Ultimate Pentium Build

[EverStaR]

Please educate me! I have been on a bit of a kick building awesome retro machines, my 486 Builds hve trajected towards some nice results, and the CoreDuo strategy is progressing nicely. So please feel free to tell me about your ultimate pentium builds, I will definitely be interested and listen carefully!

I want to learn about ultimate MB,CPU, Video and sound choices!

Much thanks in advance!

E

 

[GiGaBiTe]

If you mean ultimate, as in using exceedingly rare and unobtanium parts, the Pentium MMX 300. This is a mobile part, but companies made interposer boards for them to work in Socket 7. You need an equally rare Socket 7 board that can do a 4.5x multiplier, or a Super 7 board that can do 4.5x on a 66 MHz FSB.

For video, probably a Matrox MGA Millennium II or G200 with a Voodoo1.

Sound, an AWE64 for DOS compatibility.

 

[Timo W.]

Never understood why every build needs to be "ultimate". Just create a system that people could have used back in the day. The more uncommon stuff you mix, the lower the compatibility gets with games from that time. And even the fastest Pentium 1 system is trashed by the weakest system of the next generation, which would be a Pentium II 266 Mhz.

Anyway, if you mean "Pentium" as in "Socket 7", you can try building something around the AMD K6-III+. Prepare to spend lots of money for that, however. And whatever the outcome is, it's not woth it, as you can simply build an equally fast system for way less.

 

[EverStaR]

This matrix below spans from the Intel 486 era through the introduction of multi-core processors with the Core Duo and Core 2 Duo, illustrating the evolution of Intel's processor technology and the broader computing landscape over these periods. It was generated by GPT V4.

Socket 775 was added simply because it represents machines I already have on the low end and on the high end to help think through what it is I may actually pursue. I will have to think on this as a potential project more and decide what it is I am really after and if it matters. At present I have focused my builds around operating systems, I have on a DOS Win 3.11, Win 95 and OS/2 for low end 486 system and I have XP up on the Core DUO. So I could make the Core Duo Win 7 Dual Boot and have that all pretty well covered. I only added 95 because I could and still trying to stabilize that load on the 486. So I am not sure how interested I am in a W98 machine. Definitely not worried about NT, Vista, ME, or Win 8. I think this is helping me lose my appetite for a Pentium Build. Definitely more thought required and I can come back to this later.

Remember, anytime you are doing something fun for yourself, others don't have to agree with it, however, I do value outside perspective and help shaping the experience, hence why I posed the question here. I like to hear about peoples ultimate as it usually reflects their passion for a given topic. I value the negative input as well as it helps shape what pitfalls may lay ahead.

That said, thanks to all and more input and comments on the accuracy of GPTs matrix will continue to be of interest to me. AI is rated at about 72% accuracy, so I suspect there are going to be errors in the table above.

