Note: Updated Jan. 8, 2001for new 900 MHz cC0 100 MHz system bus SL4SD FC-PGA P3.
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FYI: Identifying Intel Pentium III microprocessors:
The simplified ?chart? below has been updated as of January 8, 2001, to include the latest stepping P3 CPU?s. It is adapted from Intel?s Pentium III identification and specification chart and its related update .pdf file, which may be found here. Another Intel page with references to more detailed information on the P3 line of CPU's is located here.
Intel Pentium III microprocessors may be best identified by their S-specification (S-spec), which is the five-character code beginning with ?S? or ?SL? printed on the processor itself, on the top of the SECC2 cartridge and on the outside of the retail box. To determine the specifications for a CPU, simply check its S-spec against those in the charts.
MHz..... FSB Stepping.... Form...... Volts CPUid Retail..... OEM.....
450........ 100 kB0........... SECC..... 2.00 0672h N/A...... SL38E...
450........ 100 kB0........... SECC2... 2.00 0672h SL3CC.. SL364....
450........ 100 kC0........... SECC2... 2.00 0673h SL37C... SL35D...
500........ 100 kB0........... SECC..... 2.00 0672h N/A...... SL38F....
500........ 100 kB0........... SECC2... 2.00 0672h SL3CD.. SL365....
500........ 100 kC0........... SECC2... 2.00 0673h SL37D... SL35E...
500E..... 100 cA2........... FC-PGA 1.60 0681h SL3R2.... SL3Q9...
500E..... 100 cB0........... FC-PGA 1.60 0683h N/A....... SL446....
500E..... 100 cB0........... FC-PGA 1.60 0683h SL45R.... SL444....
533B..... 133 kC0........... SECC2... 2.05 0673h SL3E9.... SL3BN..
533EB.. 133 cA2........... SECC2... 1.65 0681h SL3SX.... SL3N6...
533EB.. 133 cA2........... FC-PGA 1.65 0681h SL3VA... SL3VF...
533EB.. 133 cB0........... SECC2... 1.65 0683h SL44W... SL3XG...
533EB.. 133 cB0........... FC-PGA 1.65 0683h SL45S..... SL3XS....
550........ 100 kC0........... SECC2... 2.00 0673h SL3FJ..... SL3F7....
550E..... 100 cA2........... FC-PGA 1.60 0681h SL3R3.... SL3QA...
550E..... 100 cA2........... SECC2... 1.60 0681h SL3V5... SL3N7...
550E..... 100 cB0........... SECC2... 1.60 0683h SL44X... SL3XH...
550E..... 100 cB0........... FC-PGA 1.60 0683h SL45T... SL44G...
600........ 100 kC0........... SECC2... 2.05 0673h SL3JT.... SL3JM....
600E..... 100 cA2........... SECC2... 1.65 0681h SL3NA.. SL3H6...
600E..... 100 cA2........... FC-PGA 1.65 0681h SL3NL.. SL3VH...
600E..... 100 cB0........... SECC2... 1.65 0683h SL44Y... SL43E...
600E..... 100 cB0........... FC-PGA 1.65 0683h SL45U... SL3XU...
600E..... 100 cC0........... SECC2... 1.65 0686h N/A...... SL4C7...
600E..... 100 cC0........... FC-PGA 1.65 0686h N/A...... SL4CM...
600B..... 133 kC0........... SECC2... 2.05 0673h SL3JU... SL3JP.....
600EB.. 133 cA2........... SECC2... 1.65 0681h SL3NB.. SL3H7...
600EB.. 133 cA2........... FC-PGA 1.65 0681h SL3VB.. SL3VG...
600EB.. 133 cB0........... SECC2... 1.65 0683h SL44Z... SL3XJ...
600EB.. 133 cB0........... FC-PGA 1.65 0683h SL45V... SL3XT...
600EB.. 133 cC0........... SECC2... 1.65 0686h N/A...... SL4C6...
600EB.. 133 cC0........... FC-PGA 1.65 0686h N/A...... SL4CL...
650....... 100 cA2........... SECC2... 1.65 0681h SL3NR.. SL3KV...
650....... 100 cA2........... FC-PGA 1.65 0681h SL3NM. SL3VJ...
650....... 100 cB0........... SECC2... 1.65 0683h SL452.... SL3XK...
