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:: PC Perspective . Processor
Processor - Nov 04, 2009 | 07:00 PM While Bulldozer and 32 nm processors from AMD will not show up for some time yet, AMD is taking off the wraps of a new revision of the 45 nm Deneb core. The X4 965 was a 140 watt TDP critter, and now it has been tamed to a slightly more manageable 125 watts. Let's see how this affects performance and overclocking! Processor - Sep 27, 2009 | 01:00 AM Intel took some time to preview its upcoming Westmere processors, Clarkdale and Arrandale, during this past week at the Intel Developer Forum. The new CPUs will combine a dual-core Nehalem-based design with on-chip integrated graphics to create a high-performance, low power and low cost CPU for the mainstream PC user. Stop in to see if you will be picking one of these up this winter. Processor - Sep 15, 2009 | 11:16 PM The latest quad cores are relatively tiny as compared to their older brothers and the competition from Intel. While these are not barn burners when it comes to performance, AMD is hoping that the combination of available performance and budget pricing will prove to be irresistible to users and OEMs alike.
Jeremy Hellstrom | Source: AnandTech | Subject: Processor
Anandtech managed to get their hands on AMD's processor roadmap for the near future and have posted it for your viewing pleasure. Enthusiasts are not going to be as excited as the server and mobility crowd are, but there is still a lot of action. On the mobile side we will be seeing Llano, the first Accelerated Processing Unit or APU, which promises great graphical performance coupled with enhanced battery life. The server crowd gets an update on Magny Cours and the Maranello platform it is the heart of. Enthusiasts have to wait a while, but Leo and mega tasking are on their way.
"It’s got roughly one billion 32nm transistors, fabbed at Globalfoundries. Four CPU cores and a single graphics core. It’s what AMD calls an Accelerated Processing Unit (APU). And we’ll see it in 2011. Unfortunately that’s a bit late. The APU, codenamed Llano, was originally scheduled for 2010 but got pushed back. In 2009/2010 Intel will be the first to deliver on-chip graphics with Clarkdale/Arrandale, and in late 2010 Sandy Bridge will have on-die graphics." Here are some more Processor articles from around the web:
Jeremy Hellstrom | Source: LOSTCIRCUITS | Subject: Processor
There is a new X4 965 on the market, the Rev C, which brings some interesting advancements to the CPU. First off is the drop in TDP to 125W and the second is the implementation of new states which finally rid the CPU of the CnQ Performance Hit that many have seen. All this adds up to a much more power efficient processor that will throw off less heat and eat less power. All that is wonderful for HTPCs and server rooms, but the true enthusiast doesn't mind having to build a small nuclear powerplant (pebble reactor) next to their PC in order to get a great overclock. Does this new revision overclock well? Just hit LOSTCIRCUITS for a pleasant surprise.
"It is not huge as in breakthrough what AMD has accomplished with the C3 Revision but it is still worth writing home about it. The two things that are noteworthy are the increased overclocking potential at "slightly altered stock settings" and the pretty dramatically reduced power consumption of the C3 revision. It is difficult to judge how much of this is caused by the hardware-based power management compared to the earlier software/firmware-base power management but the results definitely speak for themselves." Here are some more Processor articles from around the web:
Jeremy Hellstrom | Source: Bjorn3D | Subject: Processor
The $100 AMD Athlon II X4 620 has been
powering our Budget Hardware Leaderboard system for over a month now, offering the benefits of a quad core processor to the lower end of systems and if you are willing to overclock it you can also get 3GHz+ of speed. Josh reviewed this chip back in September but it is worth revisiting just how this chip fits into budget computing. Watch it annihilate a Q9400 and also get a look at the new Sapphire PURE 785G AM3
motherboard at Bjorn3D. A great processor for very little price.
