Final thoughts
Intel, unlike AMD, has sought to distinguish its consumer-level CPUs by using one basic blueprint and lopping of features on the cheaper models. The cheaper models, which Intel has labelled as Celerons, use the basic setup of the Pentium 4 processor. In order to cut costs and make the Celerons profitable in the crucial sub-£100 market, Intel has had to reduce associated manufacturing costs. That's why there's a quarter of the Northwood's L2 cache on board each 0.13-micron Celeron. Further, to ensure that there's a definite dividing line between the performance (Northwood and Prescott) and budget (Celeron) parts, Celeron is kept on a slower 100MHz FSB.Let's be fair. The Celeron is purposely architected not to compete with the Northwood core. Its real rival are the plethora of AMD chips that make up the Thoroughbred and Barton line. When compared directly to the Barton XP2500, for example, the 2.8GHz Celeron is found wanting in most areas and positively embarrassed in certain gaming-related benchmarks. The margin closes as clock speed is increased, naturally, but the Celeron isn't a performance design. That shouldn't take away from the glaring fact that it will do most things asked of it. It's more than capable or running normal everyday tasks with consummate ease, and the clock speed, a 'staggering' 2.8GHz, is bound to attract the uninformed buyer.
The Celeron is positioned such that it will fit into a huge number of boards - literally every S478 going. It's cheap by Intel standards but, and here's the big but, we feel as if there's far better value to be had from AMD's 'budget' CPUs. Either that or scrimp and save for a Northwood-based CPU. The Celeron is high on MHz but low on performance. Just ensure that you're not pulled in by the myth that MHz means everything. If you hear the words 'Intel 2.8GHz processor' in some fancy advert with a PC at an unbelievable price, just do yourself a favour and look at the smallprint carefully.
In summary, the Celeron 2.8GHz CPU is a champion of MHz but flatters to deceive where it counts most. £85 buys you better performance elsewhere.
