Click on any of the links in the top row of the example table, or just scroll
down to have the ChipGeek Processor Specs tables explained column by column.
Some of the explanations contain links to the Geek.com Technical
Glossary if further explanation is necessary.
|
|
Chip
- The name of the microprocessor,
with preproduction nicknames or codenames in parentheses ( ). |
|
|
MHz
- The clock speed of the chip. MHz stands for Megahertz, which is 1 million
hertz.
Hertz are cycles / second. The speed of the chip is the bus speed multiplied
the "multiplier." There are some entries under MHz where we will
list something like this: 450 (100*4.5). In this case, the bus speed is
100MHz, and the multiplier is 4.5. |
|
|
Bus
Speed - This refers to the processor bus
speed in MHz, or front
side bus, as it is sometimes referred to. This is the speed of communication
between the microprocessor and the chipset. The memory bus speed may be
different, and is determined by the chipset. |
L1
Cache |
32KB
-16K I
-16K D |
|
L1
Cache - This is the amount of high speed L1
cache memory in KB or KiloBytes
that is built into the processor core. L1 cache is always on the microprocessor
core, and is often split into Instruction cache (for recently used processor
instructions) and Data cache (for recently used data). L1 cache typically
runs at the speed of the processor. |
L2
Cache |
| 512K off chip
- 225MHz |
|
L2
Cache - This is the amount of high speed L2
cache memory either on or off of the processor. On-chip L2 cache is
typically on the same die as the processor. Off chip L2 cache typically
runs between 1/3 the speed and up to the full speed of the processor. We
will mention L2 cache speeds in MHz when available. |
L3
Cache |
| 256K - 1MB off
chip |
|
L3
Cache - If applicable, L3
cache refers to yet a third level of cache that may or may not be on
the processor die. L3 cache sits between L2 cache and main memory. It is
not included in architectures, and will only be listed when if applicable. |
|
|
Mics
- This is the size of the line widths in microns
of the microchip process that the microchip is built on. The microchip is
made up of many small paths that lead electrical signals through the chip.
These smaller this number is, the more transistors that can be fit on the
microchip in a set amount of space. |
|
|
Die
Size - The die
size is the size of the microprocessor in square millimeters. Smaller
die sizes mean that chips are cheaper to produce, and manufacturers get
more microchips on a wafer.
Having L2 cache on the processor die increases the die size. |
|
|
Trans
- This refers to the amount of transistors
that make up the microprocessor. The transistor count is based on the amount
of transistors in the chip itself as well as the amount of transistors in
the L1 cache, and L2 cache if it is on the microprocessor die. |
|
|
Form
Factor - This is the type of connection used to mount the microprocessor
on a motherboard or daughterboard. Typically this is either a type of Slot,
where the processor is on a circuitboard cartridge that plugs into the motherboard,
or it can be one of several types of Sockets
(PGA,
PPGA,
FC-PGA,
or unnamed sockets like 462-pin BGA,
etc.). |
|
|
US
Price - This is the last known announced price, in US dollars, that
the manufacturer sells the chip for in quantities of 1000 to a distributor,
usually derived from news reports. For a couple weeks before announced price
drops, the price on the open market may be lower than the listed price.
During shortages, the chip price may be much higher. |
|
|
Volts
- When placed in a motherboard, the chip should receive this voltage. A
lower voltage may not allow it to operate, and a higher voltage may cause
it to overheat. Current ranges are typically 1.8 volts up to 3.5 volts.
Question marks "?" indicate that we have not determined the voltage
yet. |
|
|
Watts
- A watt
is the maximum amount of power dissipated by the chip, which is directly
related to the amount of heat it gives off. Wattages may range from under
1 watt all the way up to 100 watts and over. |
|
|
SpecInt
/ SpecFP - The Spec numbers listed are benchmark results from Spec.org
from using the Spec95Int and Spec95FP. There is a Spec2000 benchmark out
now, and it will eventually be incorporated into the tables in some manner
that makes sense. |
|
|
Avail
- This is the availability of the processor. A dash "-" indicates
that the chip is not available from the manufacturer, or a date with a
gray background. A posted date that is past the present date was the date
when the chip was first announced to be available, unless we've missed
an update on the table. A past posted date / or "Now" listed
in the column with a light blue background indicates that the chip is
available. Chip release dates in the future are speculative release dates.
A question mark "?" indicates the availability date is unknown.
See also the color matrix below:
| Chip |
... |
Avail |
|
SuperChip 2 (zippy) |
... |
-
/ 1998 |
| SuperChip
3 (speedy) |
... |
Now
/ January 7, 2000 |
| SuperChip
4 (explody) |
... |
Late
2004 / ? |
A gray color indicates
that the chip is no longer being sold by the manufacturer. Light blue
indicates that the chip is currently available. Pink indicates that the
chip is not available to the public yet.
|
Home
Chips
Log In
Register