The Celeron comes equipped with 16KB of data and 16KB of instruction L1 cache. This is significantly less than the 64k of data and 64k of instruction cache that the Duron carries. L1 cache can make a huge difference to performance since it is largely responsible for keeping a CPU fed with data. The Celeron also comes with 128k of on-die, 4-way associative L2 cache, running at full-speed and connected to the processor core by a 256-bit bus. This is twice the L2 cache of the Duron. Like L1 cache, L2 cache is extremely important for keeping a processor busy.

With Intel's flagship Pentium 4 running a quad-pumped 100MHz front side bus, the 66MHz bus the Celeron used to operate on seems archaic. Now that Intel's value processor has migrated to a less bandwidth-limited bus frequency, the delineation between value and performance will be somewhat smudged. Of course Intel might be a little nervous about this, but the move needed to be made in order for the Celeron to compete with AMD's value-oriented Duron. Recently AMD's solution has picked up steam, and systems equipped with Duron processors have rolled out from the likes of HP and Compaq. In an attempt to quell industry support for the Duron, Intel is also introducing a revision to their value chipset, the i810.

It should first be noted that nothing has been added to the i810E2 that would entice a performance enthusiast. If you have even the most remote inkling that you will want to buy 3D accelerated applications in the next year or so, steer clear of any i810 derivative. The combination of integrated video and the lack of an AGP slot make the i810 a gamer's nightmare - something we generally loathe. In this case, however, the i810E2 is directed towards the business or home user whose time will be dedicated to browsing the Internet or word processing.

Since it's inception, the i810 family has been aimed at the low-end market. Being as such, Intel saw no problem using the first generation I/O Controller Hub (ICH). Sporting a single USB controller and ATA-66 support, this platform provided sufficient flexibility and allowed Intel to maintain the barrier between "value" and "performance." However, as VIA and SiS each unveil Unified Memory Architecture (UMA) chipsets supporting AMD's products, Intel has been pressured to beef up their value platform. Easy enough - simply substitute the ICH for the ICH2 and give the chipset a new name.

Dubbed the i810E2, this new chipset carries over the same specifications and features of the i810E (133MHz system bus support, 4MB display cache, etc.), with the addition of the ICH2's feature set. An additional USB controller is included, giving the i810E2 support for four USB devices. Also, 6-channel audio support is available, should the motherboard manufacturer take advantage of it. Finally, the necessary support for ATA-100 has been tacked on, bringing the i810E2 to pretty much the same level as the competing chipsets.