>Ian - Re: No Copper from Intel
>Why don't you tell us about IBM's 0.20 micron all copper
>PowerPC that only runs at 480 MHz and Intel's 0.25 micron
>all aluminum Deschutes that runs at 450 MHz.
Paul,
Sure. I'm assuming you're referring to the IEEE International Solid State Circuit Conference in San Francisco last month. In addition to the 480MHz G4, IBM's Microelectronics Division also demoed a prototype 1,100MHz PowerPC architecture. Both of these technologies aren't expected to be released until the end of the year - about the same time as the 450MHz Deschutes (or about 2 years ahead of Merced). Was this your point?
Besides, last time I checked, "only" 480Mhz was still higher than 450MHz. Even so, directly measuring MHz to make a performance comparison of differing microprocessor architectures is remarkably simple-minded... especially for someone investing in semi's. It's like measuring RPM in a car to determine how fast it will go. Hint: a 30hp motor running at 5,000 rpm is not going to make the same vehicle go faster than a 300hp motor at 3,000 rpm.
Fact is, if Apple's slower 266MHz PowerPC can (according to BYTEmarks) out-perform Compaq's 4860/PII 333 by nearly 2 to 1 (9.01 vs. 4.64 benchmark score), this doesn't bode well for the Pentium's immediate, and copperless future. Add the looming disaster of Celeron to this equation, and sooner or later the market's gonna notice the Emperor's a little short in the wardrobe department.
And just so we're on the same page kiddo - Intel's announced Deschutes rollout is a 350MHz, 400MHz and, then finally, a 450MHz version perhaps by the end of the year.
>Even IBM admits that the copper resulted in lower
>capacitance - not lower resistance - for its
>interconnects.
Huh?!
#1. Capacitance issues were covered in the links I provided.
#2. Suppose you show us anything that says IBM (or anyone else for that matter) "admits" aluminum interconnects have lower resistivity than copper.
>You do have that information don't you?
Gee, sorry. The tinfoil antenna on my head must have slipped. If you're going to get embroiled in a battle of wits Paul, I suggest you sufficiently arm yourself first.
Ian Bruce
New York, NY
P.S.- I'm new on this board. Is this Paul some kind of a nut? |
