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IBM develops 'instantaneous' memory, 100x faster than flash

Sharif Sakr — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 00:01:00 EST

You've got to hand it to IBM's engineers. They drag themselves into work after their company's 100th birthday party, pop a few Alka-Seltzers and then promptly announce yet another seismic invention. This time it's a new kind of phase change memory (PCM) that reads and writes 100 times faster than flash, stays reliable for millions of write-cycles (as opposed to just thousands with flash), and is cheap enough to be used in anything from enterprise-level servers all the way down to mobile phones. PCM is based on a special alloy that can be nudged into different physical states, or phases, by controlled bursts of electricity. In the past, the technology suffered from the tendency of one of the states to relax and increase its electrical resistance over time, leading to read errors. Another limitation was that each alloy cell could only store a single bit of data. But IBM employees burn through problems like these on their cigarette breaks: not only is their latest variant more reliable, it can also store four data bits per cell, which means we can expect a data storage "paradigm shift" within the next five years. Combine this with Intel's promised 50Gbps interconnect, which has a similar ETA, and data will start flowing faster than booze from an open bar on the boss's tab. There's more detailed science in the PR after the break, if you have a clear head.

Continue reading IBM develops 'instantaneous' memory, 100x faster than flash

IBM develops 'instantaneous' memory, 100x faster than flash originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 30 Jun 2011 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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IBM PowerXCell-8i processor said to be last of its kind, but Cell will live on

Donald Melanson — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 12:39:00 EST

IBM's Cell processor may have helped break a few records and find its way into everything from video game consoles to TVs at the same time, but it looks like things could be about to change in a fairly big way for Big Blue's groundbreaking chip. According to Heise Online, IBM Vice President of Deep Computing David Turek has confirmed that the company's current PowerXCell-8i processor will be the last of its kind, and that there will not be a successor with dual PowerPC processors and 32 SPEs as originally planned. Slightly less clear, however, is the future of the Cell program in general, which will apparently live on in "another form" -- to which Turek reportedly added, somewhat vaguely, "the future is hybrid," although we're fairly certain he's not talking about cars.

IBM PowerXCell-8i processor said to be last of its kind, but Cell will live on originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 12:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PS3 Slim is cheaper, yes, and new Cell processor makes it faster, maybe

Thomas Ricker — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 04:49:00 EST

If you've been on the fence with that new console purchase then maybe this bit of information will push you over. Not only is the $299 PS3 Slim a skinnier version than its fat bro, it also features a new upgraded Cell processor (jointly developed by IBM, Toshiba, and Sony), according to an IBM spokesman, that uses smaller, more efficient, and less costly 45-nm processes first hinted at back in February of 2008. IBM doesn't specify the clock speed. The 45-nm Cell is 34 percent smaller and requires 40% less power than the original 65-nm processor according to earlier accounts. Any changes to the graphics in the PS3 Slim are still unknown -- the GPU is simply listed as the NVIDIA RSX like the ol' chubster before it. Nevertheless, the IDG New Service says the PS3 Slim "adds hardware enhancements that make it speedier."

What's odd is that Sony didn't make any claims of the PS3 slim being faster at launch and the "boost" in processing speed in the IDG article quoting IBM doesn't seem to come from the IBM spokesman. As such, we're not sure if this is just an improvement in performance-per-watt or something the gamer will actually notice during play. We're still working on the review but rest assured, that's one question we're determined to answer.

Filed under: Gaming

PS3 Slim is cheaper, yes, and new Cell processor makes it faster, maybe originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 20 Aug 2009 04:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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WinFast HPVC1100 is world's first external SpursEngine encoder

Darren Murph — Tue, 12 May 2009 08:53:00 EST

Toshiba's Cell-based SpursEngine HD video co-processor has made plenty of appearances within monstrous gaming machines, but this marks the very first time where it has stepped out of the laptop chassis and into a portable enclosure. Granted, the language barrier is killing us here, but it seems as if the Leadtek WinFast HPVC1100 wraps a SpursEngine encoder into an on-the-go solution that can be lugged around with a standard laptop in order to churn through video while on set, in the field or on the road. Other specs include 128MB of RAM, a PCI-Express slot and a weight of 1.54 pounds; there's no word just yet on pricing or availability. One more shot is after the break.

