Pentium 3558U - an excellent microprocessor for entry-level mobile computers

The Pentium 3558U is an excellent entry-level microprocessor that combines an affordable price and high energy efficiency. Its architectural capabilities are enough to solve most daily tasks: web surfing, watching videos, listening to music and even the most simple games. At the same time, its cost makes it possible to create very affordable mobile entry-level systems.

Processor connector for installing this semiconductor solution

This chip is designed for installation in the BGA1168 connector. More precisely, in this case it is not a processor socket, but a microprocessor soldered on the motherboard. That is, further modernization of such mobile PCs is impossible. And in the event of a breakdown, it will not be possible to repair it. But, on the other hand, this allows you to reduce, albeit not much, the cost of the final computing system. And since in the budget segment the cost comes to the fore, this approach is indeed more than justified.

Technological process and architecture

This semiconductor solution was produced according to the norms of 22 nm. This technological process is currently out of date for Intel. But look at it from the side of the products of the company "AMD", whose products are produced for 28nm or even 32nm. And it will become obvious to you that this processor from the viewpoint of the technological process is still relevant. The Pentium Dual Core 3558U (as it is not difficult to understand from the name) includes only 2 computational modules. At the same time, there is no support for NT technology in this case. The processor at the logical level is represented by the same two threads of code processing.

Cache Organization

Like any other Intel processor product, the hero of this review has a three-level cache. The size of the first is 128 KB. They are divided in half between the computational blocks of the CPU. At the second level, the total capacity is 512 KB, and on the third one we already get 2 MB.

RAM

The RAM controller is integrated into the Intel Pentium 3558U. It can function in 2-channel mode. The most optimal for such mobile PCs are DDR3 modules with frequencies of 1333 MHz or 1600 MHz. You can also set more speed bars. But their operating frequency will automatically decrease to the possible 1600 MHz. The maximum amount of RAM addressed by this chip is 16 GB.

Thermal nuances of this microprocessor

The Pentium 3558U has a very modest heat package, which is 15 watts. It is because of this value of the PC based on this energy efficient chip can do without an active cooling system. The maximum temperature for this product is 100 ^о С. Under normal load on the CPU, its values are in the range from 50 to 65 ^о С. If you overclock the processor by 2-3% according to the frequency of the system bus, the working temperatures will increase and will be within 70-80 degrees. The emergency value in this case can be reached when the thermal paste is dry. And the contact between the cooling system and the semiconductor crystal will be broken. So every 2-3 years, it is recommended to do prophylaxis to a mobile PC based on this chip and replace thermal paste.

Frequency

The Pentium 3558U processor solution does not support TurboBust's dynamic frequency control technology. Also, the corresponding multiplier is blocked. Therefore, in the basic mode it is able to work only at a frequency of 1.7 GHz. There is also the possibility of overclocking this silicon solution. To do this, increase the frequency of the system bus. As experience shows, at best it allows to increase productivity by 2-3%. And cardinally due to this increase the speed of the PC just does not work out.

Graphic subsystem

The composition of this silicon chip includes an entry-level graphics accelerator. His model is HD Graphics. This product was developed by Intel. Its clock speeds change during operation from 200 MHz to 1.0 GHz. The number of supported displays is limited to 3. The capabilities of this accelerator are quite enough to solve the most common software tasks. It harmoniously complements the rest of the CPU by its capabilities.

Results

In the face of the Pentium 3558U, Intel has released another balanced product to create the most affordable mobile PCs. At the same time, energy efficiency and cost are really acceptable. And performance in this case is really enough to solve the most common and demanded tasks.