Intel Pentium III 1200

The Intel Pentium III 1200 is a single-core desktop processor built on the P6 architecture with the Tualatin codename. It operates at a base clock of 1200 MHz and has a thermal design power of 30 W. The chip uses Intel's 130 nm manufacturing process, integrating 44 million transistors on an 80 mm² die. It fits the Intel Socket 370 interface and carries a 50th percentile ranking among all CPUs in the benchmark database, though no benchmark scores are recorded. The processor was released on June 30, 2001, and is now end-of-life.

Benchmark Performance

The database lists no benchmark scores for this processor, with an average benchmark score of 0. This means that no performance measurements have been recorded, so any analysis must rely on the percentile ranking. The percentile vs all CPUs is 50, placing the Pentium III 1200 exactly at the median of the distribution. This is a neutral position: it is neither a high-performance part nor a low-end one. Because no nearest rivals are provided, there are no percentage deltas to report. The single core and single thread configuration, combined with a 1200 MHz clock, suggest that it is oriented toward single-threaded tasks. The 8 KB L1 and 256 KB L2 cache sizes are part of the design, but without comparative data, their impact cannot be quantified. The 50th percentile is the only performance-related metric available, and it should be interpreted as a standing relative to all other processors in the database. In the absence of scores, the 1200 MHz clock and 256 KB L2 cache are the primary indicators of its computational capability. The lack of a boost clock means the processor runs at a fixed frequency, which simplifies performance expectations but also limits dynamic adaptation to workload demands.

Platform and Compatibility

The processor is built for the Intel Socket 370 interface. This socket is a key compatibility factor, as it determines which motherboards can accept the chip. The P6 microarchitecture, specifically the Tualatin core, is the underlying design. The manufacturing process is 130 nm, with a transistor count of 44 million and a die size of 80 mm². These physical parameters influence both power consumption and thermal output, as well as the potential for clock scaling. The chip does not support ECC memory, as indicated by the false value for eccMemory. Integrated graphics are not part of the processor itself; rather, they are available on certain motherboards as a chipset feature. This means that display output depends on the motherboard's chipset, not the CPU. The database does not list memory support specifications, memory bus width, or memory bandwidth, so those details are absent from this analysis. PCIe support is also not listed, which is consistent with the era of the processor, but no specific PCIe generation or lane count is available. The processor has a production status of end-of-life, meaning it is no longer manufactured. It was released on June 30, 2001. The multiplier is locked, so overclocking via multiplier adjustment is not possible. The part numbers include SL5GN, SL5PM, SL6C3, and SL6JL, which are used for identification and compatibility checks. The socket 370 interface is shared with other processors, but no specific models are listed in the database, so the upgrade path cannot be detailed beyond the socket itself.

How It Compares

The database does not include any nearest rival entries for the Intel Pentium III 1200. Consequently, there are no rival names, scores, or percentage deltas to discuss. The only comparative metric is the 50th percentile ranking, which indicates that this processor sits at the median of all CPUs in the benchmark database. Without specific rivals, it is impossible to say whether it outperforms or underperforms any particular competitor. The absence of rival data means that any positional analysis must rely solely on the percentile figure. In the context of the entire database, the Pentium III 1200 is a middle-of-the-pack part, which is plausible given its single-core design and 1200 MHz clock. The lack of a boost clock further emphasizes that it is a fixed-frequency part. The 50th percentile does not tell us how it compares to other Socket 370 processors, but it does give a general sense of its standing across all CPUs. For users considering this processor, the percentile suggests that it is not a standout performer, but it is also not a laggard. Without rival data, any specific comparison remains speculative, and the processor's actual performance relative to its contemporaries cannot be established from the available information.

FAQ

Q: What is the base clock speed of the Intel Pentium III 1200?

A: The base clock is 1200 MHz.

Q: How many cores and threads does it have?

A: It has 1 core and 1 thread.

Q: What is the thermal design power (TDP)?

A: The TDP is 30 W.

Q: Which socket does it use?

A: It uses Intel Socket 370.

Q: What is the manufacturing process node?

A: The process node is 130 nm.

Q: Does the processor include integrated graphics?

A: No, integrated graphics are available only on certain motherboards as a chipset feature.

Q: Is ECC memory supported?

A: No, ECC memory is not supported.

Q: What is the release date?

A: The release date is June 30, 2001.

Power and Thermals

The processor has a TDP of 30 W. This is a relatively low power envelope, which implies that a basic air cooler is sufficient for thermal management. The 130 nm process node and 44 million transistors contribute to a modest power draw. The die size of 80 mm² is small, further reducing the thermal load. The absence of a boost clock means the processor runs at a constant 1200 MHz, which simplifies thermal behavior. Given the 30 W TDP, it is reasonable to expect that standard desktop cooling solutions, such as a passive heatsink or a small fan, can handle the heat output. The end-of-life status suggests that this processor is no longer in active production, but its thermal characteristics remain defined by the 30 W figure. For system builders, the low TDP also means that power supply requirements are modest, though the database does not provide specific wattage figures for the platform. The combination of a 130 nm process and a 30 W TDP indicates a design that prioritizes efficiency over raw performance, which is consistent with the single-core architecture.

Who Should Consider It

The Intel Pentium III 1200 is a single-core processor with a 1200 MHz clock and 256 KB of L2 cache. Its 50th percentile ranking suggests it performs at the median level of all CPUs in the database. This makes it suitable for basic desktop applications that do not require high multi-threaded performance. For users running legacy software or operating systems that are not optimized for multi-core architectures, this processor could be a functional choice. However, given its end-of-life status and single-threaded design, it is not appropriate for modern gaming or content creation workloads, which typically demand multiple cores and higher clock speeds. The lack of a boost clock and locked multiplier further limits its flexibility. For office tasks such as word processing, spreadsheet work, and simple web browsing, the processor's single core and 1200 MHz speed may be adequate, but the database does not provide direct performance evidence. The 8 KB L1 and 256 KB L2 caches are modest by current standards but were typical for the era. Ultimately, the 50th percentile ranking indicates that it is an average performer within the database, and its suitability depends on the specific workload and software requirements. Because no benchmark scores exist, users should consider the processor's specifications and the demands of their intended applications. The processor is best suited for environments where single-threaded performance is the primary concern and where the software is known to be compatible with the P6 architecture.