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Cell down to 45nm, PS3 production costs to slim too
IBM's Cell processor continues to shed those nanometers, soon down to a bony 45nm, reports Ars Technica. Of course, the smaller you become, the less energy you consume, and after trimming off 34% of its die area, the new Cell is practically starving itself. Can you believe this thing lives off a mere 80 watts? And to think, some of us have PS3s bulging with 90nm chips that scarf up 200 watts!Not only are we talking less power consumption, the 45nm chip will be cheaper to produce than the current 65nm version, and when coupled with the incredible shrinking Blu-ray laser, Sony is poised to make PlayStation 3 manufacturing actually profitable – imagine that! Question is: when do all these savings get passed on to the consumer?
IBM has 45nm Cell in its sights, Sony's PS3 gets first dibs
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.
New 45nm Cell processor boasts greater efficiency
What's all this talk about a 65nm Cell processor? That's so 2007! At the ISSCC -- that's the International Solid State Circuits Conference -- Sony is going to unveil its newest creation, the 45nm Cell chip (not pictured above ... it's practically invisible). This form of the processor will consume 40% less energy than the 65nm chip. Sony is working on getting the chip out there, but we've no idea if there are plans to incorporate it into the next wave of PS3 machines. Still, it's very cool to see a chip so very, very small able to do so many, many things.[via SimplyGaming]
Intel CES announcement: Penryn in the wild
Since the Mac Pros announced earlier today are using the "Harpertown" desktop version of the chip, it should be no surprise that Intel's Penryn family of processors are shipping and in use, as announced at CES yesterday. The full suite of chips includes 16 devices, including four for server use, seven desktop parts and five for mobile devices or laptops.With premium laptop vendors Sony, Lenovo & Toshiba announcing products built around the new Core 2 Duo parts, it would be downright shocking if next week's Stevenote did not feature at least one Apple portable sporting the new and improved 45nm processors. With the desktop and server bumps out of the way a week ahead of time (and who can remember the last time that happened?) the way is clear for plenty of excitement a week from now.
Apple updates Mac Pro -- "the fastest Mac we've ever made"
It's the week before Macworld 2008, and Apple's updated the Mac Pro with Intel's new 45nm quad-core Penryn Xeon 5400 (Stoakley) CPUs at up to 3.2GHz. The new 8-core config is $2,800, and Apple's Phil Schiller is calling these machines the "fastest Mac we've ever made" (not that we'd expect the newest machine would be anything but). Standard options: 2GB of 800MHz DDR2 RAM ATI Radeon HD 2600 XT (256MB) 320GB drive, 16x DVDRW Bluetooth 2.0+EDR, (2) PCI Express 2.0, (2) PCI Express slots That fancy new Apple keyboard they've been shipping with iMacs No Blu-ray, as rumored, but it can be configured with plenty of hard drives (as usual), RAID, NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GT or NVIDIA Quadro FX 5600 graphics cards, and 802.11n. Why do we feel like Apple threw these up today just to screw with everyone at CES? (Actually, it's because Intel is announcing all those new chips -- we get that.)
Intel to delay Yorkfield chips because of AMD's struggles?
Chalk this one up to wild unsubstantiated rumor, but Digitimes is reporting that Intel may hold off on launching its 45nm quad-core Yorkfield chips -- which were supposed to hit on January 20th -- because it's not facing any threat from AMD's delayed Phenom chips, and launching now would just eat into existing 65nm chip sales. That means we wouldn't see the Core 2 Quad Q9300, Q9450, or Q9550 until Intel feels the heat from AMD, which seems like a pretty timid strategy for a company whose former CEO's motto was "Only the paranoid survive." Add in the fact that a certain fruit company is rumored to be launching new Mac Pros with some version of 45nm Penryn chips next month, and we're really not feeling this one, but only time will tell.[Via The Inquirer]
7-year old Gordy Moore travels through time, invents Penryn
Ever wonder how Intel achieved their impressive 45-nm manufacturing process behind Penryn? Twas kid's play according to a new video posted on Intel's YouTube channel. Take a bit of Core45, Hi-K, and Metal Gate. Stir it up with a pinch of Hafnium and silicon flakes and you've reinvented Intel transistors. Gordy you did it! Good Job. Video for true geeks only after the break.
