A few days ago, I wrote a blog about the new dual core processors from Intel and AMD. Specifically I described the new chips as being two processors built into one shell (and how the AMD and Intel matched up against each other in a head-to-head performance contest).
But of course, processor manufacturers are not standing still with their new triumphs. They are moving ahead with even bolder and faster chips for our computing future. Now, both companies are working on quad-core chips...that is, four processors housed inside of one. AMD is discussing plans to begin offering a family of four-core chips early in 2007, while Intel, so far, has only broadly hinted about offering a four- core server chip the same year.
And while the chip makers once battled over clock speed, in one form or another, the coming years will bring a new battleground. Intel and AMD will trade barbs over who can offer chips with more processor cores sooner with better performance per watt, or how much power each chip consumes versus the amount of performance it offers customers. AMD is already bragging about how its dual-core processor uses less power that its Intel rival thus running cooler and saving more money on electricity.
With a new awareness in the cost of electricity in computers (see my blog of 11/24/05), this may prove to be an interesting story sooner than later. For instance, in a recent press release, AMD says that a company running 500 servers could save over $50,000 per year in electrical costs by using their dual-core processors over Intel's. That's a lot of bucks!
In a related story, Intel appears headed toward offering the first dual-core notebook chip in Yonah, a new version of its Pentium M that is expected in January.
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