Intel's Pentium 4 670: Just Another Speed Bump
by Derek Wilson on May 26, 2005 9:00 AM EST- Posted in
- CPUs
Final Words
So, what is the final verdict? There are cases where the 670 performs better than the 570 and cases where it performs worse. It all comes back to the differences between the two processors. Running with the Pentium 4 670, some applications benefit from having more cache, and other suffer due to the higher latency.To recap, applications that stream data (encoding and rendering) aren't impacted by the cache differences between the 5xx and 6xx series. The two processors perform nearly identically in the tests that we ran in these areas. Games have generally seen a boost from the added cache (we've seen this since the first Extreme Edition), so the 670 has a slight edge over the 570 in that category. Under office and workstation applications, the impact varies from case to case.
The Pentium 4 570 comes in at around $645. In quantities of 1000, the 670 is $850, and the only one listed on pricewatch right now is over $1000. If high single threaded performance is required and the choice comes down to the 570 or 670, we'll have to recommend the cheapest one. Right now, that's the 570.
We do have trouble recommending either of these processors for their price, especially when less expensive options don't degrade performance.
We didn't talk much about the Pentium D 820 today, as Anand covered its performance characteristics in his earlier article on the subject. For those interested in the performance of that part, please check it out. As far as recommendations go, the Pentium D 820 is a compelling solution for those who don't need huge single threaded performance. The choice between great single threaded performance and solid multithreaded performance with Intel's dual core processors will really come down to the usage scenarios that fit each individual.
All in all, we can't say that the Pentium 4 670 adds anything to Intel's line up. As higher performance dual core processors start to come along, we will certainly be more interested in them.
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Gatak - Saturday, May 28, 2005 - link
DRM!http://www.digitmag.co.uk/news/index.cfm?NewsID=49...
Seems as the new Intel CPUs and Chiptsets are DRM enabled in hardware now!
Icehawk - Saturday, May 28, 2005 - link
There were some odd results IMO, at least one test were the 660 was faster than the 670. Eh?Remember the good old days when a processor that cost more and was rated higher was just plain faster? :D
When is Anandtech going to update the version of ACDSee used? It is 2 versions old :(
The DvD - Saturday, May 28, 2005 - link
#28: Then you effectively reviewed the 945 board, and not the cpu. Because the 670 would only be 5.5% faster max. than the 660. Perhaps the graphs could be changed to say '670 (945)' for the new Intel combo.RockHydra11 - Friday, May 27, 2005 - link
C'mon Intel. Exnay on the escotpreyacoub - Friday, May 27, 2005 - link
20 - Posted on May 26, 2005 at 8:33 PM by flatblastard Reply#10 "don't forget, a 200 MHz increase with AMD cpus is like a 300+ MHz increase for intel"
#13 Also consider the fact that 200 "A64 Mhz" aren't equal to 200 "P4 MHz"
I am aware of this, and I will now make you aware of the fact that I can afford to have 10 less FPS.
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Ah, so in that case you CERTAINLY wouldn't buy this more expensive 670 chip that doesn't even always outperform slower Intel ones.
DerekWilson - Friday, May 27, 2005 - link
The 670 was the only board to use the 945 chipset and latest drivers from Intel. This could account for the odd Nero and Winzip numbers. I'm speaking more of the drivers than the hardware.Derek Wilson
mjz - Friday, May 27, 2005 - link
#20.. I don't understand, why would you want to buy a CPU that is slower than a cheaper alternative.. That being, AMD. Faster, cheaper, why not?JarredWalton - Friday, May 27, 2005 - link
23 - I'm almost positive that the 4000+ used was an older Sledgehammer core. As far as I know, no one at AnandTech has a San Diego yet.Murst - Friday, May 27, 2005 - link
I really don't understand why so many people complain/laugh at/question CPU releases. Everyone should be happy that another CPU is out on the market. The more are out there (especially of the upper end processors), the faster the price will drop.We'll have to wait and see if other sites get the same differences in the 6xx family before jumping to conclusions, but it sure does seem very strange....
Zebo - Friday, May 27, 2005 - link
No X2 in there?Well I guess Intel has to win a couple benchmarks..and technically the X2 processor is'nt really "out" yet.:D
But niether is 670...