"Although they were released about a month ago, the new budget-councious quad-core processors from AMD are still fresh in the minds of many enthusiasts. The Athlon II X4 620 and 630 have made huge waves recently due to the fact that it is now possible to obtain a quad-core CPU for under $100. Pair this processor up with an AM3 motherboard running a 785G chipset and set of DDR3 RAM, and you will have your hands on a value-minded, mainstream performing rig. Clocking in at 2.6GHz, the Athlon II X4 620 being reviewed today is very similar to the K10 architecture of the Phenom and Phenom II, but it lacks the L3 cache that is found on the Phenoms. L1 cache clocks in at a respectable 512KB and 2MB are provided for L2 cache. These numbers are very close to processors up the ladder and the lack of L3 is one of the factors keeping the cost of this processor so low. To take advantage of this new CPU, we called upon the Sapphire PURE 785G AM3 motherboard. This motherboard was built for the new Phenom II and Athlon II CPUs and features a built-in HD4200 GPU for integrated graphics duties." Here are some more Processor articles from around the web:
Jeremy Hellstrom | Source: VIA Technologies | Subject: Processor
Taipei, Taiwan, 3 November 2009 - VIA Technologies, Inc, a leading innovator of power efficient x86 processor platforms, today introduced its new VIA Nano 3000 Series processors, bringing enhanced digital media performance and lower power consumption to Windows 7 thin and light notebook and all-in-one desktop PC markets. Based on the 64-bit superscalar 'Isaiah' architecture, VIA Nano 3000 Series processors deliver the most compelling thin and light notebook computing experience with their rich HD entertainment capabilities, including support for flawless playback of high bit-rate 1080p HD video, as well as low power consumption resulting in longer battery life. With a host of advanced features including 64-bit support, advanced CPU virtualization technology, SSE4 for enhanced multimedia processing, and the industry-leading encryption and security capabilities integrated in the VIA PadLock Security Engine, VIA Nano 3000 Series processors also provide a secure, high-performance solution for emerging cloud-based computing environments. "With the VIA Nano 3000 Series, we are launching our fastest and most power-efficient processors yet," commented Richard Brown, VP International Marketing, VIA Technologies, Inc. "Coupled with our market-leading digital media chipsets, they enable the richest experience across a broad range of mobile and all-in-one system designs." VIA Nano 3000 Series
Available at speeds from 1.0GHz to 2.0GHz, VIA Nano 3000 Series processors deliver up to 20% higher performance using up to 20% less power than current VIA Nano processors and boast a number of new features including support for the SSE4 multimedia instruction set and VIA VT virtualization technology. Fully compatible with all Microsoft operating systems, including the new Windows 7, as well as all popular Linux distributions, the VIA Nano 3000 Series processors use the NanoBGA2 package, making them pin-to-pin compatible with VIA Nano 1000 Series, VIA Nano 2000 Series, VIA C7, VIA C7-M and VIA Eden processors for easy upgrades of existing designs. VIA Nano 3000 Series Availability
VIA Nano 3000 processors will be available in the following product skus:
Jeremy Hellstrom | Source: PCStats | Subject: Processor
The AMD Athlon II X2 240e is similar to the X2 250 but that little 'e' on the end signifies it to belong to the Regor family of 45W TDP processors. It will support DDR2 or DDR3, depending on which socket motherboard you choose at up to 1333MHz. From the results of their testing PC Stats decided that this efficient $80 processor is great for small systems but really does compete against the 250 which might eat up $10 more and produce 10W more power but does also offer you a 5-7% gain in performance. "Do you leave your computer on all the time? If you've nodded yes to any of the above, it might be time to think about a more power-efficient processor. That's the idea behind AMD's Athlon II X2 240e. It's a 2.8GHz dual-core processor based on the AMD "Regor" core with a TDP of just 45W. The "e" behind the Athlon II X2 240e model name indicates that it's one of AMDs Energy Efficient processors. The Athlon II X2 240e has support for both DDR2 and DDR3 memory, depending on if the processor is dropped into a socket AM2+ or socket AM3 motherboard. Memory can be run at speeds of DDR2-1066 or DDR3-1333 via the Athlon II X2 240e's integrated memory controller." Here are some more Processor articles from around the web:
