Intel Pentium III Xeon 1000 2.8V

The Intel Pentium III Xeon 1000 2.8V is a single-core, single-thread server processor built on Intel’s P6 architecture (codename Cascades). It runs at a base clock of 1000 MHz, packs 256 KB of L2 cache, and carries a 30 W thermal design power. In the benchmark database, it holds a 50th percentile ranking among all CPUs, with an average benchmark score of 0—a figure that reflects the absence of recorded test entries rather than a measured performance level. This analysis draws exclusively from the specification data provided.

How It Compares

The FACT PACK lists no nearestRivals for this processor, so direct head‑to‑head comparisons against specific competing models are not possible. Instead, the database’s percentile field offers a general frame of reference: the Pentium III Xeon 1000 sits at the 50th percentile, meaning it falls exactly at the midpoint of the performance distribution for all CPUs tracked. Half of all recorded processors perform better, and half perform worse, though this ranking is derived from the overall dataset and not from any individual benchmark scores.

Given its architecture, the processor is a single‑core, single‑thread design. This places it at a structural disadvantage in multi‑threaded workloads, where any multi‑core CPU would naturally outperform it. The 1000 MHz clock is high for its era, but without rival data we can only note that the core count and thread count are minimal by modern standards. The processor’s position in the database—at the median—suggests that it is not an outlier in either direction; it is a typical representative of a class of parts that have long since been superseded.

Power and Thermals

The 30 W TDP places this Xeon in a low‑power category, especially for a server‑class component. Many server processors consume significantly more power, but without rival specifications we can only state that the thermal envelope is modest. A 30 W TDP implies that a small air cooler or a low‑profile heatsink would be sufficient for thermal management. The 180 nm process node and 28 million transistors contribute to this power efficiency, and the die size of 106 mm² indicates a compact physical footprint. The low TDP also makes the processor suitable for systems where heat dissipation is a concern, such as dense server chassis or passively cooled enclosures—though the FACT PACK does not specify cooling requirements.

Benchmark Performance

The average benchmark score for this processor is 0, which indicates that no individual benchmark entries are recorded in the database. The percentile ranking of 50 is the only quantitative performance indicator available. This places the part at the median of all CPUs, but the lack of actual score data means the ranking is more of a placeholder than a precise measurement. In practical terms, a single‑core, 1000 MHz processor is likely to excel in single‑threaded tasks that are clock‑sensitive, such as legacy database queries or single‑process server applications. However, it will be outperformed by any multi‑core CPU in parallel workloads, and the absence of boost clock support means the 1000 MHz is the maximum sustained frequency.

The 256 KB L2 cache is relatively small by modern standards, but it was typical for the Pentium III Xeon line. The 32 KB L1 cache is split between instruction and data, though the FACT PACK does not provide a breakdown. The processor’s memory bus is single‑channel, which further limits memory bandwidth compared to dual‑channel or multi‑channel designs. These specifications collectively indicate that the processor is not intended for high‑throughput computing, but rather for workloads that prioritize low latency on a single thread.

FAQ

Q: What is the TDP of this processor?

A: The thermal design power is 30 W.

Q: What socket does it use?

A: It uses the Intel Slot 2 socket, a cartridge‑based form factor for Pentium III Xeon processors.

Q: How much L2 cache does it have?

A: It has 256 KB of L2 cache, along with 32 KB of L1 cache.

Q: What is the process node?

A: It is fabricated on a 180 nm process, with 28 million transistors and a die size of 106 mm².

Q: When was it released?

A: The release date is August 24, 2000.

Q: What is the launch MSRP?

A: The launch MSRP is $719.

Platform and Compatibility

The processor uses the Intel Slot 2 socket, which is a cartridge‑based design specific to the Pentium III Xeon family. It supports a single‑channel memory bus, though the FACT PACK does not specify memory types, speeds, or capacities. There is no PCIe support listed, indicating that this part predates the PCIe standard; it likely relies on older bus architectures such as AGP or PCI. The processor is marked as end‑of‑life, so no upgrade path exists within the same platform. It is classified as a Server/Workstation part, and its part number is SL4HE.

The memory bus is single‑channel, which limits memory bandwidth. ECC memory is not supported, as indicated by the `eccMemory: false` field. This restricts its use to applications that do not require error‑correcting memory, such as non‑critical web servers or internal development systems. The processor is not multiplier‑unlocked, so overclocking is not possible through the multiplier. The architecture is P6, with the codename Cascades, and it belongs to the Pentium III Xeon generation.

Who Should Consider It

This processor is best suited for workloads that are single‑threaded and clock‑sensitive, such as legacy server applications that do not require multi‑core parallelism. Its low 30 W TDP makes it appropriate for systems where power consumption and heat output are primary concerns. The 1000 MHz clock and 256 KB L2 cache are adequate for simple task scheduling, lightweight database operations, or serving static content in a low‑traffic environment.

It is not a candidate for modern gaming, video editing, or any multi‑threaded content creation, as its single core and single thread cannot handle parallel workloads. The lack of ECC memory support further narrows its use to non‑critical roles. Given its end‑of‑life status, it is unlikely to be a first choice for new builds; instead, it may be relevant for historical reference, educational demonstrations, or maintaining older systems that still rely on this specific platform. The 50th percentile ranking in the database confirms that it is not an exceptional performer, but it is also not a complete outlier—it represents a typical server processor from its era.