[Via Akihabara News]

Continue reading WinFast HPVC1100 is world's first external SpursEngine encoder

Filed under: Media streamers, Other hardware, Others, Toshiba

WinFast HPVC1100 is world's first external SpursEngine encoder originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 12 May 2009 08:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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WinFast HPVC1100 is world's first external SpursEngine encoder

Darren Murph — Tue, 12 May 2009 08:53:00 EST

Continue reading WinFast HPVC1100 is world's first external SpursEngine encoder

Filed under: Peripherals, Portable Video

WinFast HPVC1100 is world's first external SpursEngine encoder originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 12 May 2009 08:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Book details how Sony paid for Xbox 360 dev, let Microsoft borrow its car, acted like a doormat

Joseph L. Flatley — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 09:02:00 EST

This year we've seen the PS3's Cell processor pitch in and help break the petaflop barrier, exploit a major security hole in SSL encryption and enable adolescent hijinks on PlayStation Home. Obviously, this is one serious piece of kit. According to The Race For A New Game Machine, written by two of the folks responsible for designing the thing, the Cell (a partnership between Toshiba, Sony and IBM) was the product of a deal that opened the door to IBM selling key parts of the chip to Microsoft before they had even finished building it -- even though this was clearly not part of the plan. Essentially, Sony's R&D money was spent creating a component for their rival, helping the Xbox 360 make its launch date of November 2005, while the PlayStation 3 was pushed back a full year. It seems somewhat fitting that the troubled game system should have such dysfunctional origins, no?

[Via PS3 Fanboy]

Filed under: Gaming

Book details how Sony paid for Xbox 360 dev, let Microsoft borrow its car, acted like a doormat originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 01 Jan 2009 09:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony and Toshiba to begin mass producing 45nm cell processor in 2009 -- cheaper, slimmer PS3s to come?

Thomas Ricker — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 07:43:00 EST

Japan's Nikkan is reporting that Sony and Toshiba will begin mass production of the 45nm Cell processor in 2009 -- not this autumn as previously rumored. The smaller chip which cost less than the current 65nm Cell to manufacture also require 40% less power to run. This opens the door to possible price drops on existing PS3 consoles in 2009 as well as slimmer, cooler running rigs should Sony decide to refresh the industrial design.

Filed under: Gaming

Sony and Toshiba to begin mass producing 45nm cell processor in 2009 -- cheaper, slimmer PS3s to come? originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 22 Sep 2008 07:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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World's fastest: IBM's Roadrunner supercomputer breaks petaflop barrier using Cell and Opteron processors

Thomas Ricker — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 04:07:00 EST

When you're looking to set a record this is how you do it. Not only has IBM's Roadrunner supercomputer come on-line, it's now the world's fastest -- twice as fast as the old BluGene/L champ -- and churning through 1.026 quadrillion calculations per second. The $133 million supercomputer achieved the milestone with the help of 12,960 "improved" Cell processors (yes, like those powering your PS3) and a smaller number of AMD Opteron processors -- 116,640 processor cores in total. Unfortunately (or fortunately depending upon your perspective), Roadrunner is for military use only so you'll have to solve the traveling salesman problem on your own time. While not quite into Exaflop territory, we're definitely on the way.

[Thanks, Chris S.]

World's fastest: IBM's Roadrunner supercomputer breaks petaflop barrier using Cell and Opteron processors originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 09 Jun 2008 04:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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IBM has 45nm Cell in its sights, Sony's PS3 gets first dibs

Paul Miller — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 10:26:00 EST

IBM might be lagging slightly behind the likes of Intel and Microsoft in the 45nm department, but rest assured that a 45nm version of Cell is in the works and most certainly headed for the PS3. Microsoft told us that 45nm for Xbox was in the works last year, and Intel is obviously churning out Penryn chips as we speak, but IBM has finally solidified its own 45nm plans for Cell, and will change over production "soon." The chip will use about 40 percent less power and will be 34 percent smaller than the 65nm version. That means less heat and more reliability, which of course means cost savings for Sony which will (theoretically) be passed on to consumers before too terribly long.

Filed under: Gaming

IBM has 45nm Cell in its sights, Sony's PS3 gets first dibs originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 07 Feb 2008 10:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony continues to shed chip responsibilities

Thomas Ricker — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 04:56:00 EST

Although they inked a 5-year deal back in January 2006, Sony is bailing on at least part of its commitment to the development of chips with 32-nanometer (or less) circuitry. The research required to developed the manufacturing technology now rests squarely on the shoulders of Toshiba and IBM. A move which certainly makes sense now that Tosh has manufacturing responsibility for Sony's Cell processor. Sony will continue to assist with "the design work" and making post-lunch runs to Starbucks.