Jeremy Hellstrom | Source: S3 Graphics | Subject: Processor
Fremont, California, 22 October 2009 - S3 Graphics today announced the latest addition to its power-efficient embedded graphics processor family, with the unveiling of the OpenCL 1.0 capable Chrome 5400E GPGPU processor. The S3 Graphics 5400E will be unveiled at the Electronic Manufacturer Exposition (eMEX), October 22nd - 25th, in Suzhou, China at the Suzhou International Expo Center, Hall 4A, Booth No. 4K08. OpenCL is an open, cross-platform standard used to harness the power of a GPUs internal shaders to accelerate parallel computations in applications ranging from scientific, medical, and other high performance computing (HPC) markets. The native OpenCL engine in the 5400E GPU enables our partners to go beyond graphics and video, and penetrate these diverse HPC markets. "S3 Graphics continues to empower key embedded technology providers, helping extend their market offerings based on our growing portfolio of feature-rich products, incorporating next-generation technologies like General Purpose GPU computing, as well as the latest 3D graphics architectures, HD video decode and encode, and the latest HDMI and Display Port display interfaces," said Dr. Ken Weng, GM for S3 Graphics. "Our new Chrome 5400E truly bridges the gap between PC and embedded device design, giving customers true GPU versatility." Native support of OpenCL with the industry's best GFLOPS per watt rating including a DirectX 10.1 / OpenGL 3.1 graphics engine, ChromotionHD video core for HD video decode including Blu-ray, H.264, and VC-1, a video encode engine, and OpenVG 1.1 engine in the 5400E creates the most versatile GPU for embedded applications requiring longevity, customization, performance, features, and low power. DirectX 10.1 and OpenGL 3.1 applications on Microsoft Windows and Linux platforms can be effectively run using the Chrome 5400E programmable shader cores to speed up 3D simulations, 3D rendering applications, and other visual processing functions. OpenVG 1.1 support boosts 2D based vector graphics for scalable graphics and video vector based applications. Driver support of Microsoft operating systems includes Windows 7 Aero, Vista Aero, XP, and CE. Linux kernel 2.6.xx with support for RedHat, SuSE, Ubuntu, Fedora Core, Debian, along with other Linux distributions are supported by the 5400E drivers. More information on the S3 Graphics 5400E may be found on the S3 Graphics website at: http://www.s3graphics.com/en/products/class2.aspx?seriesId=17
Jeremy Hellstrom | Source: AnandTech | Subject: Processor
AnandTech seems to have hit AMD's value product line's mantra on the head, "sell three cores for the price of two".
The new Athlon II X3s are the 435 @ 2.9GHz and the 425 at 2.7GHz and they are expected to sell at $87 and $76 repectively. This puts them well below the price of Intel's offerings of similar chips. They are 95W chips, just like their X4 cousins and sit at 1.5MBs of L2 cache thanks to the disabled core. They also overclock fairly well thanks to that disabled core. A month ago AMD introduced the world’s first quad-core processor to debut at $99. Last week, AMD announced its third quarter earnings for 2009. While the company as a whole lost money, the Product Company (CPU and GPU design) turned a small profit. I don’t want to say that the worst is behind AMD, but things are definitely looking up. And for the consumer, AMD is providing a ton of value these days. You're getting more transistors per dollar than Intel will give you, and it's not just bloat, these things are fast. The value train continues with todays introduction of the first triple core Athlon II processors: the Athlon II X3 435 and 425. Clocked at 2.9GHz and 2.7GHz respectively, these processors are simply Athlon II X4s with one core disabled. Here are some more Processor articles from around the web:
Jeremy Hellstrom | Source: iXBT Labs | Subject: Processor
iXBT Labs has been accumulating information on the new technologies we find in the present CPUs from AMD and Intel. In this particular article they focus on Hyper Threading, what it means and more importantly what you can expect to see in the way of performance impacts in normal usage. You can find links to the others in the series of articles on this page, including a portion on memory tweaking.
