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Intel Tualatin Processors and Motherboard Support?
IntelIntrique asks: "I became intrigued when I learned about the new P3 Tualatin processors with a 512K cache, but was disappointed to learn that they require specific new motherboards to support the chips (Intel claims voltage changes). However, HotHardware features a review where they use one of these new processors in an Intel D815EEA2 motherboard, one that Intel shows as not supporting the new processor. What gives?"
"I have an D815EEA2, and I'd love to grab one of these new processors, but not if it means buying a new motherboard. Is Intel trying to prevent existing motherboard owners from cashing in on this new super chip? Are there any other slashdotters who have tried these new P3's in older motherboards with success? I'm mainly concerned with people using the processors in Intel boards, since it seems as though Intel would be in a unique position to know what types of new chips might be around the corner, and build unofficial support into early board revs."
Probably much more interesting is that the tualatin core has shown a lot more promise than current P4s. This review (http://www4.tomshardware.com/cpu/01q3/010919/inde x.html) over at Toms shows how a measly 1.2 tualatin holds it's own with the P4.. and overclocked to 1.5 it can be see that it has much more potential than the P4, even with the P4 running on rambus and the P3 on SDRAM! At the end of that review Tom mentions how the tualatin core is capable of 'much higher clock speeds', but it seems Intel is keeping them down because they don't want it to compete with it's 'Big Brother', however underachieving he is.
Personally I have ordered myself a Tualatin 1.2, I choose it over the P4 offerings.