Sun Sun UltraSPARC IIi 360 MHz processor board

Advantages: Cheap entry level Sun SPARC from 1997
Disadvantages: Build quality is PC like, and low cache processors

...The Sun UltraSPARC 5 workstation was brought out in 1997, and was priced so you could have one on your desk for approx 1000 US Dollars. They stopped shipping to customers in May 2002. These days, it is not a fast machine, but still they are perfectly useable for many workstation and server tasks. Processor and Memory - This model has an UltraSPARC IIi processor which is, of course, 64 bit and is clocked at 360 MHz. You can have 1GB of memory in the workstation, installed as up to 4 DIMMS, which must be installed in pairs. "Normal" PC memory will not work in these workstations. The 260MHz model only has 256kB cache (same with the 270MHz processor) For better performance, you need the 2MB cache version on the 333 or 400MHz versions. Storage - There is one HDD bay in the machine, although if you remove the floppy drive, you... Read review

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Advantages: Reliable
Disadvantages: Cost? ( see opinion )

...tag given to Intel processors is somewhat unjustified. For example my PIII 600 in May 2000 - cost £240 running at 800mhz. An 800mhz PIII at the time was approx £500, enough to get a top of the range graphics card and change. Admittedly there are some "hidden" costs to the overclocked version e.g. a good quality mainboard, roomy case for good airflow, and a better heatsink, but I think that these are good practice in building any computer, the other minus is there's no guarantee that the processor you get will sucessfuly overclock. I would however still recommend the Pentium III, it's a good, fast and stable processor even when pushed towards it's limits.... Read review

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Advantages: Saves Money on Upgrading a Super Socket 7 Motherboard
Disadvantages: Motherboard needs to support a Core voltage of 2.0, also requires the latest BIOS upgrade for your motherboard

...Although the AMD K6 III+ 450MHz was designed for laptop use they can be used in Super Socket 7 motherboards as many of the major board makers have now released BIOS upgrades to support the CPU. The AMD K6 III+ 450MHz is available on auction sites such as eBay and QXL, but not in the shops as they are only released by AMD as OEM for the major laptop makers. The CPU is made using the 0.18 Micron process which is the same as the Duron range, the old K6 III series which is no longer available was made using the 0.25 Micron process. So as look as your board supports a Core voltage of 2.0, Multiplier of 4.5, FSB of 100MHz. It is also possible to overclock these processors to 600Mhz because of the 0.18 Micron process and the 2.0v Core voltage with the use of a good fan and heartsink. All this will help the owners of Super Socket 7 motherboard... Read review

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