"As promised, this short article will be devoted to the analysis of probably one of the most interesting technologies used in Intel Core i7 processors -- Hyper- Threading." Here are some more Processor articles from around the web:
Jeremy Hellstrom | Source: t-break | Subject: Processor
New desktop CPUs tend to be more exciting to cover as all of the bells and whistles that come with the new architecture are included in these chips. Worrying about heat and size are only partially important, whereas those are the most important things to consider when designing a mobile processor. The extra bells and whistles, apart from energy saving tricks are add only if they do not have a negative impact on the TDP. The appearance of three Core i7 mobile processors is worth looking at though, this is an incredible amount of processing power to fit into a laptop. Drop by t-break to get all the information on these three mobile powerhouses.
"Intel launched their new Nahelam based Core i7 mobile CPUs in Dubai yesterday. The following three CPUs are going to be initially available under the Core i7 umbrella at the moment along with some specifications Core i7-720QM Core i7-820QM Core i7-920XM Frequency 1.60GHz 1.73GHz 2.0GHz Smart Cache 6MB 8MB 8MB Turbo Boost 2.80GHz 3.06GH..." Here are some more Processor articles from around the web:
Jeremy Hellstrom | Source: X-Bit Labs | Subject: Processor
If you still haven't had enough news about Intel's new 32nm processors after reading Ryan's article and listening to us gab about it on this week's PC Perspective Podcast, then head to X-bit Labs! They get up close and personal with Clarkdale and its architecture in their new preview. They talk about Intel's infamous Tick-Tock strategy that drives their current product roadmap and also take a look at the integration in the new chip along with its Graphics Media Accelerator.
"Over the past few days Intel revealed some exciting details on the upcoming Intel Westmere processor codenamed Clarkdale. Architectural improvements, new design, performance details and more." Here are some more Processor articles from around the web:
Jeremy Hellstrom | Source: Intel Press Room | Subject: Processor
INTEL DEVELOPER FORUM, San Francisco, Sept. 22, 2009 – Intel President and CEO Paul Otellini today displayed a silicon wafer containing the world's first working chips built on 22nm process technology. The 22nm test circuits include both SRAM memory as well as logic circuits to be used in future Intel microprocessors.
"At Intel, Moore's Law is alive and thriving," said Otellini. "We've begun production of the world's first 32nm microprocessor, which is also the first high-performance processor to integrate graphics with the CPU. At the same time, we're already moving ahead with development of our 22nm manufacturing technology and have built working chips that will pave the way for production of still more powerful and more capable processors." The 22nm wafer displayed by Otellini is made up of individual die containing 364 million bits of SRAM memory and has more than 2.9 billion transistors packed into an area the size of a fingernail. The chips contain the smallest SRAM cell used in working circuits ever reported at .092 square microns. The devices rely on a third-generation high-k metal gate transistor technology for improved performance and lower leakage power. By continuing to lead in manufacturing technology Intel is able to innovate and integrate new features and functions into its processors. Intel's 32nm process is now certified and Westmere processor wafers are moving through the factory in support of planned fourth quarter revenue production. Following the move to 32nm Intel will subsequently introduce Sandy Bridge, Intel's next new microarchitecture. Sandy Bridge will feature a sixth generation graphics core on the same die as the processor core and includes AVX instructions for floating point, media, and processor intensive software. By continuing to drive the pace of innovation Intel is addressing the needs of entirely new market segments including netbooks, handhelds, consumer electronics and embedded applications. "Intel Core and Atom-based processors have generated unprecedented excitement and opportunities in our key growth areas," Otellini said. "To build on this momentum, we're working on ways to create a seamless Internet experience for people across all their computing devices. Today we're announcing a program to encourage development of software applications that can be written once, but run on Windows and Moblin devices – expanding their reach to more devices and consumers." The Intel Atom Developer Program provides a framework for independent software vendors (ISVs) and software developers to create and sell applications for netbooks and other Intel® Atom™ processor-based products. To broaden application availability across platforms, the program will support multiple operating systems and run-time environments. Run-time environments enable developers to use a single code base to support various device platforms without massive reprogramming, reducing cost and time to market. Intel is working with partners, such as netbook OEMs ACER and Asus, to create application storefronts in which validated software applications will be sold. In the embedded market segment, the Atom processor is driving advanced technology into new areas from hospital patient monitoring to avionics applications to audio systems. The company currently has 460 embedded Atom design wins including Harman International Industries. The provider of a wide range of audio and infotainment products for vehicles, Harman International has announced new in-car devices based on the Atom core that will enable full Internet access, 3-D navigation, brilliant graphics and high-speed wireless connectivity.