650....... 100 cB0........... FC-PGA 1.65 0683h SL45W.. SL3XV...
650....... 100 cC0........... SECC2... 1.65 0686h N/A...... SL4C5...
650....... 100 cC0........... FC-PGA 1.65 0686h N/A...... SL4CK...
667....... 133 cA2........... SECC2... 1.65 0681h SL3ND. SL3KW...
667....... 133 cA2........... FC-PGA 1.65 0681h SL3T2.... SL3VK...
667....... 133 cB0........... SECC2... 1.65 0683h SL453.... SL3XL...
667....... 133 cB0........... FC-PGA 1.65 0683h SL45X... SL3XW...
667....... 133 cC0........... SECC2... 1.65 0686h N/A...... SL4C4...
667....... 133 cC0........... FC-PGA 1.65 0686h N/A...... SL4CJ...
700....... 100 cA2........... SECC2... 1.65 0681h SL3SY... SL3S9...
700....... 100 cA2........... FC-PGA 1.65 0681h SL3T3... SL3VL...
700....... 100 cB0........... SECC2... 1.65 0683h SL454... SL3XM....
700....... 100 cB0........... FC-PGA 1.65 0683h SL45Y... SL3XX....
700....... 100 cC0........... SECC2... 1.65 0686h N/A...... SL4C3...
700....... 100 cC0........... FC-PGA 1.65 0686h SL4M7.. SL4CH...
733....... 133 cA2........... SECC2... 1.65 0681h SL3SZ... SL3SB...
733....... 133 cA2........... FC-PGA 1.65 0681h SL3T4... SL3VM...
733....... 133 cB0........... SECC2... 1.65 0683h SL455... SL3XN...
733....... 133 cB0........... FC-PGA 1.65 0683h SL45Z... SL3XY...
733....... 133 cC0........... SECC2... 1.65 0686h N/A...... SL4C2...
733....... 133 cC0........... SECC2... 1.65 0686h N/A...... SL4KD...
733....... 133 cC0........... SECC2... 1.65 0686h N/A...... SL4FQ...
733....... 133 cC0........... FC-PGA 1.65 0686h SL4M8.. SL4CG...
750....... 100 cA2........... SECC2... 1.65 0681h SL3V6... SL3WC....
750....... 100 cA2........... FC-PGA 1.65 0681h SL3VC.. SL3VN...
750....... 100 cB0........... SECC2... 1.65 0683h SL456.... SL3XP...
750....... 100 cB0........... FC-PGA 1.65 0683h SL462.... SL3XZ...
750....... 100 cC0........... SECC2... 1.65 0686h N/A...... SL4BZ...
750....... 100 cC0........... FC-PGA 1.65 0686h SL4M9.. SL4CF...
800....... 100 cA2........... SECC2... 1.65 0681h SL3V7... SL3Z6...
800....... 100 cA2........... FC-PGA 1.65 0681h SL3VD.. SL3X4...
800....... 100 cB0........... SECC2... 1.65 0683h SL457.... SL3XR...
800....... 100 cB0........... FC-PGA 1.65 0683h SL463.... SL3Y3...
800....... 100 cC0........... SECC2... 1.65 0686h N/A...... SL4BY...
800....... 100 cC0........... SECC2... 1.65 0686h N/A...... SL4KF...
800....... 100 cC0........... FC-PGA 1.65 0686h SL4MA. SL4CE...
800EB. 133 cA2........... SECC2... 1.65 0681h SL3V8... SL3WA...
800EB. 133 cA2........... SECC2... 1.65 0686h SL4G7... N/A........
800EB. 133 cA2........... FC-PGA 1.65 0681h SL3VE... SL3WB...
800EB. 133 cB0........... SECC2... 1.65 0683h SL458.... SL3XQ...
800EB. 133 cB0........... FC-PGA 1.65 0683h SL464.... SL3Y2....
800EB. 133 cC0........... SECC2... 1.65 0686h N/A...... SL4BX...
800EB. 133 cC0........... SECC2... 1.65 0686h N/A...... SL4G7...
800EB. 133 cC0........... SECC2... 1.65 0686h N/A...... SL4KG...
800EB. 133 cC0........... FC-PGA 1.65 0686h SL4MB.. SL4CD...
850...... 100 cB0........... SECC2... 1.65 0683h SL47M.. SL43F....
