Pentium 3558U is an excellent entry-level microprocessor that combines affordable price and high energy efficiency. Its architectural capabilities are enough to solve most of the daily tasks: surfing the web, watching videos, listening to music and even the most simple games. At the same time, its cost allows you to create very affordable entry-level mobile systems.
Processor socket for installing this semiconductor solution
This chip is designed to be installed in the BGA1168 connector. More precisely, in this case we are not talking about the processor socket, but about the microprocessor soldered to 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 us to reduce, albeit not much, the cost of the final computing system. And since cost comes to the fore in the budget segment, such an approach is indeed more than justified.
Workflow and Architecture
This semiconductor solution was produced according to 22nm standards. This process is currently obsolete for Intel. But look at it from the side of AMD products, the products of which are still produced at 28nm or even 32nm. And it will become obvious to you that this processor is still relevant from the standpoint of the technological process. The Pentium Dual Core 3558U (it is not difficult to understand from the name) includes only 2 computing modules. At the same time, support for the NT technology in this case is completely absent. The processor at the logical level is represented by the same two threads of program 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 computing units of the CPU. At the second level, the total capacity is 512 Kb, and at the third - we already get 2 Mb.
RAM
The RAM controller is integrated in 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 and faster laths. But their operating frequency will automatically decrease to a possible 1600 MHz. The maximum amount of RAM addressed by this chip is 16 GB.
Thermal nuances of this microprocessor
Pentium 3558U has a very modest thermal package, which is equal to 15 watts. It is because of this value that PCs based on this energy-efficient chip can do without an active cooling system. The maximum temperature value for this product is 100 ° C. Under normal load on the CPU, its performance is in the range from 50 to 65 ° C. If you overclock the processor by 2-3% in terms of the system bus frequency , then the operating temperatures will increase and will be within 70-80 degrees. The emergency value in this case can be achieved when the thermal grease 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 preventive maintenance on a mobile PC based on this chip and replace thermal grease.
Frequency
Pentium 3558U processor solution does not support TurboBust dynamic frequency control technology. Also, the corresponding factor is blocked for him. 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, in the best case, this allows you to increase productivity by 2-3%. And dramatically due to this increase the performance of the PC just does not work.
Graphics 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 frequencies change during operation from 200 MHz to 1.0 GHz. The number of displays supported by him is limited to 3. The capabilities of this accelerator are quite enough to solve the most common software problems. It harmoniously complements the rest of the CPU in its capabilities.
Summary
In the face of Pentium 3558U, Intel has released another balanced product to create the most affordable mobile PCs. Moreover, its energy efficiency and cost are really acceptable. And the speed in this case is really enough to solve the most common and popular tasks.