Written by Josh Martin, TecMarc Technology Services
Since The invention of the microchip (Source: http://www.pbs.org/transistor/background1/events/micropinv.html), It’s been established that technology will only continue to improve. Gordon Moore, a co-founder at Intel, published a paper in 1966 stating that computer processors would become twice as small, and twice as fast every 2 years. This theory is known as “Moore’s Law”, and it has been accurate. The only variation in this “law” is that processors now double in power every 18 months.
Now, in 2011, we are on the cusp of the next generation of microprocessors. Later this year AMD and Intel will release the newest processors to the public. These processors are state of the art, but designed to be compatible with current generation computers. This is the first time that a new processor won’t require a new board. This means consumers and businesses can upgrade at a fraction of the cost. The real question is, will AMD and Intel make it worth the cost to your business? Today we will look at these new processors, and give you some information that can help you decide if it is cost effective for your business to upgrade.
Intel
Intel was co-founded by Gordon Moore and Robert Noyce in 1966. Intel is one of two leading designers and manufactures in processor technology, and is considered the leader in these technologies. Intel is opening a new state of the art production plant in Arizona next year. Arizona will be home base for the generation of processors following the Ivy Bridge series.
Current | Next Gen | |||||
Code Name | Sandy Bridge | Ivy Bridge | ||||
Family | I3, I5,I7 | I3, I5,I7 | ||||
# of cores | 2, 4, 6 | 2, 4, 6 | ||||
Top Speed | 3.3ghz (per core) | 3.4ghz (per core) |
AMD
Advanced Micro Devices was founded in 1969. AMD had been overlooked as a real competitor to Intel until they produced the first 64-bit processor in 2003. Since then AMD has been playing catch up to Intel on processor technology. They hope their new Bulldozer series will be enough to take the number one spot from Intel.
Current | Next Gen | |||||
Code Name | Pheonom | Bulldozer | ||||
Family | X3, X4, X6 | X3, X4, X6, X8 | ||||
# of cores | 3, 4, 6 (8, server only) | 3, 4, 6, 8, (12, server only) | ||||
Top Speed | 3.4ghz (per core) | 3.6ghz (per core) |
The Charts above are only a small bit of information on the new processors from these technology giants. The big question is still price. AMD stated last week that the most powerful processor, an 8-core at 3.6ghz per core, will only cost around $320. This is the same price as a current generation Intel 6-core at 3.3ghz per core. Intel’s most powerful 6-core is still upwards of $800 and is super-clocked at 3.4ghz per core. AMD is looking to cut down on consumer cost by more than half, and still have a more powerful product.
The next factor is bit-rate. Most business computers are 32-bit based. Its only with Windows 7 that most computers are going to 64-bit. The 64-bit just means more powerful computers and more RAM, up to 64 gigabytes to be exact. AMD is claiming Bulldozer is 32, 64, and 128 bit ready. This means servers and desktops can use up to 128gigabytes of RAM. Servers will most likely be able to utilize up to 256 gigabytes of RAM. That kind of RAM will really benefit your enterprise SQL, and maybe reduce the number of servers your company needs to operate. Intel has not made any comment on bit-rate of the Ivy Bridge series, but all the specs indicate it must be 128-bit.
The final factor we will look at is application. Windows and Linux server software is ready for 128-bit processers. These speeds will reduce the number of required servers, and will increase the number of applications you can have on a single server. Windows 7 is only a 64-bit OS, and Microsoft has implied that Windows 8 will be 128-bit. Most desktop Linux distributions are already 128-bit ready. Since most major businesses rely on Windows as their platform, this will allow business to max out the potential of their current desktops, and be ready for Windows 8 if that upgrade is required.
Intel and AMD hardly disappoint, and this being the first major new series from both manufactures since 2008, it’s hard to imagine this won’t benefit businesses and average consumers alike. Many businesses are using their current hardware for Windows 7 as opposed to buying all new hardware. These new series will allow your business to use current hardware in most cases, meaning you can upgrade without buying all new computers. This will allow you to remain cutting edge without breaking the bank.
Discuss how these new processors will benefit your business desktops and servers below.
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