850...... 100 cB0........... FC-PGA 1.65 0683h SL49G... SL43H...
850...... 100 cC0........... SECC2... 1.65 0686h N/A...... SL4BW...
850...... 100 cC0........... SECC2... 1.65 0686h N/A...... SL4KH...
850...... 100 cC0........... FC-PGA 1.65 0686h SL4MC. SL4CC...
866...... 133 cB0........... SECC2... 1.65 0683h SL47N.. SL43G...
866...... 133 cB0........... FC-PGA 1.65 0683h SL49H.. SL43J.....
866...... 133 cC0........... SECC2... 1.65 0686h N/A...... SL4BV...
866...... 133 cC0........... SECC2... 1.65 0686h N/A...... SL4KJ...
866...... 133 cC0........... FC-PGA 1.65 0686h N/A...... SL4CB...
866...... 133 cC0........... FC-PGA 1.65 0686h N/A...... SL4MD...
900...... 100 cC0........... FC-PGA 1.70 0686h N/A...... SL4SD
933...... 133 cB0........... SECC2... 1.70 0683h SL47Q.. SL448....
933...... 133 cB0........... FC-PGA 1.65 0683h SL49J.... SL44J....
933...... 133 cC0........... SECC2... 1.70 0686h N/A...... SL4BT...
933...... 133 cC0........... FC-PGA 1.65 0686h SL4ME.. SL4C9...
1000... 100 cC0........... SECC2... 1.70 0686h SL4KL.. SL4BR...
1000... 133 cB0........... SECC2... 1.70 0683h SL4FP... SL48S...
1000... 133 cC0........... SECC2... 1.70 0686h N/A...... SL4BS...
1000... 133 cC0........... FC-PGA 1.70 0686h SL4MF.. SL4C8...
1133... 133 cC0........... SECC2... 1.80 0686h N/A...... SL4HH...
Key to ?chart:?
A. The simplified ?chart? above has been updated to include the latest stepping P3 CPU?s. Intel?s official Pentium III identification and basic specification chart, and its related update pdf file, may be found here, while Intel's web page with references to detailed information on the P3 line of CPU's may be found here.
B. Intel Pentium III microprocessors may be identified by their S-specification (S-spec), which is the five-character code beginning with ?S? or ?SL? printed on the processor itself, on the top of the SECC2 cartridge and on the outside of the retail box. To determine the specifications for a CPU, simply check its S-spec against those in the chart.
C. P3?s come in two different varieties, from a performance point of view: the earlier Katmai design, which is less desirable; and the later preferred Coppermine chips. The Katmai design used a .25-micron manufacturing process and its L2 memory cache is not physically integrated with the CPU core. In the Katmai the two L2 cache chips, along with the core, are mounted on a printed circuit board..
The Coppermine was designed using an improved .18-micron manufacturing process, has an improved memory cache logic architecture and has the L2 memory cache physically integrated into the CPU core. Thus the Coppermine microprocessor may or may not be mounted on a PCB. The Coppermine?s performance is significantly improved relative to the Katmai by the .18-micron process, the improved memory cache design, and the on-die location of the L2 cache.
The Katmai steppings, which are less desireable, are kB0 and kC0 (note that (k = Katmai).
The Coppermine steppings, which are preferred, are cA2, cB0 and cC0 (c = Coppermine).
The currently preferred stepping for P3 overclocking is the cC0 stepping.
D. The identification of P3?s is made easier, according to the manufacurer, by in some cases the addition of letters to the CPU?s speed designation where confusion might otherwise exist:
1. E means the CPU is a Coppermine. Not all Coppermines are designated with an E ? usually it is used only when the CPU could be confused with a Katmai of the same speed.
2. B means the CPU is designed for a 133 MHz system bus (aka front side bus or FSB).
3. EB means the CPU is a Coppermine designed for a 133 MHz system bus (front side bus or FSB).
4. Neither E, B or EB means that, only if the speed is 600 MHz or less, the CPU is of the older Katmai design. All P3?s over 600 MHz are Coppermines.