Intel's mobile Penryn CPUs hitting January 6th?
Don't get us wrong, we're happy and all to see those 45nm Penryn-based desktop processors on the loose. But our jones will only be slaked when the mobile versions of those high-powered (yet low-power consuming) beasts start hitting sockets. If DailyTech has it right, then our wait ends on January 6th. That's the date when Intel will supposedly release their 2.8GHz X9000 ($851), 2.6GHz T9500 ($530), and 2.5GHz T9300 ($316) CPUs with 6MB of L2 cache. Additionally, DT expects a 2.4GHz T8300 ($241) and 2.1GHz T8100 ($209) to pop only with the cache rolled back to 3MB. We expect to see the first machines running these chips at CES with at least one other possible public release coming on January 15th. Wink wink, nudge nudge.
Dell releases Precision T5400 and T7400 powerhouse workstations
When a regular consumer desktop just won't serve your demanding computing needs, it's time to go workstation, and Dell's got a pair of new quad-core-packin' models that are spec'ed to be some of the fastest on the planet. Both the Precision T7400 and T5400 are available with either one or two of Intel's newest 45-nanometer Xeon Processors (up to a 3.20GHz X5482 on the 7400), as many as two 1.5GB nVIDIA Quadro FX5600 graphics cards (capable of driving four 30-inch monitors), up to 4GB of RAM (with a whopping 128GB promised using a memory riser card chassis when 8GB DIMMs become available) and either three (5400) or five (7400) hard drives for up to 3TB of storage -- all topped off with a little Blu-ray action. Available immediately, the new rigs start at just $1,600 and $1,850, but for a configuration that meets your ridiculous specifications, expect to shell out well north of ten grand.
Qualcomm intros new chipsets that handle Bluetooth, FM and GPS
Hot on the heels of its dual-3G Gobi chip comes a new trio of units from Qualcomm that cram a modem, multi-band RF transceiver, Bluetooth 2.1+EDR, FM radio and GPS capabilities into a 12- x 12-millimeter package. The units support UMTS, HSPA and EV-DO (depending on which you select), and there's also an ARM11 CPU that hums along at up to 600MHz for processing applications. Furthermore, each chip can handle a 5-megapixel camera, VGA display and TV output, and in case you hadn't guessed, they're all fabricated using 45-nanometer technology. No word on where exactly we'll see these used, but samples are scheduled to ship out in Q4 of next year.[Via PhoneScoop]
Intel said to be planning 45nm Diamondville CPU for low-cost PCs
It looks like Intel's not done with its 45nm processors just yet, as Reg Hardware is now reporting that the company is set to release yet another model, dubbed "Diamondville", that is apparently intended specifically for low-cost desktop PCs. That processor will apparently be part of the so-called "Shelton" platofrm which, among other things, will be able to operate without a fan, meaning the systems based on it should definitely be on the small side. The folks at Reg Hardware go one step further than that, however, speculating that the Diamondville/Shelton combo could in fact be the basis for Asus' forthcoming desktop Eee PC -- a possibility given a bit more credence given that Shelton is designed to work with 2 to 4GB of flash storage. Either way, we should be hearing plenty more about it soon enough, as the platform is supposedly set for a 2008 release.
Alienware's Area-51 ALX CF the first to use 45nm processors
Well, that didn't take long -- just a few hours after Intel confirmed that those hot new 45nm Penryn processors are shipping, Alienware blasted out a press release announcing the Area-51 ALX CF, the first machine to use the new chips. The QX9650-equipped machines can be ordered overclocked up to 4.0GHz, and Alienware also bumped the graphics to dual CrossFire ATI Radeon HD 3870 cards. All that power won't come cheap, though -- the CF line starts at $5499.
