Nehalem memory controler

whats up with thte triple channel memory controler? wouldn't quad channel be the next logical step?

and as it looks like we are going to need mamny more memory slots, whe not switch to So-Dimms for desk top memory too.

maybe AMD will try it an make up some ground.

Ok..... adding another channel of memory bandwidth.....and in terms of performance doubling it compared to current standards.....AMD has not even gone to DDR3 yet....and you are complaining?

Wow.......just Wow..... They will have Quad channel DDR3 for the servers.

^Well said.

Windows 7 will be 32 and 64 bit (they've gone mad for sure)

No thats FB-DIMMS which is used in the server. But SO-DIMMS are not a good choice either.

@groo:

If AMD goes out the window, my money is on IBM to start producing x86-64 processors.

A second but less likely option is other architectures might become a more viable solution than x86-64s and people might start the transition over to say cell or sparc. Although windows is only x86 compatable (I think some alpha versions were released as well), linux and Mac OS can run on other architectures (Mac is limited to just Sparc, but its a start). With that said, take that as you will, its a not likely future, but it could happen.

I believe the next version of Windows is just a Vista update.

Looks like MS wants to do the tick tock as well.

Tock 98
Tick ME
Tock 2k Pro
Tick XP
Tock Vista
Tick Windows 7
Tock [unknown] <--- I suspect this version will be a 64-bit OS that will be backwards compatable with 32-bit apps.

Tick 95
Tock 98
(umm f*** up) ME - same kernal as 95 / 98 - just taken too far
Tick 2k Pro
Tock XP
Tick Vista
Tock Windows 7

This tick tock business is getting silly, however i agree with:

Tick 95
Tock 98
(umm f*** up) ME - same kernal as 95 / 98 - just taken too far
Tick 2k Pro
Tock XP
Tick Vista
Tock Windows 7

Study the term "undermining" and you will become aware of AMD's strategy.

Plus do you actually need an x86 license? I don't think so? If you do, IBM already evidently have it.


Didn't IBM create x86, or was that Intel?

Thank you, let us all take a good look at this and learn.

i dont have time to look for it right now but i will be back with a link

Then why do AMD have it?

Mostly right. Originally AMD had a clone license that allowed them to produce clones of Intel processors to assist Intel in keeping up with demand. They were doing this up until the 286 I think, I'd have to reread the whole thing about the cross license again. At that point Intel had enough of their own fabs to produce on there own. They tried to end the license with AMD. AMD in turn acquired several Intel (was either 286 or 386) processors and reverse engineered them to be able to continue to produce x86 processors of the current generation. Intel sued AMD over patent infringement, but due to anti monopoly laws, the supreme court forced intel to continue to renew the license. The license was renewed but Intel continuously refused to release technical specs on it's current generation procs, causing amd to again have to reverse engineer the 486. Also, around that time, the Patent office also deemed that you couldn't patent something that used a number for its name, 5x86 for example. Which is why the 5x86 from Intel was named the Pentium. That turn made things more difficult for AMD. If I remember correctly at that point, there were some court battles fought. Don't remember the rulings, but I know they allowed AMD to continue producing the 4x86 and then the 5x86 processors. Also note around the 4x86 time is when the 5-7 year rolling cross license agreement began between Intel and AMD. The 5-7 year rolling license is what covers both companies modern microprocessor designs. That license also includes the ability for both companies to use all instruction code extension IP that exists at the time of renewal. But, neither company can use any of the stuff that comes out between renewals until the next time the license is renewed. As we know Intel is very strongly against using anything that AMD designs, which is why you won't see intel procs with 3d Now or other instructions that AMD designed. But the license does cover the use of such IP, mmx, sse#, x86-64, etc. This is why AMD processor will have a few years lag between adopting new Intel instruction extensions, will probably be about another year or so before then can use SSE4 and 4.1 for example. The cost is AMD has to pay Intel a % based royalty for the use of said instruction extensions.

As far as active x86 licenses go, Cyrix still has an active license. IBM I believe has one but doesn't use it, since they seem to have departed from x86. On a note, the Cell processor will run Windows and Linux, there is a way to make a ps3 run windows for example. Gotta remember, ever since the Xbox came out, the consoles have more or less evolved into bleeding edge/budget computer systems. All the Xbox was, was a 900mhz p3 with a modified, geforce 3 graphics processor originally, then they later switched to a modified radeon. I kinda wish Sony had taken the 128bit emotion engine processor they had used for the ps2 and updated it for modern times instead of using a cell processor in the ps3 though.

The scary part is I've actually read most of the the Intel/AMD cross license agreement. I'd say all of it, but there are sections that aren't available for public viewing.

It also mentions that neither company can be bought out or merge with another company without the license being nullified. The only way around that is if in the most likely case, AMD knew they were going under and couldn't recover. They could work with IBM or whoever, and plan a buyout or merger to happen. Then AMD would have to say they were leaving the x86 processor market, at which point they could give/transfer the license to another company. After that IBM could have the current, and renewable license to make x86 architecture processors. At that point IBM would then buy AMD to acquire all if it's IP and patents.

Never happen Intel's legal machine would drag it out over years resulting in the termination of the agreement, there would be likely be an immediate nullification of the deal coming from higher courts, Intel’s money ensures they don’t get jerked around like that. AMD has survived before on less, they will have private investors the will keep them afloat, and hopefully the Spanish fellow will be removed.

Word, Playa.