E. P3?s come in two physical formats: the FC-PGA (Flip Chip - Pin Grid Array) and SECC2 (Single Edge Contact Cartridge, Version 2):
1. The FC-PGA form of the P3 consists of a bare microprocessor with pins on the bottom that fits into a Socket-370 type connecter on the motherboard. It also can be used in motherboards having a Slot-1 type connector when used with a ?slocket? adapter designed for FC-PGA type chips (but not with adapters designed only for PPGA type chips). Only P3 Coppermine chips come in this format, although they also come in the SECC2 form. No Katmais come in the FC-PGA form.
2. The SECC and SECC2 form of the P3 contains the microprocessor in a large black plastic cartridge with a protruding edge connector that fits into a Slot-1 connecter on the motherboard. Both P3 Coppermines and Katmais come in this format. Coppermines also come in the FC-PGA form. Katmai?s come only in this format. It is expected that the SECC2 form will eventually be phased out, although not for some time.
3. The FC-PGA form is the more versatile format because it can be used in Socket-370 motherboards directly or can be used in motherboards having Slot-1 type connectors when used with a ?slocket? adapter designed for FC-PGA type chips.
4. With regard to the use of 'slocket' adapters for FC-PGA Coppermine CPU's, please note Intel's cautions here.
F. The P3?s come in several different steppings. The stepping identifies for a particular CPU a slightly different manufacturing process, run, batch or version. Newer steppings are used to improve manufacturing yields and to fix various processor ?errata.?
1. Katmai P3?s come in two steppings: kB0 and kC0.
2. Coppermines come in three steppings: the early cA2, the later cB0, and the most current cC0. The original cA2 stepping is acceptable for normal use, while the latest stepping, the cC0, is preferred for overclocking.
3. Generally the stepping of a Coppermine CPU is only significant if one is overclocking or using multiple processors. In multiple processor systems the CPU?s normally should be of the same stepping and S-specification.
G. Intel P3?s may be used in dual microprocessor systems. Intel recommends that the CPU?s in a dual processor system be of the same speed, stepping and S-specification. Some operating systems may require that two CPU?s be installed when the dual processor system is being configured and the operating system installed (although one of the CPU?s later may be removed). Intel provides specific recommendations for those planning to use dual P3?s under the heading ?Dual Processor System Considerations? at the bottom of this web page.
H. P3?s are available for sale in several versions: retail, normal OEM, ?gray market? OEM, and "guaranteed" overclocked processors:
1. Retail versions of the P3 come in Intel packaging, have an attached fan and heat sink meeting Intel?s specs, and have a full 3-year Intel warranty. They are sold by Intel-authorized resellers and usually cost more than the other two versions.
2. What might be called normal OEM versions of the P3 are those sold by Intel-authorized resellers or OEM system builders who purchased them from Intel-authorized distributors in bulk. If sold separately these CPU?s are packaged by the vendor, may not include a heatsink and fan (or may include one supplied by the vendor), but do have a one year warranty from Intel. If included as part of a computer system these CPU?s usually will include a heatsink and fan and have the a one-year warranty from Intel. In both cases warranty claims are to be handled through the vendor or OEM system builder. These CPU?s may or may not be as over-clockable as retail versions. Some overclockers avoid OEM microprocessors because they are concerned that individual processors may have been ?pretested? by the vendor for over-clockability (and found wanting). This version usually is cheaper than the ?retail? version.
3. What should be refered to as ?gray market? OEM versions of the P3 are those not sold by Intel-authorized resellers (or those sold by authorized resellers but not purchased by them from Intel-authorized distributors). These CPU?s are packaged by the vendor and may not include a heatsink and fan (or may include one supplied by the vendor). Importantly, these processors have no warranty from Intel, but may have only a very short warranty from the vendor. In fact they usually may be identified as gray market items by having only very short warranties. These CPU?s may or may not be as over-clockable as a retail version. Some overclockers avoid OEM microprocessors because they are concerned that individual processors may have been ?pretested? by the vendor for over-clockability (and found wanting) This version should be cheaper than the other two versions.
4. Some vendors offer at a premium price ?guaranteed? overclocked or overclockable P3 CPU?s in addition to their regular stock of retail and OEM processors. These are OEM processors that the vendor has tested and claims will perform reliably at higher than their normal operating speed. These may or may not come with a heatsink and fan, although most overclockers will want to use a high-end HSF with their CPU. Exactly how the vendor tests these CPU?s, and how they will perform in your system may vary. For greater dependability and more personal service it may be a good idea to buy a guaranteed processor from one of the individuals in the AnandTech forums who deal in them and are known to be reliable.
