Intel Mobile Pentium 4 HT 538 socket: Socket 478
The Intel Mobile Pentium 4 HT 538 uses the Socket 478 socket. It is an 88 W single-core Prescott mobile part at 3.2 GHz with Hyper-Threading and 1 MB of L2 cache for Socket 478 notebooks.
- Socket
- Socket 478
- Launched
- June 2004
- Cores and threads
- 1 and 2
- Base power
- 88 W
- Codename
- Prescott
- Segment
- Mobile (socketed)
- Clocks
- 3.2 GHz
Intel Mobile Pentium 4 HT 538 specifications
| Cores | 1 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 2 |
| Core architecture | Prescott cores on 90 nm |
| Clocks | 3.2 GHz (no turbo) |
| Cache | 1 MB L2 |
| Processor base power (TDP) | 88 W |
| Manufacturing process | 90 nm |
| Memory support | DDR through the board chipset |
| Front side bus | 533 MT/s |
| PCI Express | AGP from the board chipset |
| Integrated graphics | None (board video where fitted) |
| Multiplier | Locked (24x) |
| Package | Socket 478 (478-pin mPGA, mobile) |
Motherboard compatibility
Intel Mobile Pentium 4 HT 538 needs a motherboard with a Socket 478 socket. Chipset by chipset data for this codename is not recorded yet. See the Socket 478 chipset list and the board maker's CPU support list.
Socket 478 at a glance
| Type | PGA, 478 contacts |
|---|---|
| Package size | n/a |
| Introduced | 2001 |
| Memory | DDR through the board chipset |
| Cooler mounting holes | Board specific (Socket 478 bracket) |
What the Mobile Pentium 4 HT 538 is
The Intel Mobile Pentium 4 HT 538 is a 3.2 GHz single-core mobile processor with Hyper-Threading from June 2004. It runs one NetBurst Prescott core at 3.2 GHz with no turbo, so 1 core gives 2 threads. Cache is 1 MB of L2 on a 90 nm process. Power is rated at 88 W in a Socket 478 package with part numbers RK80546HE0881M.
The 538 uses a 533 MT/s front side bus with a 24x multiplier at 1.25 V to 1.40 V. Intel sold it at 294 dollars in June 2004. The chip supports MMX, SSE, SSE2 and SSE3 with Hyper-Threading. Desktop Prescott 3.20A parts at the same 3.2 GHz without threads offer tower operation, so the mobile 538 adds threads for notebook multitasking at the same frequency.
Flagship mobile clocks with Hyper-Threading suited large notebooks for media encoding on the road. The second thread keeps the single core busy during memory waits, which helps at 3.2 GHz where heat already limits sustained boosts. That is why the 538 cost more than the 532 despite sharing the 88 W envelope.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The Mobile 538 fits Socket 478 desktop-replacement notebooks with mobile Prescott HT support. It needs a notebook Socket 478 board qualified for 88 W operation. The Socket vs chipset: what decides whether a CPU works guide covers pairing rules.
Large DDR notebooks are the natural match. The maker qualifies the 538 for the top mobile heat pipe, so only listed models sustain 3.2 GHz under load. Thin bodies need Pentium M instead.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
Memory is DDR through the board chipset with notebook SO-DIMM slots. The CPU has no controller.
A 533 MT/s bus ties the CPU to the chipset, while graphics hangs off the chipset. No PCIe lanes originate on the die. Cooling is the notebook 88 W heat pipe with loud fans under load. Vent cleaning matters at flagship clocks.
Upgrade paths
On Socket 478 the step is the Mobile Pentium 4 HT 548 at 3.33 GHz where listed. Desktop 3.2 GHz Prescott parts offer tower alternatives. Pentium M 745 parts on Socket 479 offer low power notebook paths. The 538 removes with the socket mechanism, so swaps need no solder work.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Mobile Pentium 4 HT 538 use?
Socket 478, in desktop-replacement notebooks with mobile HT support.
How many cores does the Mobile Pentium 4 HT 538 have?
One core and 2 threads at 3.2 GHz with 1 MB of L2 cache.
What memory works with the Mobile Pentium 4 HT 538?
DDR through the board chipset with notebook slots.
Can the Mobile Pentium 4 HT 538 be upgraded?
The 548 shares the mobile socket where listed. Pentium M needs Socket 479.
Sources and verification
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .