Pentium 4 3.73GHz Extreme Edition

Having suggested that 64-bit desktop CPUs were not in the pipeline, Intel have decided to play ball with the competition.

Having suggested that 64-bit desktop CPUs were not in the pipeline, Intel apparently changed its mind and decided to play ball with the competition. This came as no surprise, considering the popularity of AMD's 64-bit desktop CPUs. With the move away from raw megahertz as the driving force behind a processor and more focus on features, Intel's move to desktop 64-bit availability is more evolutionary than revolutionary.

Extended Memory 64-bit Technology (EM64T) is Intel's rendition of AMD's x86-64 architecture and is almost a complete replica. Ironic, but this is damn good news for everyone involved, with the result being wide-scale compatibility and far easier implementation of 64-bit on the desktop. EM64T actually existed on previous Intel 90nm CPUs, but it simply wasn't enabled as it most likely hadn't yet been perfected. In terms of memory addressing, the theoretical maximum memory size for 64-bit CPUs rockets to 16 billion gigabytes (16 exabytes). Apologies if I invoked the Kleenex factor.

It was late 2003 when we first checked out the original 64-bit desktop processor from AMD. Today the situation is much the same in regards to running 64-bit optimised programs. Though apparently just around the corner, desktop copies of Windows 64-bit are still unavailable, let alone other software that makes use of the potentially massive boost in processing speed.

The differences between Intel's newly release 600 series and the new P4 Extreme Edition were the 600's Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology (EIST) and the P4EE's 1066MHz FSB, so we checked out the P4EE for raw grunt.
All previous Extreme Edition CPUs have been based around the same .13-micron process of the Northwood core -- this has changed with this version. Downsized to .09-microns, it's built around the same fabrication process as the original Prescott. As an Extreme Edition CPU, it packs 2MB of cache however this has been improved on. The 2MB of L3 cache the P4EE previously enjoyed has now been made into lower latency L2 cache. Aside from that, it also brings to the table a tasty jump in FSB speed to 1066MHz. And an upward surge in price, as has become the legacy of the P4EE.

In a 32-bit environment (to represent current real-world results) we set up the duel between a P4EE 3.73GHz (925XE mobo, 1GB DDR2, 6600GT PCI-E) and an Athlon 64 FX-55 (nForce3, 1GB DDR, 6600GT AGP). Synthetic testing shows the P4EE has the grunt, but even with a bridged PCI-E to AGP card, the FX-55 still managed to slightly overtake the P4EE in FarCry. Retailing at US$999, is Intel's new P4EE worth the dosh?

One major issue that plagues this CPU, as with many of Intel's post-Prescott CPUs, is the thermal power rating. The driving force behind the move to a 90nm fabrication is the high temperatures and at 115W, it not only draws a lot of power but it still yields this jump in juice via a serious fluctuation in heat. Thankfully Intel's coolers have a reputation for performing surprisingly better than third-party units, but decent ventilation is a necessity. This is where the 600 series come in, with better power management via EIST, thus more appropriate for systems such as mini-barebones.

Brushing 64-bit to the side, the most significant aspects of this processor is the 1066MHz FSB speed and the 2MB of L2 cache. Intel's move to push 64-bit to the desktop is no doubt a milestone, but the benefits won't be immediately accessible. It just might pay to hold off and see how the dual-cored CPUs perform, due later in the year.

By and large, this is a powerful CPU, but it revels in the reality that its full potential can't yet be exploited. As an Extreme Edition, it won't age quickly, so if you can afford it and you can see yourself making use of the 64-bit ability in the near future, this CPU will certainly keep you going. Equip this with the highly capable 925XE platform and you'll be rocking mates' envy jocks with a good measure of rigourousness.

On a final note, 64-bit for the desktop is here, it's simply waiting for the floodgates to open.