Ryan Shrout | Source: PC Perspective | Subject: Processor
The Wi-Fi connection here at IDF is sketchy at best we'll do our best to cover the keynotes for you live from the event!
Jeremy Hellstrom | Source: PC Perspective | Subject: Processor
AMD has taken over the lower end of the CPU spectrum with the release of the Athlon II X4 620 and 630. In the $100 price range, the only chip Intel has to offer is the Q8200, and at around $27 more it and with lesser performance, it is overwhelmed by AMDs offerings. The bad news is that Black Edition processors are limited to the Phenom II series, the Athlons will not have one. On the plus side, that wonderful little BIOS feature called ACC may be able to unlock L3 cache that is disabled on the chip. Josh has posted his full review at the top of the page and you have to read it.
"AMD has not reinvented the wheel with the Athlon II X4 series of chips. They are not disruptive products from a performance standpoint, and they bring nothing particularly new to the marketplace. Except price of course. When we consider that, then the Athlon II X4s are disruptive. A fast, quad core at $122 will turn a few heads. We can also expect to eventually see more power efficient versions of these chips potentially make it into the laptop market (as the dual core Athlon II X2s have done recently)." Here are some more Processor articles from around the web:
Jeremy Hellstrom | Source: [H]ard|OCP | Subject: Processor
As we mentioned in last nights podcast, only two of the three Lynnfield processors have appeared for review, with the sweetest one of all MIA. Hopefully this means that the i7-860 is on its way into the channel in large numbers as it sits in the price point of the i7-920 and does about the same thing with less power needed and less heat produced. While we are awaiting its arrival why not see how professionals like the folks at [H]ard|OCP have fared with this new processor and chipset. It will give you some ideas for when you have your own Lynnfield to push to its limits.
"Intel today launches its new Lynnfield processor based on its tremendously dominant Nehalem architecture. New Lynnfield processors bring with them a new socket that commands a new series of motherboards and both are very much on track to capture a huge share of the enthusiast computer hardware market." Here are some more Motherboard articles from around the web:
Jeremy Hellstrom | Source: PC Perspective | Subject: Processor
After all of the preamble and waiting, the Lynnfield core has finally arrived in the form of the Core i5 750, the Core i7 860 and the Core i7 870. If that isn't confusing enough, you can hold hope that the Core i6 might show up soon. The two i7s come with hyperthreading, as their name implies, the sole i5 does not; all use DDR3 but not all Core i7s can use triple channel memory.
The marketplace for CPUs has become very odd, but it is not in a unpleasant way as we see new levels of power savings and efficiency from a processor without seeing sacrifices in performance. Indeed in some cases the efficiency of the new architecture exceeds that of its predecessor. You've waited a long time to meet Intel's new architecture; Ryan is waiting to introduce you. "Intel's new Lynnfield Core i7 and Core i5 processors weren't intended to win overall performance crowns, but they came closer than many expected them to in our testing. Lynnfield indeed brings the features and performance of the Nehalem architecture to a new price point and market and in doing so will likely spark a wave of PC enthusiast upgrades this fall and winter. If the performance of these parts didn't blow you away, then perhaps the outstanding performance per watt did, or even the performance per dollar?" Here are some more Processor articles from around the web:
Jeremy Hellstrom | Source: Red & Blackness Mods | Subject: Processor
Now that the capabilities of the i7 920 have been fully explored, enthusiasts are trying to find another processor that can deliver the performance that they want, while staying somewhere in the neighbourhood of $300.
