Intel pentium - history and differences with celeron and intel core i3

Intel Pentiums are the most iconic and longest-running processors at the brand. Born with the code name Intel P5 in 1993, today we still have the Pentium Gold models, a trajectory with more than 20 years that is worth remembering.

In addition, we will try to see the differences of the new Pentium Gold with respect to the Intel Celeron and the Intel Core i3. We will study what environments are recommended and what characteristics are the most striking of these processors.

Beginnings and history of the Intel Pentium

The predecessors of the Pentium are the Intel 286, 386 and ultimately the 486 processors that would be the step to the Pentium. With these processors we already had a chip with a floating point and working under the DOS and Windows 3.1 operating systems as a graphical environment.

Intel 486

It was in 1993 when a variant of the 486 was created that was renamed Intel Pentium. The change in the nomenclature of the trademark occurred due to the impossibility of registering a patent with a numerical name. Intel had come out of a legal fight with AMD due to the agreement they signed for this manufacturer to "copy" its x86 architecture. In this way, it was finally intended to prevent other manufacturers from copying their processors, as was the case with AMD's Am486.

Intel Pentium 60

Thus in 1993 the Pentium 60 appeared, a processor that reached a frequency of 60 MHz and included a floating point unit with 64 bits of data bus. This first version worked at 5.25V with a fairly high power consumption, so imagine the brutal temperatures that this chip had to reach for the time.

This version P5 was not without errors, the mathematician Thomas Nicely discovered in 1994 an error in the floating point subsection, it was called "FDIV bug", which generated erroneous results in a division under certain conditions. Curiously, with this event that was known worldwide, Intel went from being a relatively unknown manufacturer to being a household name in the personal computer market. In fact, the event benefited Intel as it changed its policies to focus on the end user and created a campaign called " Intel Inside " that was quite successful in creating personal computers.

Intel Pentium OverDrive

After this event, Intel created new variants of the processor and also released the Pentium OverDrive line, which was not very successful. They were intended for a 486 user to update their system without changing other components, so they were available for Intel's Sockets 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, and 8.

Intel Pentium MMX and Pentium Pro are here

Intel Pentium MMX

The processors evolved in power and went up to 200 MHz with the P54CS. A processor released in June 1995 under socket 7 with a 66 MHz FSB. The latest creation of this who P5 generation was precisely the Pentium MMX (P55C), which was a variant of the previous one that included the MMX instruction set aimed at improving performance in multimedia applications. This socket 7 processor reached 233 MHz with a 16-bit bus and 0.35 µm transistors.

We then moved on to a new generation, the sixth with the P6s in November 1995, which was called the Pentium Pro or i686 as its code name. It was not a very successful mic, although it doubled its bus and was now able to work with 32-bit code. In fact, it was excellent in this regard, but nevertheless for the 16-bit programs that still abounded, it was a disaster. Speeds were maintained at 200 MHz, but its L2 cache increased to 1024 KB. Again, Intel had to create a new socket for it, and since it lacked MMX instructions, it was mainly used on servers.

Pentium II: the cartridge processor

Who will not remember the colossal Pentium II even today? It appeared in 1997 with the name Klamath and an encapsulation that surprised the least. Now we didn't have a discreet square chip, but rather a piece of cartridge called SECC that looked more like an expansion card. This was a processor that greatly improved performance in 16-bit code, and reached frequencies of 450 MHz with its Deschutes version.

It would be the first to introduce the 512 KB L2 cache memory into the SECC, although slower than that of the Pentium Pro, production costs were significantly reduced. Its L1 cache was further divided into data cache and instructions, with 16 KB each. In the following versions it was able to address up to 4 GB of main memory, starting from the initial 512 MB.

Along with these Pentiums, Intel brought to light two new lines, the Intel XEON for servers and the Intel Celeron with much cheaper processors than the Pentiums, but also less powerful. In fact, they were very successful, since, despite being cheaper, they had great overclocking capacity. They could go up to 450 MHz in the case of the famous Celeron 300A.

Pentium III

Intel Pentium III

With the arrival of these processors, first-generation SSE instructions were introduced, which allowed multimedia acceleration. It was not until the second generation of this processor, the Coppermine, when we again had a normal socket, socket 370. In fact, Intel released a slot 1 to socket 370 adapter for users who wanted to upgrade without buying a new board.. These processors were the first to reach a frequency higher than 1 GHz, specifically 1.13 and 1.4 GHz for the third generation Tualatin launched in 2001. They were very expensive processors and with low compatibility with boards, so they were reserved for only a few.

Pentium 4 and the 3.8 GHz wall

Intel Pentium 4

The Pentium 4 was one of the great historical milestones of Intel, that for the first time we talked about transistors with nanometers instead of micrometers. There were no less than 6 generations of this processor, starting from 180 nm in 2000 and reaching 65 nm in 2006, a boast of improvement.