Intel launches desktop and server-class 45nm Penryn processors: a sweet 16 indeed
Right on schedule, we've got 16 new server and high-end desktop processors based on Intel's new 45nm manufacturing and Penryn architecture. The procs all deliver more power from less juice while eliminating lead for a more eco-friendly impact over time. The QX9650 desktop proc receives the spotlight, again, as does the "world-record" setting performance of a 3.2GHz quad-core Xeon 5400 "Stoakley" proc with a 1600MHz front side bus and 12MB cache. Right, the same chip that Apple's rumored to be waiting on for their Mac Pro update. At least some of the new processors will be available today inside pre-built systems -- the rest will arrive within the next 45 days. Bulk pricing begins at $177 for the 1.86Ghz dual-core Xeon on up to $1,279 for the 3.2GHz quad-core mother. [Via Electronista]
Intel's Core 2 Extreme QX9650 review roundup confirms the 45nm Penryn hype
Intel's first 45-nm processors have just rolled off the assembly line in the form of the quad-core QX9650 desktop CPU. This 3.0GHz Yorkfield-class proc based on Intel's Penryn microarchitecture brings a 1,333MHz front side bus to Intel's Core 2 Extreme family of processors. Sounds a lot like Intel's 65-nm 3.0GHz Core 2 Extreme QX6850 Kentsfield-class processor launched in July, eh? Not so. According to benchmarks already announced by Bit-tech, Hot Hardware, PC Perspective, and more, the new processors are smokin' fast while consuming "much less" power in the process. With final thoughts like, "the new Core 2 Extreme QX9650 is simply the fastest processor for gaming, media encoding and just about anything else you could do on your PC," really, what else does the average consumer need to know? Overclockers, silencers, and enthusiasts: these links are for you:[Via I4U News] Read -- PC World review Read -- Hot Hardware review Read -- Bit-tech review Read -- PC Perspective review
Intel fires up Penryn production at new Arizona facility
We don't proclaim to be experts in chip making or anything, but it seems like everything at Intel's new Fab 32 production facility in Chandler, Arizona better function mighty smoothly in order to meet that November 12th street date the firm is still holding to. Yep, today marks the day that Intel starts production on its highly-anticipated Penryn at a $3 billion factory, which is being hailed as the company's "first plant dedicated to churning out 45-nanometer microprocessors." 'Course, Intel's only got six days left if it plans on being the first company to crank out the goods before ole Panasonic steals the thunder, and you can bet we'll be waiting in tense anticipation.[Via Reuters / Yahoo]
Apple's waiting on Intel's Penryn for revamped Mac Pros?
Apple's desktop warrior Mac Pro doesn't get half the play of Apple's laptops and iMac in the rumor mill, but that doesn't mean there isn't plenty of pent up love for the beastly machine. AppleInsider is reporting that Apple has a revision ready with a significant overhaul of the internals. Apparently what's holding things up is Intel's 45nm Penryn chips, which should be available around the middle of November. Of course, rumors had the Mac Pro in quite similar shape last year, with Apple holding up production for upcoming Clovertown chips. Those arrived right on time, but Apple held up the 8-core Mac for five months in anticipation of Creative Suite 3. The theories this time around are that now that demand is raging for pro machines thanks to Adobe's quite successful product, Apple's going to try to get a new high-end machine -- which could be up to 45 percent faster -- out the door as soon as possible. Rumored specs top out at dual quad-core Xeon "Harpertown" chips running up to 3.2GHz with 1600MHz bus and 12MB of L2 cache, which would be 8 cores of thunder indeed. Who knows if Intel can be shipping enough of those by the end of this year to warrant a Mac Pro release, but it seems like however it goes down, professionals are going to have a new and pricey toy from Apple before too terribly long.
