Pentium 4 vs Pentium III: RDRAM Rambus Memory Comparison

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The Pentium 4 with Rambus Memory
3. The Controversy Surrounding Rambus Memory
4. The Intel D850 motherboard
5. Choosing between Socket 423 and Socket 478
6. The Processor: Intel Pentium 4 1.4GHz
7. The Memory: RDRAM vs. SDRAM
8. Installing RDRAM on the Intel D850 motherboard
9. Exploring the BIOS Settings
10. Benchmarking Performance: Pentium 4 vs. Pentium 3
11. Conclusion
12. Future Updates and Comparisons

The Legacy of the Pentium 4 with Rambus Memory

The early days of computing were a time of rapid progress and innovation. One particular platform that captured the attention of enthusiasts and technophiles was the Pentium 4 with Rambus Memory. In this article, we will take a closer look at this intriguing system, its performance, and the controversy that surrounded it. From the choice of motherboard to the intricacies of RDRAM, we will explore the world of early Pentium 4 systems and see how they compare to their Pentium 3 counterparts.

1. Introduction

The arrival of the Pentium 4 with Rambus Memory marked a departure from the status quo. While most computers of the time used PC 133 SDRAM modules, Intel decided to go with RDRAM. This decision generated significant controversy within the industry due to the memory technology's high cost and heat generation. However, as with many technologies that had a short lifespan, the Pentium 4 with Rambus Memory offers a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of computing. In this article, we will delve into the experience and performance of this platform, exploring forums and addressing the negative reputation that often surrounds it.

2. The Pentium 4 with Rambus Memory: Intel D850 Motherboard

When building an early Pentium 4 system, one has a choice between the original Socket 423 or the newer Socket 478. The Socket 478 offers several advantages, including compatibility with a wider range of processors. As a result, we chose the Intel D850 motherboard, which supports Socket 478 and offers flexibility in processor selection. This choice allows us to test both the Willamette and Northwood cores, as well as budget-friendly options.

3. The Processor: Intel Pentium 4 1.4GHz

The processor we will be using in our Pentium 4 system is the 1.4GHz model with the Willamette core. With a 400MHz FSB and 256KB of L2 cache, this processor provides a solid foundation for testing the capabilities of the Pentium 4 platform. Although the FSB runs at 100MHz, it utilizes quad-pumping to effectively operate at 400MHz.

4. The Memory: RDRAM vs. SDRAM

To experience the full potential of a Rambus system, we acquired two sticks of 128MB PC800 RDRAM from Samsung. However, we wanted to explore additional memory options, so we reached out to Elektra Mine for four more sticks of 256MB PC800 RDRAM. The Intel D850 motherboard necessitates the installation of RDRAM in matching pairs. Thus, we installed two 256MB sticks in the first memory bank, providing a total capacity of 512MB in a dual-Channel configuration. The other memory bank requires the insertion of Terminator dummy modules.

5. Installing RDRAM on the Intel D850 Motherboard

The installation process for RDRAM on the Intel D850 motherboard follows the standard conventions of that time. The BIOS screen on the motherboard reports the 1.4GHz Pentium 4 processor and the 512MB RDRAM. It is important to note that RDRAM modules can become quite hot during operation, reaching temperatures of up to 60 degrees Celsius. While such temperatures are manageable, caution must be exercised when handling the modules for extended periods.

6. Exploring the BIOS Settings

The BIOS settings on the Intel D850 motherboard are familiar and uncomplicated. They closely Resemble those of other Intel boards from the same time period. The BIOS screen displays accurate information about the processor and memory, providing a straightforward interface for configuration.

7. Benchmarking Performance: Pentium 4 vs. Pentium 3

One of the primary objectives of this exploration is to compare the performance of the Pentium 4 with Rambus Memory against the Pentium 3 with SDRAM. With the aid of an NVIDIA GeForce FX 5900 XT graphics card, we conduct benchmarks at 640x480 resolution. The results reveal that while the Pentium 4 boasts higher memory bandwidth and a 40% faster clock speed, its performance does not always reflect these advantages. In many cases, both platforms offer comparable performance, with the Pentium 4 only occasionally surpassing the Pentium 3 in certain scenarios, such as with Quake 3.

8. Conclusion

The Pentium 4 with Rambus Memory is a platform that remains both fascinating and controversial even after nearly two decades. It offers a unique window into the early days of computing, where high memory bandwidth and clock speeds were met with skepticism. Despite initial criticisms, the Pentium 4 proved stable and reliable, standing the test of time. As we continue our exploration of processors and chipsets, we look forward to uncovering the distinct characteristics of AMD's offerings. If you have any suggestions for future comparisons or products you would like to see, please let us know in the comments.

9. Future Updates and Comparisons

In future videos, we will delve into other chipsets that support SDRAM and DDR, providing comprehensive comparisons across different platforms. We are particularly interested in exploring the wide range of processors and chipsets from AMD. To ensure accurate and informative content, we are currently acquiring additional motherboards, especially those from the early days of AMD. Stay tuned for more exciting updates and detailed comparisons.