Attribute	Intel 486	Pentium I (Socket 7)	Pentium II	Pentium III	AMD Alternatives	Cyrix Alternatives	Pentium 4	Core Duo	Core 2 Duo
Board Socket Type	Socket 1, 2, 3	Socket 7	Slot 1	Slot 1, Socket 370	Socket 7, Slot A, Socket A	Socket 7	Socket 423, 478, LGA 775	Socket M, P, LGA 775	LGA 775, Socket P
Max Memory	Up to 128MB	Up to 256MB	Up to 1GB	Up to 1.5GB	Up to 1.5GB	Up to 256MB	Up to 4GB	Up to 4GB (depends on chipset)	Up to 8GB (depends on chipset)
Max Hard Drive	IDE up to 504MB	IDE, SCSI	IDE, SCSI	IDE, SCSI, SATA	IDE, SCSI, SATA	IDE, SCSI	IDE, SATA	SATA	SATA
HD Interface Types	IDE	IDE, SCSI	IDE, SCSI	IDE, SCSI, SATA	IDE, SCSI, SATA	IDE, SCSI	IDE, SATA	SATA	SATA
USB Support	No	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
Supported OS	DOS, Windows 3.x, Windows 95	DOS, Windows 3.x, Windows 95/98, NT	Windows 95/98, NT, 2000	Windows 98, NT, 2000, XP	DOS, Windows 3.x, 95/98, NT, Linux	DOS, Windows 3.x, 95/98, NT	Windows 98, ME, 2000, XP, Vista	Windows XP, Vista, 7, Linux	Windows XP, Vista, 7, Linux
Clock Speed Range	25-100 MHz	75-233 MHz	233-450 MHz	450 MHz-1.4 GHz	90 MHz-1 GHz (K6-III+)	100-333 MHz (6x86MX)	1.3-3.8 GHz	1.06-2.33 GHz	1.8-3.16 GHz
L2 Cache Size	None	256KB-512KB (off-chip)	512KB (off-chip)	256KB-2MB (on-die for later models)	64KB-1MB (off-chip or on-die)	64KB-256KB (off-chip)	256KB-2MB	2MB-4MB shared	2MB-6MB shared
Manufacturing Process	1000-800 nm	800-250 nm	350-250 nm	250-180 nm	350-180 nm	350-250 nm	180-65 nm	65 nm	65 nm
Instruction Set Enhancements	None	MMX (for MMX models)	MMX	MMX, SSE	MMX, 3DNow! (for some models)	MMX (for some models)	SSE2, SSE3 (later models)	SSE, SSE2, SSE3	SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSE4 (some models)
Power Consumption (TDP)	~4-15W	~15-30W	~20-43W	~25-29.9W	~15-45W	~13.8-23.5W	~20-115W	9-40W	10-65W
Integrated Graphics	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No (some later models may integrate)
Expansion Slot Types	ISA, VLB	ISA, PCI, VLB	PCI, AGP	PCI, AGP	ISA, PCI, AGP	ISA, PCI, VLB	AGP, PCI, PCIe	PCI, PCIe	PCI, PCIe
Chipset Features	Basic support	Enhanced support for faster memory and I/O	AGP support, improved memory management	AGP 4x, improved I/O	Similar to Intel counterparts	Basic to enhanced support	Enhanced memory support, Hyper-Threading	Improved power management, Dual-core	Improved power management, Dual-core, Enhanced virtualization
FSB Speed	16-33 MHz	60-66 MHz	66-100 MHz	100-133 MHz	66-100 MHz	60-75 MHz	400-1066 MHz	533-667 MHz	800-1600 MHz
Multi-Core Support	No	No	No	No	No	No	No (Hyper-Threading in some models)	Yes	Yes
Virtualization Support	No	No	No	No	No	No	Yes (in later models)	Yes	Yes
Price at Launch	$150-$500	$300-$600	$600-$1000	$700-$1000	$100-$850	$100-$300	$150-$850	$200-$637	$100-$530
Release Date	1989-1992	1993-1999	1997-1999	1999-2001	1996-2000	1995-1998	2000-2008	2006	2006-2008
End of Life/Support	Mid-1990s	Late 1990s	Early 2000s	Mid-2000s	Early 2000s	Late 1990s	Late 2000s	Late 2000s	Late 2000s/Early 2010s

Notes:​

• Integrated Graphics: While the Core 2 Duo itself did not integrate graphics, Intel's later generations (starting with some Core i3/i5/i7 models) began to include integrated graphics on the CPU die.
• Expansion Slot Types: Reflects the transition from AGP to PCI Express (PCIe) as the standard for graphics cards and high-speed peripherals.
• Virtualization Support: Indicates the inclusion of Intel VT-x technology in later models, which significantly improved performance in virtualized environments.

E

 

[hunterjwizzard]

Never understood why every build needs to be "ultimate".

Its not necessarily about having the absolute max fastest possible specs on paper. For a lot of us the goal is simply to build the high-end system we could never afford back then to see what it would have been like.

Personally I'd rather have a Pentium Pro than a P1, but I'd like to follow this thread all the same. I don't have a P1 yet.

 

[lowen]

I have pretty much the ultimate Pentium III-S system, except for esoteric greater-than-dual-CPU systems in a IBM server with dual Tualatin Pentium III-S 1.4GHz CPUs and 4GB of ECC RAM. So there's one place the GPT-generated table gets it wrong; 4GB on Pentium III-S is possible.

Likewise, I actually did do more than 256MB on a Socket 7 system once; K6-2 500, pretty close to the ultimate Super 7. VIA Apollo, don't remember the specific chipset right off but had 512MB in it. Had two 512MB SDRAM DIMMs, but never installed both in it for 1GB. But only the very last Apollo chipsets supported that much.

