Intel Xeon 1.7 GHz processor > Reviews (2)

This processor, based on the highly successful Pentium III core is well established in servers - the large (up to 2mb) L2 cache allows good server performance for multiple users. It can be used in dual or quad array, and currently is available in speeds of up to 800mhz. New competitors in the field, including P4 Xeon and AMD MP Athlon 'Palomino' may be ahead in terms of performance, but currently P4 Xeons cost the earth, and P4 is doubted to be much better performers than PIII anyway. The AMDs are currently unreleased to the market, therefore leaving the PIII to take up the slack in small server markets. Its core enhances over the PII Xeon make it a more viable option, and price drops to keep the PIII competitive with AMD and P4 make it economically sensible. The PIII's stability (key feature for a server) plays an important role, as does the L2 cache. Although this makes the chip expensive, it is also the factor which allows the processor to deal with more instructions without having to return to the memory, meaning faster performance.
It uses Slot2, which is designed for Xeons only, so a special motherboard is required. Although this processor is not at the top in terms of performance or price, it is a solid middle of the range processor, with a good record and decent performance.