Linux on an Intel PIII vs. G4?

An anonymous submitter sent in: "I'm currently looking into purchasing a new laptop. This machine will run SuSE linux and I will be developing some pretty processor intensive applications(genetic algorithms, mathmatical simulations,etc.) so raw speed is the major factor. I've been searching for information on the relative speeds of an 850Mhz P3 vs a 500Mhz G4 but all tests I've seen are on the 'native' OS (OS9/X vs WinMe/2000). Has anyone out there done some tests running the same OS (linux/openBSD)?"

Comments

Processor features

[autocracy]

Here are the key processor features:

• Pure speed: Mhz is the definiton used here. The higher the number, the more cycles you get every second.
• Bandwidth: Measured in bits. Currently, Alpha, UltraSparc, and PowerPC G4 chips have a 64 bit setup. All modern intels only reach 32 bit (forget IA-64, it's not really "out there").
• Cache: Alpha and UltraSparcs carry a hefty 8 MB of processor cache. Xeon chips carry 1 and 2 MB caches. Pentiums usually have around 1/2 MB, and so I believe for the G4.
• Coding: Not really measurable, but here is what the processors excel at:
  • Alpha and UltraSparc: The big boys, these chips can handle anything. Usually used in database servers because of there massive caches.
  • G4: Graphics and heavy math. The 64 bit data path allows much more information to travel through the chip per cycle than Intels. Any parallel data will go much faster here than on Intel.
  • Xeon: Honestly, it's over-priced crap. Go buy an Alpha or an UltraSparc.
  • Pentium: They do something? Wow! Seriously, the P4s aren't much help unless you can optimize for them. PIIIs can hold there own, but being consistently beat down by Athlons running at lower speeds is shaming them. The Pentium's only true strengh is that it is the most common chip, and therefore has more option (mobos, SMP, etc.).
  • Athlon: There over-clockability is the shining point. If you don't mind screwing around with you box, go buy a water cooler and an Athlon 1.33 Ghz and pair it up with PC2100 (?) DDR RAM. You'll get a 266Mhz transfer on data from their RAM. And it all costs less than an off-the-shelf Pentium.

Overall, go for an Alpha first, then the UtlraSparc (interchangeable). Obviously you can't really use these in a laptop, but they are there. Next shoot for a G4. You get more for your money at the lower speeds. Athlons are next. They ARE hard to find in laptops, but worth it (I think). Else, get a PIII.

I can almost bet that any benchmarks you do will follow my suggestions.

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