 

[EverStaR]

I have pretty much the ultimate Pentium III-S system, except for esoteric greater-than-dual-CPU systems in a IBM server with dual Tualatin Pentium III-S 1.4GHz CPUs and 4GB of ECC RAM. So there's one place the GPT-generated table gets it wrong; 4GB on Pentium III-S is possible.

Likewise, I actually did do more than 256MB on a Socket 7 system once; K6-2 500, pretty close to the ultimate Super 7. VIA Apollo, don't remember the specific chipset right off but had 512MB in it. Had two 512MB SDRAM DIMMs, but never installed both in it for 1GB. But only the very last Apollo chipsets supported that much.

Thanks for reporting those errors, I was certain this crowd here would find them!

I am still pouring through this chart, its really can create interesting decision points. If I were going to do something I think it would be a Win98 machine with maybe 2000 dual boot but not for any really good reason. Its just that I have licensed copies for pretty much every Desktop OS MS made from Dos/3.1 to 11PRO WS. I think part of the fun is working through what was period correct and trying to remember what I was doing back in the Day when I had them. Then the whole strategy of selecting which machine to build and for what purpose is entertaining as well. Getting them to actually work again can be interesting as well, especially when you learn you have bad RAM, or my latest issue was a bad CD-ROM drive.

E

 

[hunterjwizzard]

Try a slot1 Pentium III build for Windows 98 with a voodoo 3(or 5 if you can swing it). Its a lot of fun to see how games looked on that thing compared to competing cards.

 

[Zare]

If you want P2/P3 exotics try building a Xeon.

For MMX build I can give a thumbs up for this board

ASUS P5A-B

ASUS P5A-B is a motherboard based on the ALi M1542/43/C (ALADDiN V/V+ AT) chipset. Get specs, BIOS, documentation and more!

theretroweb.com

SDRAM, AGP, PCI, ISA, so many options covering from DOS to Windows 2K.
I don't tie graphics to systems tho, unless I have to. I've ran GeForce 2 AGP, MGA G400 AGP, Millenium 2 PCI, Hercules Stingray PCI, among others for various purposes on different OSes.

With a board like this you can run some cheap AGP 3D card that compares to Voodoo 1/2 performance, until you get good opportunity and price for Voodoo.

 

[hunterjwizzard]

Xeon boards are tough to find and very pricey. There weren't a lot made in the standard ATX formfactor.

 

[Plasma]

Please educate me! I have been on a bit of a kick building awesome retro machines, my 486 Builds hve trajected towards some nice results, and the CoreDuo strategy is progressing nicely. So please feel free to tell me about your ultimate pentium builds, I will definitely be interested and listen carefully!

I want to learn about ultimate MB,CPU, Video and sound choices!

Much thanks in advance!

E

The older I get, the more I appreciate simplicity. I would put a Pentium 233 MMX in a 430TX motherboard and call it a day.

 

[Zare]

Xeon boards are tough to find and very pricey. There weren't a lot made in the standard ATX formfactor.

It is, kind of, ultimate rig of the day. Also something that's more of a project to do than just go out and buy one of hundreds Pentium boards.

 

[lowen]

The older I get, the more I appreciate simplicity. I would put a Pentium 233 MMX in a 430TX motherboard and call it a day.

This. Either a 430TX or 430HX with a 233 MMX. To get extra credit find an NEC 4 disc CD changer and a 3DFX Voodoo. This with Win 98 will give a period-correct feel, even though the 233 MMX wasn't cutting edge for Win 98.

 

[EverStaR]

Pentium III seems to be the middle spot for me, and has AGP slot. Hmmmm well heck, bought a Gateway ATXSTF FED Pro M1000 Tower PC for fun at$100 delivered for a trial experience. It runs a 1 Ghz P III CPU, 256Mab RAM and has an AGP slot. No HD so I can handle that on my own, I have plenty of drives laying around.

Sound Card?
VIDEO card?

I am never afraid to buy something like this so cheap, I usually end up reselling for enough to seriously fund what I want after I buy a few and resell. I bought a few core DUO Dells like this for $69 and learned what I needed to know, cleaned them up, Modded them to work with higher end period correct video cards and upgraded PSU, upgraded RAM, drives and sold at a nice profit. Time we'll spent!