One contender is AMD's Phenom II 965, priced at $240. Four cores at 3.2GHz give it equal footing when trying to unseat the i7 920 but you will have to visit R&B Mods to see how the competition played out.
"The Phenom 2 955 performed extremely well for the money you paid for it, this new 965 version costs about 245$ which is still a fair amount below the Core i7 920 price,. The question is; will it be able to perform somewhat similar or even faster than the Core i7? Let's take a closer look." Here are some more Processor articles from around the web:
Jeremy Hellstrom | Source: ALIENBABEL tech | Subject: Processor
As Josh talked about last night on the PCPer Podcast, ACC is an AMD users best friend. The newest trick is unlocking the extra 6MB L3 cache on some Athlon II processors, essentially making them into Phenom II CPUs. Drop by ALIENBABEL tech to see the benchmarks of one such unlocked chip.
"It seems that the ACC intended to improve overclocking on the original AMD Phenoms, is playing new magic tricks again. After it’s ACT 1 which was the unlocking of the disabled cores on the tri-core and dual core Phenom II X3 and X2’s, ACC seems to have found a new puppy to perform ACT 2 on. This time it unlocks the L3 cache on the upcoming Athlon II quad core parts." Here are some more Processor articles from around the web:
Jeremy Hellstrom | Source: Legion Hardware | Subject: Processor
The new Phenom X4 965s are impressive processors but they throw off a lot of heat so not all AM3 motherboards will take them, as well there are certain setups where a CPU tossing off that much heat and consuming that much power just isn't feasible. Thus we have the 65W TDP 2.5 GHz X3 705e and the 2.5GHz Phenom II X4 905e low power CPUs. While both are quite powerful for their niche, neither have the unlocked multipliers that Black Edition Phenoms offer. Drop by Legit Reviews to see how they perform and their overclocking results.
"The AMD Phenom II X3 705e and Phenom II X4 905e processors make a great drop-in replacement for those of you running an older and slower processor. We were able to replace the AMD Phenom X4 9350e, which is a quad-core, 2GHz, 65W TDP part from last summer, in our 780G Maui HTPC system and drop in the AMD Phenom II X4 905e after a quick BIOS update. The extra 500MHz boost in performance is noticeable and best of all the power consumption and temperatures on the system actually lowered. The load power consumption was only 8 Watts lower, but that is impressive for a processor that is running 500MHz faster on the core clock and with 4MB more L3 cache!" Here are some more Processor articles from around the web:
Jeremy Hellstrom | Source: PC Perspective | Subject: Processor
The Deneb based Phenom II X4 965 Black Edition processor is AMD's new top of the line product. The core is running at a nice and speedy 3.4 GHz, but the memory controller, HT link, and L3 cache are untouched, still running at 2 GHz. AMD has set the price at $245, a nice attractive price for a drop in upgrade. Josh tests this 140W processor as far as it can go and a bit beyond, plus you can check out his new Frankencooler.
"Still, we must hand it to the folks in Austin and Dresden, they continue to compete and they continue to offer faster products at competitive prices. This in turn lowers the prices on slower parts, and the consumer gets a whole lot more performance for their buck. Add into this the improved motherboard support and the price of DDR-3 (though spiking recently) getting closer to DDR-2 levels, and users get another good option for their hard earned dollars (or whatever currency fits their needs)." Here are some more Processor articles from around the web:
Ryan Shrout | Source: PC Perspective | Subject: Processor
Now this is getting to be just plain funny. Intel still hasn't gotten us our official Lynnfield processor samples but they are apparently showing up for sale in retail form already! Not in the US mind you, but somewhere.
The CPUs are apparently for sale in various Chinese establishments and websites like coolaler.com and xfastest.com have users showing off their new wares in the appropriate forums.
Of course there is benchmarking and overclocking going on, but I don't read much Chinese so...yah. Screenshots are universal however and see overclocks above 4.0 GHz this early is always a good sign for users HERE that will get them after the product officially launches.
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