During these generations, the instruction set was also updated with the SSE2 and SSE3, reaching to have 800 MHz FSB buses and L2 caches of up to 2 MB. In fact, starting with the second generation Northwood, Intel implemented HyperThreading technology, where the kernel would have two threads instead of one. Something that provided great possibilities and performance also entering the world of virtualization.

With the latest generation Cedar Mill and NetBurst architecture, these processors went up to 3.8 GHz. It was the moment when Intel ran into a wall, since an increase in this frequency meant increasing the voltage and exceeding the thermal design. What was the solution? Well folks, the entry into the era of multi-core processors and 64-bit instructions. In fact, AMD was the first manufacturer to make dual-core 64-bit desktop processors, as were its Athlon 64 x2s in 2005.

Simultaneously Intel also released the Pentium M processors for laptops, and in 2007 they also came with a dual-core configuration called Core Duo and Pentium Dual-Core, thus beginning the new era of processors.

The era of the Intel Core, and Pentium relegated to the low range

In this way the Intel Core brand was established as the new era of processors of the blue giant, where the medium and high performance processors of the brand are included. But it was not the end for the Pentiums, as these became the humblest performing CPUs in the entire range along with the Celerons.

We will tiptoe through the Peryn architecture launched in 2008 along with the Pentium Dual-Core processors that lowering the manufacturing process to 45 mn. In the range of processors for notebooks its name was Pentium SU4xxx and SU2xxx.

In 2008 the Nehalem architecture arrived with 32nm transistors and a new nomenclature for these processors such as Pentium Gxxx, and from now on all of them have had this name or a variant of it according to their classification in the performance range. They started using the same LGA 775 socket as the Intel Core 2 Duo and Core 2 Quad, while in portable computers they would be directly soldered on board.

Sandy Bridge arrived in 2011 and later Ivy bridge, in which all Intel Pentium processors would have 2 cores and 2 processing threads under the LGA 1155 socket for both architectures. The latter are called G2xxx depending on their frequency. They already include good-level integrated graphics such as Intel HD Graphics.

Intel Pentium HTPC

The 4th and 5th generation corresponds to the Haswell and Broadwell architectures under socket 1150 and without HyperThreading support. Like its older siblings they had support for DDR3 RAM up to 32GB and 4th generation HD integrated graphics. Specifically in the 5th we only have two models for laptops, which are the Pentium 3825U and the Pentium 3805U. The rest correspond to the 4th generation with denomination G3xxx. All of these processors feature 14nm transistors.

We no longer found the following Pentium processors until the arrival of the 7th generation Kaby lake in 2017, with a total of 5 Pentium G4000 desktop models. In fact, from the G4600 onwards, we have integrated HD 630 graphics, all of them with a 3 MB L3 cache and LGA 1151 socket compatible with the boards that use the highest performance Intel Core.

Pentium Gold and Pentium Silver as the intermediate range between Celeron and Core

These 8th and 9th generation processors still feature this 14nm FinFET manufacturing process. All current Intel Pentium processors are built for desktop computers, and there is no processor intended for laptops or miniPCs as previously. The 8th generation will be called Coffee Lake, while the 9th and current is called Coffee Lake Refresh. From here the Intel Pentiums have acquired the name GOLD and SILVER, referring to precious metals to denote their performance.

Pentium Gold

The Pentium Gold are all the processors that the brand encompasses in an intermediate step between the high-end Intel Core ix and the low-end Intel Celeron. They are simply the previous Intel Pentium G, only now the G takes on a more connotative meaning. We have 5 models in the 8th generation with the name G5xxx and another 4 models in the 9th generation also with the name G5xxx. The positive aspect of all of them is that they now have two cores and 4 threads thanks to implementing HyperThreading, something in principle intended only for high-performance Core.

These processors really are APUs with the latest generation Intel UHD Graphics 610 and 630 graphics, making them ideal for mounting multimedia equipment at low prices. In addition, they are low consumption, with a TDP of between 35 and 54W with support for 64 GB of DDR4 RAM at 2400 MHz, which is not bad. It can be said that its performance is similar to the previous generation Core i3, using an architecture similar to them.

Pentium Silver

This range of processors is much less extensive, in fact, it only has the Silver J5005 and Silver N5000. As you can see, they do not fall within the G range of Pentiums, and are purely designed for low-power equipment such as HTPC and very basic laptops.

Its architecture is also far from that used in the Golds, and is rather a derivative of that used in the previous Intel Atom, with only 10W of TDP. This also implies that it cannot be purchased separately, since the socket they use is of the BGA1090 type, and therefore they are directly soldered on board. They have 4 cores and 4 threads, along with 4 MB of L3 cache and integrated graphics UHD Graphics 605 at 750 MHz. Another big difference is that it supports the PCIe 2.0 bus and a maximum of 8 GB of DDR4 RAM.

Differences between Intel Pentium, Celeron and Core i3

Now let's take a closer look at the main differences between these three groups of Intel processors. We have already seen gaps and you can imagine what they are.