Shuttle intros X38-based XPC Prima SX38P2 Pro desktop
It looks like those tempted by Shuttle's display of an X38-based XPC desktop back at Computex this summer can now finally get their fix, as the company has officially rolled out its new high-end XPC Prima SX38P2 Pro based on the aforementioned chipset. It'll let you take advantage of Intel's latest and greatest 45nm multi-core processors, not to mention up to 8GB of DDR2 RAM that can be overclocked to 1066MHz. You can also expect some similarly high-end features across the board, including a pair of PCI-Express 2.0 slots with support for ATI CrossFire graphics, Intel Turbo Memory, OASIS Cooling Technology, and a 400-watt power supply, with some built-in fingerprint recognition thrown in for good measure. No word on a price, but we're guessing that won't be a top concern for anyone considering building a system around one of these.[Via PC Launches]
Panasonic could beat Intel on 45nm chip release
Intel has been touting its 45-nanometer chips for what seems like ages, but if all goes as planned, Panasonic will actually beat the chip giant to the punch by releasing products to the commercial market over a week earlier. Apparently, the six new Blu-ray recorders we spotted at CEATEC will utilize the firm's new generation "UniPhier system LSI based on the 45-nanometer process technology," and sure enough, those units are slated to hit Japan on November 1st -- a full ten days before Intel will reportedly get its Yorkfield crew out to the mainstream. Bet you didn't see that coming, now did you?[Via RegHardware]
Intel's 45nm Yorkfield / Wolfdale CPUs get benchmarked, new rumored release dates
According to a report from TechARP that includes benchmarks of all the chips mentioned, Intel could have nailed a release date for its 45nm Yorkfield and Wolfdale CPUs. Q3 2007 now translates to November 11th, if this report is to be believed, for the launch of the first, the most powerful, and the most expensive -- $999 -- of the Yorkfields: the Core 2 Extreme QX9650, a quad core, 3GHz clocked, 2 x 6MB L2 Cache chip. Later on in January next year will come the Core 2 Quad Q9550, Q9450 and Q9300, with progressively lower clock speeds, and only (hah!) 2 x 3MB of L2 Cache for the Q9300. The Core 2 Duo E8000 series -- the Wolfdales -- will hit around the same time as the slower Yorkfields, hitting speeds of 3.16GHz and L2 Cache sizes of 6MB in the E8500, going down to 2.66GHz in the E8200.[Via Slashdot]
Intel fleshes out 45nm Yorkfield launch details
It's been quite a while since we've heard anything from Intel on the Yorkfield front, but that looks to have changed in a hurry, with the company now busting out a whole slew of specifics on the forthcoming processors. First up is news that Intel will be releasing an "Extreme Edition" of the 45nm quad-core processor on November 12th, well ahead of the January 2008 launch for its decidedly less-extreme counterparts. Helping the processor (dubbed the QX9650) earn that designation is its top of the crop 3.0GHz clock speed, along with 12MB of L2 cache, and an extremely hot 130W TDP rating, not to mention a price just shy of $1,000. If that's all a bit too extreme for you, you'll also be able to get your choice of 2.5GHz, 2.66GHz, or 2.88GHz models, each of which scale the TDP rating down to a more manageable 95W, with prices running $266, $316, and $530, respectively. Even further on down the line, Intel's announced details on three dual-core Wolfdale desktop processors, which clock in at 2.66GHz, 3.0GHz, and 3.16GHz. No word on a price for the low-end model just yet, but the 3.0GHz and 3.16GHz are apparently set to run $183 and $266, respectively, with a mid-range 2.83 GHz version expected to eventually round out the lot, according to DailyTech. As if that wasn't enough, Intel's will also apparently be slipping out a 65nm 2.4 GHz dual-core Conroe processor dubbed the E4600 on October 21st, although there's no word on what it'll cost.