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets, Gaming

Sony continues to shed chip responsibilities originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Nov 2007 04:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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UMBC, IBM team up to create Cell-based supercomputer

Darren Murph — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 14:57:00 EST

We've certainly seen PlayStation 3s used in academia before, but a "significant gift" by IBM to the University of Maryland-Baltimore County is enabling the institution to further develop its Multicore Computational Center. The facility now utilizes 32 Cell processors, and researchers at the lab are getting set to "develop applications" to harness all that power. Reportedly, the supercomputer will dabble in "visualization and computer modeling applications for aerospace / defense, financial services, healthcare / life sciences industries and weather." Hit the link below for a video report.

[Thanks, Ryan O.]
Read - IBM, UMBC partnership
Read - Video report

Filed under: Gaming

UMBC, IBM team up to create Cell-based supercomputer originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 25 Sep 2007 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toshiba's Cell-derived SpursEngine chip to process video

Darren Murph — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 18:34:00 EST

Toshiba's newfangled SpursEngine chip could soon be used to "work alongside a microprocessor to process video streams, recognize and process images, and tackle other multimedia chores," and while we're not exactly sure what kind of hit this will take on battery life, the prototype version is said to consume 10 to 20-watts of juice. Nevertheless, Tosh's new device "uses cores derived from the Cell microprocessor" and is being "aimed at multimedia applications" in particular. At CEATEC, the firm hopes to showcase its power by demonstrating the 1.5GHz unit in a number of laptops, and while Toshiba itself has "already started developing products using the processors," it will also be selling the chips to other interested outfits for use in their products.

Filed under: Handhelds, Laptops

Toshiba's Cell-derived SpursEngine chip to process video originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 20 Sep 2007 18:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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IBM begins production of 65nm Cell chip

Donald Melanson — Tue, 13 Mar 2007 11:28:00 EST

It's no secret that IBM has had some bigger -- or, rather -- smaller and better plans in the works for its Cell microprocessor, but we've now got the word from Big Blue itself, with the company announcing that it has started production of an advanced version of the chip, using a 65 nanometer manufacturing process as opposed to the current 90nm. Apart from being physically smaller, the 65nm chip should also result in lower power consumption and reduced costs to manufacturers using the processor. While that would include IBM itself -- which uses Cell processors in some of its own BladeCenter servers -- the company's most famous customer is, of course, Sony, who use the chip in a not-so-little game console of theirs you may heard of. On that front, it's been reported that Sony does indeed plan to use this new chip in future versions of the PlayStation 3 to help cut manufacturing costs, although that doesn't necessarily mean we'll see a cut in the price of the console itself anytime soon.

[Via Yahoo News/IDG]

Filed under: Gaming

IBM begins production of 65nm Cell chip originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 13 Mar 2007 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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IBM and friends spice up CELL: 6GHz and 65nm right around the corner

Paul Miller — Thu, 04 Jan 2007 14:52:00 EST

The party over at the International Solid State Circuits Conference in San Francisco hasn't begun yet, we've still got a month to go, but thanks to the conference agenda, we've got a pretty good idea of what will be announced, and it's sounding pretty hot. Of most notable consumer relevance is the new CELL chip that IBM, Sony and Toshiba will be trotting out, sporting 6GHz speeds and a 65nm manufacturing process, compared to the 3.2GHz and 90nm specs of its predecessor. The chip will also feature a dual power supply design, that should speed up memory performance. No word yet if this will be making its way into some sort of beefed up PS3, but we're sure Sony and Toshiba will find something to do with all that horsepower. IBM will also be announcing its 5GHz Power6 server proc, while Intel goes all experimental on everyone with its 80 core test chips. Good times indeed.

[Via I4U]

Filed under: Home Entertainment

IBM and friends spice up CELL: 6GHz and 65nm right around the corner originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 04 Jan 2007 14:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toshiba wants mobile version of Cell processor

Chris Ziegler — Sun, 08 Oct 2006 23:39:00 EST

If we can look for a moment beyond the Playstation 3's wallet-busting, shortage-creating, timeline-stretching ways, Toshiba would like us to envision a world where a wide variety of devices are powered by variants of the superconsole's Cell processor. Sony's obviously been eating up an overwhelming majority of the chip's publicity leading up to the PS3's launch, but Toshiba played (and continues to play) a major role in the Cell's development, and they're touting that a beefer 65-nanometer version of the chip will launch in 2007, a scaled back midrange version in 2008, and a mobile variant by 2010. No word on what sort of functionality is planned for the 2008 and 2010 models -- or just how scaled back they'll be -- but for Toshiba's sake, we wish them a smoother launch then the Cell-powered devices (ahem) we've seen thus far.

[Via Mobile Magazine]

Filed under: Misc

Toshiba wants mobile version of Cell processor originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 08 Oct 2006 23:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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