Intel Celeron

They are processors with the lowest performance of the three families, since their two cores without HyperThreading work at a maximum of 3.3 GHz in the G4950 model. The cache memory is also smaller, 2 MB, compared to 4 MB for the Pentium Gold and 6 and 8 MB for the Core i3.

These processors are the least expensive of the three, and are aimed at mounting multimedia equipment or working modules in offices. In these types of basic tasks they can do well and are ideal for mass equipment orders. Unless we want something very basic they are not a feasible option.

Intel Pentium Gold

Talking about Pentium is talking about success for Intel, although in the multicore era these processors have been relegated to a position below all Core ix. These processors are going to give us a performance similar to the Core i3 Skylake or Kaby Lake, which is not bad at all for what they are worth.

Its ideal environment will be multimedia-oriented or entertainment equipment where we do not plan to play at a high level. Of course, by placing a dedicated graphics card we are going to get a good performance thanks to having 16 Lanes PCIe 3.0, but for that we better go to a 4-core, instead of the 2C / 4T that we have in all these models. But we believe that this CPU is to take advantage of its integrated Intel UHD Graphics 630 graphics that support 4K @ 60 FPS content.

Intel Core i3

Intel Core i3

The 9th generation Intel Core i3 have 4 cores and 4 threads, unlike the previous ones that only had 2. This is already a very differential aspect compared to the Pentiums. We do not have HyperThreading, but 4 physical cores give much more than 4 logical ones, so if we want to build an inexpensive gaming PC, we would certainly start from this base.

Regarding the memory capacity and PCIe lines, it is not different from the Pentiums, since we have identical registers and support. In fact, the integrated graphics are also the same. Among them , the Core i3-9350KF stands out, a CPU that surprises for not having these UHD graphics and also having its multiplier unlocked. This has made it possible to raise its frequency to 4.6 GHz with a TDP of 91W.

We now leave you a table where we will buy the three families in question in their minimum and maximum records:

Most recommended models of Intel Pentium, Celeron and Core i3

We can't finish the article without first recommending a few processors from these families for those with tight budgets.

Intel Core i3-9100F

Intel Core i3-9100F - Desktop Processor (4-core, up to 4.2 GHz, without processor graphics, LGA1151 300 Series 65W)

• Modern design High quality product Brand: Intel

85.60 EUR Buy on Amazon

If we are looking for a cheap Intel Core i3 to assemble a mid-range gaming equipment, this processor is one of the best options. We have it for just over 90 euros with an F version without integrated graphics and that increases its frequency to 4.2 GHz. Ideal to save a little money and invest it in a graphics card.

Intel Pentium Gold G5400

Pentium Gold G5400 3.7GHz 4MB Processor Box

• Bx80684g5400

56.99 EUR Buy on Amazon

As for the Pentium processors, it is still not worth going to the 9th generation, since they are more expensive than the medium-sized i3 and what we are looking for is a balanced price. One of the best options is the G5400, for just over 60 euros we have a dual core with 4 threads at 3.7 GHz and integrated UHD 610 graphics.

Intel Pentium Gold G5600

Intel BX80684G5600 - Processor, Color Blue

• Discover new computers at an incredible price with all the power of an Intel Pentium processorDiscover new computers at an incredible price with all the power of an Intel Pentium processorDiscover new computers at an incredible price with all the power of an Intel Pentium processor

Buy on Amazon

If we look for a little more power we can go to the G5600, with 3.9 GHz and integrated UHD 630 graphics, which will perform a little more than the previous ones. Of course, the price to pay slightly exceeds 100 euros.

Intel Celeron G4920

Intel BX80684G4920 Celeron G4920 - Processor, 2M Cache, 3.20 GHz

• Number of cores: 2 Bus speed: 8 GT / s DMI3 Memory specifications: Maximum memory size (depends on memory type): 64 GB; Memory types: DDR4-2400; Maximum number of memory channels: 2; Maximum memory bandwidth: 37.5 GB / s; Compatible with ECC memory: SZ Compatible sizes: FCLGA1151 Maximum CPU configuration: 1

41.99 EUR Buy on Amazon

Regarding the Intel Celeron, we will say the same as with the Pentium, it is more advisable to go to the 8th generation that have much more adjusted prices. A clear example is this G4920, with 3.2 GHz and integrated UHD 610 graphics with the ability to play content in 4K @ 60 FPS. We can't ask for much more for a 52 euro CPU.

Conclusion on the Intel Pentium

The Intel Pentiums are surely the most identifying processors of the brand, since they have been around for more than 20 years. Processors that have always been the flagships for the brand's desktop computers until the arrival of the powerful Intel Core with which Intel took advantage in the market. However, the Ryzen architecture, and especially the AMD Ryzen 3000 have entered with great force.

Returned to the mid-range and oriented to work teams and multimedia playback, we hope that it is not the end of this saga and we will also see them at 10 nm, if Intel ever takes them out. We leave you now with some interesting links about recommended processors:

Do you think that Pentiums no longer have a place in the market? Tell us about your experience with a Pentium that you have had and that has left an “emotional mark” on you.