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FYI: Identifying Intel Pentium III microprocessors:
The simplified ?chart? below has been updated as of January 8, 2001, to include the latest stepping P3 CPU?s. It is adapted from Intel?s Pentium III identification and specification chart and its related update .pdf file, which may be found here. Another Intel page with references to more detailed information on the P3 line of CPU's is located here.
Intel Pentium III microprocessors may be best identified by their S-specification (S-spec), which is the five-character code beginning with ?S? or ?SL? printed on the processor itself, on the top of the SECC2 cartridge and on the outside of the retail box. To determine the specifications for a CPU, simply check its S-spec against those in the charts.
MHz..... FSB Stepping.... Form...... Volts CPUid Retail..... OEM.....
450........ 100 kB0........... SECC..... 2.00 0672h N/A...... SL38E...
450........ 100 kB0........... SECC2... 2.00 0672h SL3CC.. SL364....
450........ 100 kC0........... SECC2... 2.00 0673h SL37C... SL35D...
500........ 100 kB0........... SECC..... 2.00 0672h N/A...... SL38F....
500........ 100 kB0........... SECC2... 2.00 0672h SL3CD.. SL365....
500........ 100 kC0........... SECC2... 2.00 0673h SL37D... SL35E...
500E..... 100 cA2........... FC-PGA 1.60 0681h SL3R2.... SL3Q9...
500E..... 100 cB0........... FC-PGA 1.60 0683h N/A....... SL446....
500E..... 100 cB0........... FC-PGA 1.60 0683h SL45R.... SL444....
533B..... 133 kC0........... SECC2... 2.05 0673h SL3E9.... SL3BN..
533EB.. 133 cA2........... SECC2... 1.65 0681h SL3SX.... SL3N6...
533EB.. 133 cA2........... FC-PGA 1.65 0681h SL3VA... SL3VF...
533EB.. 133 cB0........... SECC2... 1.65 0683h SL44W... SL3XG...
533EB.. 133 cB0........... FC-PGA 1.65 0683h SL45S..... SL3XS....
550........ 100 kC0........... SECC2... 2.00 0673h SL3FJ..... SL3F7....
550E..... 100 cA2........... FC-PGA 1.60 0681h SL3R3.... SL3QA...
550E..... 100 cA2........... SECC2... 1.60 0681h SL3V5... SL3N7...
550E..... 100 cB0........... SECC2... 1.60 0683h SL44X... SL3XH...
550E..... 100 cB0........... FC-PGA 1.60 0683h SL45T... SL44G...
600........ 100 kC0........... SECC2... 2.05 0673h SL3JT.... SL3JM....
600E..... 100 cA2........... SECC2... 1.65 0681h SL3NA.. SL3H6...
600E..... 100 cA2........... FC-PGA 1.65 0681h SL3NL.. SL3VH...
600E..... 100 cB0........... SECC2... 1.65 0683h SL44Y... SL43E...
600E..... 100 cB0........... FC-PGA 1.65 0683h SL45U... SL3XU...
600E..... 100 cC0........... SECC2... 1.65 0686h N/A...... SL4C7...
600E..... 100 cC0........... FC-PGA 1.65 0686h N/A...... SL4CM...
600B..... 133 kC0........... SECC2... 2.05 0673h SL3JU... SL3JP.....
600EB.. 133 cA2........... SECC2... 1.65 0681h SL3NB.. SL3H7...
600EB.. 133 cA2........... FC-PGA 1.65 0681h SL3VB.. SL3VG...
600EB.. 133 cB0........... SECC2... 1.65 0683h SL44Z... SL3XJ...
600EB.. 133 cB0........... FC-PGA 1.65 0683h SL45V... SL3XT...
600EB.. 133 cC0........... SECC2... 1.65 0686h N/A...... SL4C6...
600EB.. 133 cC0........... FC-PGA 1.65 0686h N/A...... SL4CL...
650....... 100 cA2........... SECC2... 1.65 0681h SL3NR.. SL3KV...
650....... 100 cA2........... FC-PGA 1.65 0681h SL3NM. SL3VJ...
650....... 100 cB0........... SECC2... 1.65 0683h SL452.... SL3XK...
650....... 100 cB0........... FC-PGA 1.65 0683h SL45W.. SL3XV...
