INTEL

Intel Pentium III Xeon 866 2.8V

Intel processor specifications and benchmark scores

1
Cores
1
Threads
GHz Boost
25W
TDP

Intel Pentium III Xeon 866 2.8V Specifications

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Pentium III Xeon 866 2.8V Core Configuration

Processing cores and threading

The Intel Pentium III Xeon 866 2.8V features 1 physical cores and 1 threads, which directly impacts multi-threaded performance in CPU benchmarks. More cores allow the processor to handle parallel workloads efficiently, improving performance in video editing, 3D rendering, and multitasking scenarios. Thread count determines how many simultaneous tasks the CPU can process, with higher thread counts benefiting productivity applications and content creation workflows.

Cores
1
Threads
1
SMP CPUs
2
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Pentium III Xeon 866 2.8V Clock Speeds

Base and boost frequencies

Clock speed is a critical factor in Pentium III Xeon 866 2.8V benchmark performance, measured in GHz. The base clock represents the guaranteed operating frequency, while the boost clock indicates maximum single-core performance under optimal conditions. Higher clock speeds translate to faster single-threaded performance, which is essential for gaming and applications that don't fully utilize multiple cores. The Pentium III Xeon 866 2.8V by Intel can dynamically adjust its frequency based on workload and thermal headroom.

Base Clock
866 GHz
Boost Clock
N/A
Multiplier
6.5x
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Intel's Pentium III Xeon 866 2.8V Cache Hierarchy

L1, L2, L3 cache sizes

Cache memory is ultra-fast storage built directly into the Pentium III Xeon 866 2.8V processor die. L1 cache provides the fastest access for frequently used data, while L2 and L3 caches offer progressively larger storage with slightly higher latency. Larger cache sizes significantly improve CPU benchmark scores by reducing memory access times. The Pentium III Xeon 866 2.8V's cache configuration is optimized for both gaming performance and productivity workloads, minimizing data fetch delays during intensive computations.

L1 Cache
32 KB
L2 Cache
256 KB
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P6 Architecture & Process

Manufacturing and design details

The Intel Pentium III Xeon 866 2.8V is built on Intel's 180 nm manufacturing process, which determines power efficiency and thermal characteristics. Smaller process nodes allow for more transistors in the same space, enabling higher performance per watt. The architecture defines how the processor handles instructions and manages data flow, directly impacting benchmark results across different workload types. Modern CPU architectures like the one in Pentium III Xeon 866 2.8V incorporate advanced branch prediction and out-of-order execution for optimal performance.

Architecture
P6
Codename
Cascades
Process Node
180 nm
Foundry
Intel
Transistors
28 million
Die Size
106 mm²
Generation
Pentium III Xeon (Cascades)
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P6 Instruction Set Features

Supported CPU instructions and extensions

The Pentium III Xeon 866 2.8V by Intel supports various instruction set extensions that enable optimized performance for specific workloads. SIMD instructions like SSE and AVX accelerate multimedia, scientific computing, and AI workloads by processing multiple data points simultaneously. Features like AES-NI provide hardware-accelerated encryption, while AVX-512 (if supported) enables advanced vector processing for data centers and high-performance computing. These instruction sets are critical for software compatibility and performance in modern applications.

MMX
SSE
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Pentium III Xeon 866 2.8V Power & Thermal

TDP and power specifications

The Intel Pentium III Xeon 866 2.8V has a TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 25W, indicating the cooling solution required for sustained operation. TDP affects both system power consumption and the type of cooler needed. Lower TDP processors are ideal for compact builds and laptops, while higher TDP chips typically offer better sustained performance in demanding CPU benchmarks. Understanding power requirements helps ensure your system can deliver consistent performance without thermal throttling.

TDP
25W
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Intel Slot 2 Platform & Socket

Compatibility information

The Pentium III Xeon 866 2.8V uses the Intel Slot 2 socket, which determines motherboard compatibility. Choosing the right platform is essential for building a system around this processor. The socket type also influences available features like PCIe lanes, memory support, and upgrade paths. When comparing CPU benchmarks, ensure you're looking at processors compatible with your existing or planned motherboard to make informed purchasing decisions.

