Intel Pentium processors arrived on the tech scene in 1993. Their superscalar architecture, fast processing, and speedy data transfers quickly revolutionized the industry, making the phrase “multi-tasking” a household word. Since then, designers have improved on the Pentium processors, developing the Intel Pentium 2, Pentium 3, Pentium 4 and Pentium D.

The Pentium 3 processor by Intel featured improved processor speed and caching capabilities and lower power consumption. The Pentium 4 processor appeared in 2000. Its NetBurst micro-architecture uses a deeper instruction pipeline, meaning a huge increase in processor speeds. However, both the Pentium 3 processor and the Pentium 4 processor are single-core processors, and have been superseded in the industry by faster, dual-core processing units, such as the Intel Pentium D and AMD’s Athlon.

Nevertheless, you may want to stick with the Intel Pentium 3 or Intel Pentium 4, for a number of reasons:

1. You use your computer primarily for email and word processing, rather than gaming or creating 3D graphics.

2. You don’t need to transfer huge amounts of data quickly (e.g. downloading software from the Internet).

3. You want to save money on the processing unit and invest in peripherals or software.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Sacrifice some speed for the lowest cost with Intel Pentium 3 processors

If you are using your computer for email and word processing and little else, a slower processor may be sufficient for you, and a less expensive Intel Pentium 3 may be the way to go. However, since the Intel Pentium 3 is being phased out, you'll probably have to build your own computer if you want to go this route.

I recommend: If you’re the build-it-yourself type, you can compare prices on Pentium 3’s online at Bizrate. Or, contact your local Intel representative for assistance in finding a Pentium 3 processor.

Choose an Intel Pentium 4 and still keep cost down

Intel Pentium 3 processors are beginning to disappear from the market, but Intel Pentium 4 processors are still going strong. They're better at handling spreadsheets and medium-sized graphics and are often all the small business person requires. If you require the speed of a Pentium 4, you can still choose to buy desktop and laptop computers that include this processing unit, or buy the processor separately.

I recommend: Teksavers offers a PC with a Pentium 4, and Zones sells Pentium 4 processors separately. Compare Pentium 4 processing speeds and other criteria to select the one that is right for you.

Choose an Intel Pentium processor with mid-range speed and cost

The Pentium D dual-core processor has superseded the Intel Pentium 3 and 4, and is excellent for databases, large graphics, game-playing, and CAD software.

I recommend: Find a Pentium D processor as a stand-alone unit or as part of a full system. TechDepot offers desktops built with Pentium D processor.

Go for the newest Intel Pentium processor models for the fastest performance

Many people consider the Intel Pentium 3 processors, Intel Pentium 4 processors and even the Pentium D to be obsolete. If you do graphics-intensive work, or just like to have many applications open at once, consider a quad-core processor.

I recommend: Dell offers some very reasonable deals on PC’s with the new quad-core processors, specifically designed for small businesses. If you want to save money by buying the unit separately, Intel recommends Newegg.com and Buy.com.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  The processor isn't the only thing that affects speed. If you don't want to purchase a new Intel Pentium processor, but you're not entirely satisfied with your clock speed, consider upgrading your graphics processor instead.