load is relatively consistent. Given the 115 W TDP, a high-end air cooler or a low-end liquid cooler would be appropriate, but the dataset does not provide specific cooler recommendations. The power draw also has implications for the power supply unit, though the dataset does not specify a PSU requirement. In summary, the 115 W TDP class places this processor in a tier that demands attention to cooling, but it is not an extreme outlier compared to other high-clock parts of its generation. The combination of a 1 MB L2 cache and a 2.80 GHz clock on a single core contributes to the thermal envelope, making adequate ventilation and heatsink selection critical for sustained operation.