In the case of the 486, same deal! Ultimately will end up with a wonderful Asus MB based system. Yes, I do the work for the ones that want a turn key system, just like I did back in the day!

E

 

[EverStaR]

Corrections

Pentium III seems to be the middle spot for me, and has AGP slot. Hmmmm well heck, bought a Gateway ATXSTF FED Pro M1000 Tower PC for fun at$100 delivered for a trial experience. It runs a 1 Ghz P III CPU, 256Mab RAM and has an AGP slot. No HD so I can handle that on my own, I have plenty of drives laying around.

Sound Card? I think back then it may have been an OEM SB Compatible. It might have been ESS or Turtle Beach.
VIDEO card? I s33m to recall a Matrox or Orchis Card. Might have to dig and see if I can figure it out. Matrox feels more like it.

I am never afraid to buy something like this so cheap, I usually end up reselling for enough to seriously fund what I want after I buy a few and resell. I bought a few core DUO Dells like this for $69 and learned what I needed to know, cleaned them up, Modded them to work with higher end period correct video cards and upgraded PSU, upgraded RAM, drives and sold at a nice profit. Time we'll spent!

In the case of the 486, same deal! Ultimately will end up with a wonderful Asus MB based system. Yes, I do the work for the ones that want a turn key system, just like I did back in the day! The irony of it all is two of the 486 MB's will ultimately end up with are ones I sold in wholesale systems I sold way back when and used in my own personal systems, how cool huh?

E

 

[GiGaBiTe]

Never understood why every build needs to be "ultimate". Just create a system that people could have used back in the day. The more uncommon stuff you mix, the lower the compatibility gets with games from that time. And even the fastest Pentium 1 system is trashed by the weakest system of the next generation, which would be a Pentium II 266 Mhz.

The slowest PII is 233 MHz, not 266 MHz.

It also doesn't trash the Pentium MMX. The Pentium MMX is better at mixed 16/32 bit code than the Pentium II, which has lineage with the Pentium Pro, which also sucks at mixed 16/32 bit code. In a pure 32 bit environment like Windows NT, Linux or Unix, the Pentium II performed better at the same clock speed. But if you had a Windows 9x/DOS machine, a Pentium MMX would get you better performance.

I have pretty much the ultimate Pentium III-S system, except for esoteric greater-than-dual-CPU systems in a IBM server with dual Tualatin Pentium III-S 1.4GHz CPUs and 4GB of ECC RAM. So there's one place the GPT-generated table gets it wrong; 4GB on Pentium III-S is possible.

4 GB is wrong as well. Starting with the Pentium Pro, most Intel x86 CPUs supported PAE, and with the Pentium II Xeon, PSE. This increases the address bus to 36 bits and allows addressing up to 64 GB of RAM, with the limit that no single process can use more than 2/3 GB, or 4 GB with the large address aware flags set in the executable. The Pentium III supports both PAE and PSE.

Microsoft never allowed this in any consumer version of Windows, because they didn't want people to be able to buy desktop Windows and eat into their lucrative server licensing model scam. The only exception was Windows XP RTM (SP0), but they quickly patched that out in SP1. There are ways to patch 32 bit versions of desktop Windows to enable PAE, but since it involves modifying core system files, it's never going to be stable.

There are Socket 370 server boards out there that can accept more than 4 GB of RAM, but you'll need Windows 2000 Advanced Server, Windows Server 2003 or Linux to take advantage of it.

 

[EverStaR]

BTW, feel free to make your corrections to the Matrix and repost, this will make it more valuable for future visitors.

 

[GiGaBiTe]

Forgot to post the Pentium MMX 300 on an interposer.

Pentium MMX 300

https://cdn.cpu-world.com/Images/uploaded/0000/69/L_00006936.jpg

 

[EverStaR]

Server setups while incredible are not my thing, I am reliving my VAR and OEM prosumer days. Servers were just beyond my reach and scope, but that doesn't mean I would have loved to live that space!

 

[hunterjwizzard]

I have a dual PIII server I'll be putting back into the fold when I build a new desk here)hopefully next month but we'll see). Pentium IIIs just seem to be my jam. I won't question it.