Intel Pentium 4 Processor with 1MB L2 Cache & Thermally Advantaged Chassis

Not many people know of the presence of Thermally Advantaged Chassis (TAC) and its effects on the new systems based on the Intel Pentium 4 processor with 1MB L2 Cache. In this article, we will touch more on this kind of chassis. Be sure to check out the video on “How to build your own Thermally Advantaged System”.

It has been roughly four months since Intel released their first Pentium 4 with 1MB L2 Cache processor. Both revolutionary and highly anticipated prior to its release, this new processor spots Intel’s first 90nm desktop technology. Till date, Intel’s list of released processors with 1MB L2 Cache consists of the Pentium 4 2.80E, 3.0E and 3.20E. This series of Pentium 4 processors can be found in most shops now. The newer LGA775 series of processors with 1MB cache will be slated for release later this month. With the processor going pinlessly nude, this sure is something itchingly new to the computer hardware community.

“So what is a Thermally Advantaged Chassis (TAC) ?”

Some of you might have noticed, there is a new kind of chassis avaliable that sports an air duct on the left chassis panel. Wondering what purpose it serves? This opening is not solely for decorative purposes. It is to improve airflow into the system for efficient thermal cooling. Coupled with a rear system fan, power supply fan and the processor fan heatsink (NO EXTRA FANS ARE NEEDED!) this chassis will maintain an internal ambient temperature below 38oC.

“Are you choosing a good chassis for your new Intel Pentium 4 with 1MB L2 Cache system ?”

It is always good to browse through the wide variety of chassis avaliable in the shops before making a purchase. I personally suffered once under the hands of a poorly designed casing and only after i changed it that i understood how important a good casing was. One should not neglect the fact that the body is just as important as the engine that drives it.

“So how do I know whether the chassis is a Thermally Advantaged Chassis?”

To counter chassis that sports such features solely for decorative or other non-helpful purposes, Intel tested a range of chassis that maintained an ambient temperature of below 38oC. A list of these chassis can be found here

To gain a better understanding of how TAC can help you, we urge all readers to take a look at the following video on how to build your own Thermally Advantaged System.

Some screenshots from the video