Linked by Thom Holwerda on Wed 9th Apr 2008 21:49 UTC
"Atom is the brand name for Intel's newly-launched ultramobile processor line, but it could just as well be the name for Intel's next-generation 45nm microarchitecture. This new core microarchitecture, codenamed Nehalem, forms the basic building block from which Intel will assemble the brains for everything from high-end servers to svelte notebooks. Insofar as Nehalem represents a lot more than just a new processor, it's a significant shift for Intel at almost every level. In this article, I'll give a general overview of Nehalem, focusing on the major changes and big new features that the architecture will eventually bring to Intel's entire x86 processor line. A more in-depth examination of Nehalem from me will show up later in the spring; for now, read on for the highlights. Here's what you need to know about Nehalem."
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Member since:
2005-12-04
Don't count out AMD yet. Ultimately the features Nehalem is bragging about seem to be nothing more than copies of what AMD has been using. AMD has been using an integrated memory controller for a while now. And QPI strikes me as a clone of HyperTransport.
Of course just because a company develops something first doesn't mean they'll succeed. And AMD has already made at least one mistake (that bug in the Phenom with a workaround that disables the L2 cache if activated). It will be interesting to see what AMD does to compete. Maybe develop a new technology that Intel will clone a year or two down the road.
I do like the addition of an extra memory channel just because it will allow for more slots. I tend to invest in several low-capacity sticks rather than just one or two high-capacity modules.
Edited 2008-04-10 11:47 UTC