Socket
Intel Slot 2
Package
SECC
DDR5

Intel Slot 2 Memory Support

RAM compatibility and speeds

Memory support specifications for the Pentium III Xeon 866 2.8V define which RAM types and speeds are compatible. Faster memory can significantly improve CPU benchmark performance, especially in memory-intensive applications and gaming. The memory controller integrated into the Pentium III Xeon 866 2.8V determines maximum supported speeds and channels. Dual-channel or quad-channel memory configurations can double or quadruple memory bandwidth, providing noticeable performance gains in content creation and scientific workloads.

Memory Bus
Single-channel
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Pentium III Xeon 866 2.8V Product Information

Release and pricing details

The Intel Pentium III Xeon 866 2.8V is manufactured by Intel and represents their commitment to delivering competitive CPU performance. Understanding the release date and pricing helps contextualize benchmark comparisons with other processors from the same generation. Launch pricing provides a baseline for evaluating value, though street prices often differ. Whether you're building a new system or upgrading, the Pentium III Xeon 866 2.8V by Intel offers a specific balance of performance, features, and cost within Intel's product lineup.

Manufacturer
Intel
Release Date
Apr 2000
Launch Price
$826
Market
Server/Workstation
Status
End-of-life
Part Number
SL3WVSL4HA

Pentium III Xeon 866 2.8V Benchmark Scores

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No benchmark data available for this CPU.

About Intel Pentium III Xeon 866 2.8V

The Intel Pentium III Xeon 866 2.8V, launched in April 2000, was designed for professional and server environments where reliability and sustained performance mattered most. For day-to-day usage, such as basic desktop productivity, web browsing, and light multimedia tasks, the single 866 MHz core handled common operations smoothly, especially on workstations of that era. However, its 180 nm process and 25W TDP meant thermal management was straightforward, even in cramped server racks. File servers running Linux or Windows NT benefited from its stability, though demanding software like 3D rendering or high-resolution video editing was beyond its capabilities. The Intel Xeon 866 2.8V’s Slot 2 socket limited it to specialized motherboards, making it less accessible for consumer upgrades but ideal for enterprise setups requiring consistent performance without frequent hardware refreshes. Overall, it was a workhorse for its time, balancing cost and capability in professional computing.

Productivity benchmarks for the Pentium III Xeon 866 2.8V (formerly sold as Intel’s “Cascades” generation) reveal its strengths in multi-tasking within constrained workloads. In tests simulating office suites like Microsoft Office 2000 or database queries on SQL Server, the single core maintained responsiveness, though modern multi-threaded benchmarks are unavailable for comparison. Its value proposition rested on reliability over raw speed; at $826 (launch price), it was priced for businesses needing 24/7 operation rather than home users. Compatibility considerations were clear: Slot 2 motherboards required specific chipsets, limiting flexibility but ensuring optimized performance for server-grade tasks. Compared to contemporary consumer CPUs, the Intel Pentium III Xeon 866MHz 2.8V offered better error correction and stability features, appealing to IT administrators managing critical data systems.

  1. Single-core 866 MHz design suited for steady, predictable workloads.
  2. 180 nm process technology provided moderate power efficiency for its era.
  3. Slot 2 socket restricted compatibility to enterprise-focused hardware.
  4. 25W TDP allowed deployment in dense server environments without extensive cooling.
  5. Launch price reflected its positioning as a professional-grade processor.
  6. Lack of modern benchmarks makes direct performance comparisons challenging.

While the Intel Pentium III Xeon 866 2.8V can’t compete with modern CPUs, its role in early 2000s computing was significant. For businesses, its value lay in dependable performance for tasks like email servers, small-scale databases, and legacy applications. Today, enthusiasts might appreciate it as a collector’s item or for retro computing projects, though practical use is limited by outdated architecture. Compatibility with modern systems is nonexistent without emulation, but its historical importance in transitioning workstations toward more powerful server setups is undeniable. The Pentium III Xeon 866MHz 2.8V from Intel remains a symbol of an era when stability and uptime were paramount, even if raw performance took a backseat.

The AMD Equivalent of Pentium III Xeon 866 2.8V

Looking for a similar processor from AMD? The AMD Ryzen 5 1400 offers comparable performance and features in the AMD lineup.

AMD Ryzen 5 1400

AMD • 4 Cores

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