The Xenon CPU`s can be pricey if you focus on the 1MB cache CPU`s and higher. The Xenon 400/450 with 512KB of cache is fairly cheap at about 150/250 respectively.
The Xenon was designed much like the PIII and offers very little above the PIII with the exception of "SCALABILITY" when used in an SMP set-up (duals and higher). Under Linux and other SMP 1.1/1.4 compliant O/S`s, the Xenon shines in scalded dog performance. It however shares the same efficiency as the "legendary" Pentium-Pro. This particular CPU was the first CPU to utilize a full speed L2 cache that was "on package" or built into the same CPU "assembly". This closely coupled the L2 and the cache and greatly increased efficiency. The drawback of the P-Pro was that it wasn`t very efficient with 16bit code. It was designed for 32bit code/applications. I obviously runs 16bit applications/OS`s but lost efficiency.
The Xenon is basicly the same as the P-PRO in design but with changes to be more optimized in 16bit applications. Also, the Xenon was designed to be run in SMP and thus the CPU`s become "coupled" and throughput increases markedly.
I`m waiting for Xenons and system boards to become cheaper as more recent CPU`s replace them. The Xenon is *NOT* a slot1 CPU but rather a slot "A" CPU.
SMP spec. 1.1/1.4 allow UPTO 16 CPU`s to function together under the correct O/S.
Linux follows this spec and fully supports it. For someone wanting to try Linux under dual (or better) CPU`s I suggest the PII-266-333 because of reduced cost for the system board and CPU`s.
Dual Xenon boards are still expensive and cost on average about 200-300 bucks.
There is a QUAD Xenon board available that i`m aware of but still costs 400-500 bucks *LESS* CPU`s.
So what does the Xenon have over the PIII ?
Very little anymore especially with the PIII-E with its full speed cache and SIMD insruction sets. I don`t remember if the Xenon has MMX support...anyone remember?
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