650....... 100 cC0........... SECC2... 1.65 0686h N/A...... SL4C5...
650....... 100 cC0........... FC-PGA 1.65 0686h N/A...... SL4CK...
667....... 133 cA2........... SECC2... 1.65 0681h SL3ND. SL3KW...
667....... 133 cA2........... FC-PGA 1.65 0681h SL3T2.... SL3VK...
667....... 133 cB0........... SECC2... 1.65 0683h SL453.... SL3XL...
667....... 133 cB0........... FC-PGA 1.65 0683h SL45X... SL3XW...
667....... 133 cC0........... SECC2... 1.65 0686h N/A...... SL4C4...
667....... 133 cC0........... FC-PGA 1.65 0686h N/A...... SL4CJ...
700....... 100 cA2........... SECC2... 1.65 0681h SL3SY... SL3S9...
700....... 100 cA2........... FC-PGA 1.65 0681h SL3T3... SL3VL...
700....... 100 cB0........... SECC2... 1.65 0683h SL454... SL3XM....
700....... 100 cB0........... FC-PGA 1.65 0683h SL45Y... SL3XX....
700....... 100 cC0........... SECC2... 1.65 0686h N/A...... SL4C3...
700....... 100 cC0........... FC-PGA 1.65 0686h SL4M7.. SL4CH...
733....... 133 cA2........... SECC2... 1.65 0681h SL3SZ... SL3SB...
733....... 133 cA2........... FC-PGA 1.65 0681h SL3T4... SL3VM...
733....... 133 cB0........... SECC2... 1.65 0683h SL455... SL3XN...
733....... 133 cB0........... FC-PGA 1.65 0683h SL45Z... SL3XY...
733....... 133 cC0........... SECC2... 1.65 0686h N/A...... SL4C2...
733....... 133 cC0........... SECC2... 1.65 0686h N/A...... SL4KD...
733....... 133 cC0........... SECC2... 1.65 0686h N/A...... SL4FQ...
733....... 133 cC0........... FC-PGA 1.65 0686h SL4M8.. SL4CG...
750....... 100 cA2........... SECC2... 1.65 0681h SL3V6... SL3WC....
750....... 100 cA2........... FC-PGA 1.65 0681h SL3VC.. SL3VN...
750....... 100 cB0........... SECC2... 1.65 0683h SL456.... SL3XP...
750....... 100 cB0........... FC-PGA 1.65 0683h SL462.... SL3XZ...
750....... 100 cC0........... SECC2... 1.65 0686h N/A...... SL4BZ...
750....... 100 cC0........... FC-PGA 1.65 0686h SL4M9.. SL4CF...
800....... 100 cA2........... SECC2... 1.65 0681h SL3V7... SL3Z6...
800....... 100 cA2........... FC-PGA 1.65 0681h SL3VD.. SL3X4...
800....... 100 cB0........... SECC2... 1.65 0683h SL457.... SL3XR...
800....... 100 cB0........... FC-PGA 1.65 0683h SL463.... SL3Y3...
800....... 100 cC0........... SECC2... 1.65 0686h N/A...... SL4BY...
800....... 100 cC0........... SECC2... 1.65 0686h N/A...... SL4KF...
800....... 100 cC0........... FC-PGA 1.65 0686h SL4MA. SL4CE...
800EB. 133 cA2........... SECC2... 1.65 0681h SL3V8... SL3WA...
800EB. 133 cA2........... SECC2... 1.65 0686h SL4G7... N/A........
800EB. 133 cA2........... FC-PGA 1.65 0681h SL3VE... SL3WB...
800EB. 133 cB0........... SECC2... 1.65 0683h SL458.... SL3XQ...
800EB. 133 cB0........... FC-PGA 1.65 0683h SL464.... SL3Y2....
800EB. 133 cC0........... SECC2... 1.65 0686h N/A...... SL4BX...
800EB. 133 cC0........... SECC2... 1.65 0686h N/A...... SL4G7...
800EB. 133 cC0........... SECC2... 1.65 0686h N/A...... SL4KG...
800EB. 133 cC0........... FC-PGA 1.65 0686h SL4MB.. SL4CD...
850...... 100 cB0........... SECC2... 1.65 0683h SL47M.. SL43F....
