Interesting article for all to enjoy.
Summer buzz: Intel's 64-bit P7 chip by Tom Davey
Fresh rumors are buzzing over the specifics of the P7
microprocessor, which is being developed in secrecy between
Intel Corp. and Hewlett-Packard Co.
Some sources say the 64-bit chip, also known as Merced, will
scream at a clock speed of 1,400MHz. They add that "funny
radiation," which is electronic interference caused by the high
clock speed, was a problem during early development but has
since been fixed.
Analysts say that while a clock speed of 1,400MHz is likely, it
won't be achieved soon.
"We expect to see the first systems with P7 in 1999," said
Martin Reynolds, director of technology assessment at
Dataquest Inc., in San Jose, Calif. "But I'd expect it to take
another three years to attain that clock speed."
Linley Gwennap, editor of The Microprocessor Report, in
Sebastapol, Calif., said he expects to see samples of the chip
during the first half of 1998 at around 500MHz. PCs with the
chip should be available to the public late that year, he added.
Analysts expect the Merced will run Unix and x86 code in the
range of five to seven instructions per clock cycle. The new
chip should also eliminate the distinction between workstation
and desktop systems.
In manufacturing the chip, Intel may have to use gallium
arsenide instead of silicon to move the electrons more quickly,
the sources said.
Reynolds acknowledged that is an issue but added the
substance is expensive and hard to handle. Intel would more
likely go to silicon germanium, he said, which was the
substance used in the 1950s to make the first transistors.
He also said the aluminum wires in chips may eventually be
replaced with gold, which is more conductive.
Intel and HP officials declined to comment. |
