Quad-core shmod-core Intel, we need 6 cores or more to keep our uh, web browsers snappy. While you're at it, how about tossing in some Simultaneous Multithreading (SMT) so that each core can process two threads at a time -- 16 simultaneous threads per 8-core processor or 32 for dual-processor, 8-core rigs. If that sounds good then you're in luck; Intel just went official with its near-term architecture plans which include the 2008 launch of a 6-core
Dunnington-class server CPU platform based on Intel's 45-nm Penryn "tick" architecture. On deck is Intel's second generation
Nehalem "tock" architecture with SMT and scalable from 2- to 8-cores. We're talking "dramatic" performance and energy improvements, according to Intel, from a microarchitecture bent on delivering an 8 MB level-3 cache, DDR3-800 memory support, 25.6GB per second Quickpath interconnects (so long Front Side Bus!), an integrated memory controller and optional integrated graphics to high-end servers and eventually laptops. Hear that AMD? Tick, tock goes the clock.
P.S. That's Nehalem pictured. What, can't you tell?
[Via
BetaNews, thanks Mike O.]
posted March 18th 2008 6:42AM
How would Intel name this new line of processors???
Lets see: Core 2 Duo, Core 2 Quad, Core 2 Se..
I am not sure if AMD is really even going after Intel right now. With the blind side release of the ATI HD 3850 completely taking over the sub $200 GPU market with athority, and the near silent release of the 780G intergrated GPU, AMD seems to be spending its days plotting the death of Nvidia. Granted that ATI is still its own company, AMD seems to be hell bent on using GPU's to take near complete control over the low and mid-range markets. Even the new Nvidia 9600 GT can't kill the HD 3850 in price/performance, leaving the HD 3850 as the still number one choice for mid-range dedicated GPU power. The 780G is just plan evil. Once a better cooling solution is finished for laptop use, the 780G will virtually be the only choice for intergrated GPU's. When it takes a dedicated 8600M GT GPU to out perform an intergrate SOLUTION (I mean that one), that also boasts Blu-ray/HD DVD capabilities, over clocking to 1.1 Ghz, a 4 digit score in 3D-benchmark06, and a price point below $100 in motherboards with those chips, you are in trouble.
To me it seems AMD is more focused on the GPU market then trying to compete with Intel, at least during this Quarter. If AMD follows the same plan as the "ATI department" we should see something completely out of the blue from them in the next 3 months that no one knew about until a week before the release date.
wow "so long front side bus" yes! finally we can get rid of that performance crippling fsb!
Honestly, this sounds like a great development. I used both the current Intel Quad core and AMD Phenom CPU's, and Intel is beating the AMD in almost everything. I am disapointed in the AMD's performance, guess it's due to the huge difference in cache that Intel is offering on their product. Once the front side bus is gone AMD will go MAD because the only advantage that they are offering now to gamers is the higher front side bus...
My favorite is all the "There aren't any multithreaded apps to take advantage of it" people. I live in a large city, and would not want you planning my next freeway project. One lane freeways everywhere right? There simply aren't enough cars to take advantage of anything more than one lane right?
The reality is, whether the code is there to take advantage of it right now or not, the old saying still holds true. If you build it they will come. Its really just common sense if you apply some logical thought to it. While developers have been slow to catch on they certainly won't write multithreaded code for non-existent multi-core processors.
I have a q6600 at home and its a nice feeling to finally have a machine that I can't slow down no matter what I throw at it. Like many have stated, multithreaded apps are preferred, but until they are more mainstream I'm very content with encoding video, surfing the web, toggling in and out of Supreme Commander, and using Photoshop simultaneously without my system slowing down one bit (no pun intended).