850...... 100 cB0........... FC-PGA 1.65 0683h SL49G... SL43H...
850...... 100 cC0........... SECC2... 1.65 0686h N/A...... SL4BW...
850...... 100 cC0........... SECC2... 1.65 0686h N/A...... SL4KH...
850...... 100 cC0........... FC-PGA 1.65 0686h SL4MC. SL4CC...
866...... 133 cB0........... SECC2... 1.65 0683h SL47N.. SL43G...
866...... 133 cB0........... FC-PGA 1.65 0683h SL49H.. SL43J.....
866...... 133 cC0........... SECC2... 1.65 0686h N/A...... SL4BV...
866...... 133 cC0........... SECC2... 1.65 0686h N/A...... SL4KJ...
866...... 133 cC0........... FC-PGA 1.65 0686h N/A...... SL4CB...
866...... 133 cC0........... FC-PGA 1.65 0686h N/A...... SL4MD...
900...... 100 cC0........... FC-PGA 1.70 0686h N/A...... SL4SD
933...... 133 cB0........... SECC2... 1.70 0683h SL47Q.. SL448....
933...... 133 cB0........... FC-PGA 1.65 0683h SL49J.... SL44J....
933...... 133 cC0........... SECC2... 1.70 0686h N/A...... SL4BT...
933...... 133 cC0........... FC-PGA 1.65 0686h SL4ME.. SL4C9...
1000... 100 cC0........... SECC2... 1.70 0686h SL4KL.. SL4BR...
1000... 133 cB0........... SECC2... 1.70 0683h SL4FP... SL48S...
1000... 133 cC0........... SECC2... 1.70 0686h N/A...... SL4BS...
1000... 133 cC0........... FC-PGA 1.70 0686h SL4MF.. SL4C8...
1133... 133 cC0........... SECC2... 1.80 0686h N/A...... SL4HH...
Key to ?chart:?
A. The simplified ?chart? above has been updated to include the latest stepping P3 CPU?s. Intel?s official Pentium III identification and basic specification chart, and its related update pdf file, may be found here, while Intel's web page with references to detailed information on the P3 line of CPU's may be found here.
B. Intel Pentium III microprocessors may be identified by their S-specification (S-spec), which is the five-character code beginning with ?S? or ?SL? printed on the processor itself, on the top of the SECC2 cartridge and on the outside of the retail box. To determine the specifications for a CPU, simply check its S-spec against those in the chart.
C. P3?s come in two different varieties, from a performance point of view: the earlier Katmai design, which is less desirable; and the later preferred Coppermine chips. The Katmai design used a .25-micron manufacturing process and its L2 memory cache is not physically integrated with the CPU core. In the Katmai the two L2 cache chips, along with the core, are mounted on a printed circuit board..
The Coppermine was designed using an improved .18-micron manufacturing process, has an improved memory cache logic architecture and has the L2 memory cache physically integrated into the CPU core. Thus the Coppermine microprocessor may or may not be mounted on a PCB. The Coppermine?s performance is significantly improved relative to the Katmai by the .18-micron process, the improved memory cache design, and the on-die location of the L2 cache.
The Katmai steppings, which are less desireable, are kB0 and kC0 (note that (k = Katmai).
The Coppermine steppings, which are preferred, are cA2, cB0 and cC0 (c = Coppermine).
The currently preferred stepping for P3 overclocking is the cC0 stepping.
D. The identification of P3?s is made easier, according to the manufacurer, by in some cases the addition of letters to the CPU?s speed designation where confusion might otherwise exist:
1. E means the CPU is a Coppermine. Not all Coppermines are designated with an E ? usually it is used only when the CPU could be confused with a Katmai of the same speed.
2. B means the CPU is designed for a 133 MHz system bus (aka front side bus or FSB).
3. EB means the CPU is a Coppermine designed for a 133 MHz system bus (front side bus or FSB).
4. Neither E, B or EB means that, only if the speed is 600 MHz or less, the CPU is of the older Katmai design. All P3?s over 600 MHz are Coppermines.
E. P3?s come in two physical formats: the FC-PGA (Flip Chip - Pin Grid Array) and SECC2 (Single Edge Contact Cartridge, Version 2):
1. The FC-PGA form of the P3 consists of a bare microprocessor with pins on the bottom that fits into a Socket-370 type connecter on the motherboard. It also can be used in motherboards having a Slot-1 type connector when used with a ?slocket? adapter designed for FC-PGA type chips (but not with adapters designed only for PPGA type chips). Only P3 Coppermine chips come in this format, although they also come in the SECC2 form. No Katmais come in the FC-PGA form.
2. The SECC and SECC2 form of the P3 contains the microprocessor in a large black plastic cartridge with a protruding edge connector that fits into a Slot-1 connecter on the motherboard. Both P3 Coppermines and Katmais come in this format. Coppermines also come in the FC-PGA form. Katmai?s come only in this format. It is expected that the SECC2 form will eventually be phased out, although not for some time.
3. The FC-PGA form is the more versatile format because it can be used in Socket-370 motherboards directly or can be used in motherboards having Slot-1 type connectors when used with a ?slocket? adapter designed for FC-PGA type chips.
4. With regard to the use of 'slocket' adapters for FC-PGA Coppermine CPU's, please note Intel's cautions here.
F. The P3?s come in several different steppings. The stepping identifies for a particular CPU a slightly different manufacturing process, run, batch or version. Newer steppings are used to improve manufacturing yields and to fix various processor ?errata.?
1. Katmai P3?s come in two steppings: kB0 and kC0.
2. Coppermines come in three steppings: the early cA2, the later cB0, and the most current cC0. The original cA2 stepping is acceptable for normal use, while the latest stepping, the cC0, is preferred for overclocking.
3. Generally the stepping of a Coppermine CPU is only significant if one is overclocking or using multiple processors. In multiple processor systems the CPU?s normally should be of the same stepping and S-specification.
G. Intel P3?s may be used in dual microprocessor systems. Intel recommends that the CPU?s in a dual processor system be of the same speed, stepping and S-specification. Some operating systems may require that two CPU?s be installed when the dual processor system is being configured and the operating system installed (although one of the CPU?s later may be removed). Intel provides specific recommendations for those planning to use dual P3?s under the heading ?Dual Processor System Considerations? at the bottom of this web page.
H. P3?s are available for sale in several versions: retail, normal OEM, ?gray market? OEM, and "guaranteed" overclocked processors:
1. Retail versions of the P3 come in Intel packaging, have an attached fan and heat sink meeting Intel?s specs, and have a full 3-year Intel warranty. They are sold by Intel-authorized resellers and usually cost more than the other two versions.
2. What might be called normal OEM versions of the P3 are those sold by Intel-authorized resellers or OEM system builders who purchased them from Intel-authorized distributors in bulk. If sold separately these CPU?s are packaged by the vendor, may not include a heatsink and fan (or may include one supplied by the vendor), but do have a one year warranty from Intel. If included as part of a computer system these CPU?s usually will include a heatsink and fan and have the a one-year warranty from Intel. In both cases warranty claims are to be handled through the vendor or OEM system builder. These CPU?s may or may not be as over-clockable as retail versions. Some overclockers avoid OEM microprocessors because they are concerned that individual processors may have been ?pretested? by the vendor for over-clockability (and found wanting). This version usually is cheaper than the ?retail? version.
3. What should be refered to as ?gray market? OEM versions of the P3 are those not sold by Intel-authorized resellers (or those sold by authorized resellers but not purchased by them from Intel-authorized distributors). These CPU?s are packaged by the vendor and may not include a heatsink and fan (or may include one supplied by the vendor). Importantly, these processors have no warranty from Intel, but may have only a very short warranty from the vendor. In fact they usually may be identified as gray market items by having only very short warranties. These CPU?s may or may not be as over-clockable as a retail version. Some overclockers avoid OEM microprocessors because they are concerned that individual processors may have been ?pretested? by the vendor for over-clockability (and found wanting) This version should be cheaper than the other two versions.
4. Some vendors offer at a premium price ?guaranteed? overclocked or overclockable P3 CPU?s in addition to their regular stock of retail and OEM processors. These are OEM processors that the vendor has tested and claims will perform reliably at higher than their normal operating speed. These may or may not come with a heatsink and fan, although most overclockers will want to use a high-end HSF with their CPU. Exactly how the vendor tests these CPU?s, and how they will perform in your system may vary. For greater dependability and more personal service it may be a good idea to buy a guaranteed processor from one of the individuals in the AnandTech forums who deal in them and are known to be reliable.