Intel Pentium III

Conclusion

The thing to remember here is this, the Pentium II 450 did not get any slower just because the Pentium III was released, it still offers the same performance it once did...just remember that it's not the fastest Slot-1 processor any more.  Is the Pentium III worth buying?  It depends on the type of user you are and how much you're looking to spend on an upgrade.  If you currently have an average Slot-1 based system, your best bet is to stick with your investment, and wait until the later part of Q2-1999 when Intel will hopefully unveil faster Pentium III processors, driving the prices of the P3 to a more manageable level and making an investment a bit easier on your wallet at that point in time.  Super7 users will still find the most economical upgrade in the newly released K6-3 processor from AMD.

For those users looking to build new systems in the very new future, your options are clear, buy a Pentium III now and use up your computer funds, or buy a cheaper Pentium II and save a little extra cash which you'll most likely carelessly spend on something else (unless you happen to be very conservative with money, in which case, congratulations ;)...).  Remember that if you're a gamer and go down the path of the Pentium II instead of the Pentium III, even though the Pentium III 450 might seem to be just as fast as a Pentium II 450, when it comes time to play Quake 3, you can expect your friend with the P3 450 to get a nice little advantage over you in performance. 

From a marketing point of view, SSE looks very promising, it will quickly become an integrated part of everyday computer junkie life, unlike MMX which faced a long overdue death shortly after its introduction.  If you're still undecided as to whether or not the Pentium III is right for you, the best thing you can do is wait it out and see if any of your favorite applications or games out there happen to get SSE support.  Intel's Pentium III will go head to head with AMD's K6-3, and on the Business Application end, the competition will be fierce.  Intel seems to have the lead in the gaming/FPU world for now, however initial reports of AMD's K7 look more than promising...unfortunately, it seems as if regardless of the quality of the processor, unless it bears the Intel name, it simply won't receive the attention in the industry it deserves.

AnandTech mentioned it at the end of 1998, this year will be one of fierce competition.  While Intel comes out strong once again, dominating the headlines with their marketing campaigns and slogans, AMD is back on the street, stayin' alive with their K6-3. 

A special thanks goes out to nowhereman, kTk, Red Dawn, Rio Rebel, Pale, and dan88z...the disco fans of the AnandTech BBS ;)