Well, 2010 will see what I'd be calling Intel's bundleGate. Bundling a rubbish GPU part with highly desired CPU (Arrandale and Clarkdale having 45nm Intel integrated GPU on-chip with the CPU).
This is nasty. Forcing desktop and laptop manufacturers into accepting this GPU and hence dissuading them from AMD-ATI or Nvidia integrated or discrete graphics.
Geez, you're so fixated on this. It's really no big deal if the pricing isn't much more than the Core2Duo part, the package size is the same and you can turn off the GPU part to not use power beyond the memory controller portion. With Sandy bridge they'll even be on the same die.
It's 45nm because it is a low end and cheapo part and for non-gamers it works okay. The Clarkdale GPU is faster than the X4500HD, does DX10 + shader model 4.0, and can do dual stream HD decoding, dual HDMI and 12 bit color. It does blue ray audio bitstreams correctly and you don't need to buy a Radeon HD 5870 to do so. It's not a GPU as much as a media processing unit. All the enhancements beyond making Aero not suck has been improvements in media playback support.
It's like whining that every motherboard comes with ethernet now.
...It's like whining that every motherboard comes with ethernet now.
Well, I guess if those motherboards are made by various companies then ethernet's okay. Oops! Wait, since the chipset is all Intel I guess your ethernet's all from Intel*.
*Or ethernet chip suppliers which have to work with Intel chipsets.
To be honest, I'm not as psycho as I sound, just bored. People at work are idiots so I don't hang out with them on my off days... I have friends, I swear... *sniff* *now you made me cry*
...It's 45nm because it is a low end and cheapo part and for non-gamers it works okay. The Clarkdale GPU is faster than the X4500HD, does DX10 + shader model 4.0...
If by 5 to 10 frames per second you mean, then I guess it *does* DX10... I see bundleGate has pulled the wool over your eyes. See the FTC document on Intel's "miselading statements". Why do they even need to bother mentioning DX10 and Shader model 4.0? You can't do anything with DX10 and Shader model 4.0 on a X4500HD (or whatever is in Clarkdale or Arrandale) - the frame rates will be way, way too low, for sure. It's pure, unadulterated marketing candy floss. Maybe Aero might have something to do with DX10, I could be mistaken.
Use Intel cpus and avoid the Intel IG for the desktops and laptops...
I agree, I still think Apple should use Intel CPUs for desktops and laptops, Clarkdale and Arrandale are going to bring the next step up of performance-per-watt. I *am* curious to see if Apple will have to do what Vinea says, accept the CPU as it is and simply "disable" the integrated GPU on the chip.
I have a G5 PowerMac, that is just now starting to feel a little old. Not for the speed, but due to applications coming out for Intel only.
The PowerPC G5 was a very powerful processor for its time. Look at these benchmarks from MacWorld. The first is the G5 2.3GHz Dual tests from back in 2005:
SpeedMark4 (bigger is better) - 224
PhotoShop CS2 test (less is better) - :59
Cinema 4D render test (less is better) - 1:13
Here is an iMac Core 2 Duo 2.4 GHz from last year (note that the software versions are not the same, for whatever difference that might make)
SpeedMark5 - 230
PhotoShop CS3 test - 1:02
Cinema 4D render test - :54
As you can see, these two machines, three years apart, have almost identical performance characteristics for these three tests.
The continued performance of my G5 has made me hesitate to upgrade. My experience with my family's Macs (MacBook and iMac) have not shown any obvious speed differences to me in everyday use. The one issue I am starting to run into is updating purchased software, only to find the upgrade is Intel-only. That frustration will lead me to upgrade my machine in the next year.
However, the problem was that you could not cram a dual-core or dual-processor PowerPC G5 into a laptop or an iMac (both of which are far more popular than the Power Mac G5/Mac Pro). Also, the PowerPC G5 wasn't getting any faster at that point. The fastest PowerPC G5 required liquid-cooling because it was so damn hot, and eventually the liquid-cooling system failed destroying the computer.
Yeah, I suppose locking the iPhone to ATT reduces the appeal of the iPhone because people don't like ATT so locking in this case is "de-competitive"... Or something like that LOL.
Huh?
Quote:
Originally Posted by nvidia2008
I don't think Apple will reveal much details even if Apple is unhappy about the relationship... Since it would mean Apple would have to disclose how it negotiates with suppliers and obtains components.
It's not about whether Apple is happy or unhappy in their relationship with Intel, or whether they wish to participate in the suit. It's about the FTC sending a subpoena to key people at Apple and asking them to explain in depositions their change from a competitor of Intel to a customer of Intel.
However, the problem was that you could not cram a dual-core or dual-processor PowerPC G5 into a laptop or an iMac (both of which are far more popular than the Power Mac G5/Mac Pro). Also, the PowerPC G5 wasn't getting any faster at that point. The fastest PowerPC G5 required liquid-cooling because it was so damn hot, and eventually the liquid-cooling system failed destroying the computer.
I completely agree with the switch to Intel. Never meant to suggest otherwise. My only point was that I am not seeing a significant improvement in speed for a newer Intel machine with a processor of similar speed. I do look forward to a machine that does not affect my air-conditioning bill!
If by 5 to 10 frames per second you mean, then I guess it *does* DX10... I see bundleGate has pulled the wool over your eyes. See the FTC document on Intel's "miselading statements". Why do they even need to bother mentioning DX10 and Shader model 4.0? You can't do anything with DX10 and Shader model 4.0 on a X4500HD (or whatever is in Clarkdale or Arrandale) - the frame rates will be way, way too low, for sure. It's pure, unadulterated marketing candy floss. Maybe Aero might have something to do with DX10, I could be mistaken.
Aero only requires DX9 but there's no reason not to do DX10 and SM 4.0 given it's already in the X4500/X4500HD. It's faster so there are probably some low end DX10 games that will work. Not every DX10 game will be Crysis or World In Conflict. Civ 4 is a DX9.0c title for example but not in the same league as any DX9 FPS game. Having geometry shading can be useful even for games without a high FPS requirement.
Most AAA titles will be DX10 soon...even the non-frame rate heavy genres. Heck LOTROL and D&DOL support DX10 effects.
Here's Counter Strike Source bench comparing the GMA4500 and the HD 3470.
I agree, I still think Apple should use Intel CPUs for desktops and laptops, Clarkdale and Arrandale are going to bring the next step up of performance-per-watt. I *am* curious to see if Apple will have to do what Vinea says, accept the CPU as it is and simply "disable" the integrated GPU on the chip.
For the MBPs the IGP is weaker than the 9400M that it currently uses for low power mode and adding a discrete GPU in the 13" might be a little annoying but a custom Arrandale part? At this late date? They might as well wait for Sandy Bridge. There's no way they'll get the IGP portion removed in any scenario that makes any economic or schedule sense if the objection is this late in the game.
Maybe for the MBA the custom part was reasonable given the lead times. But the only thing this does is make the MBP line up really "pro" across the whole line up if they all have discrete graphics. They can certainly spin that to their advantage.
Apple should switch to AMD, or probably go the full length and switch to ARM.
AND can't right now. Intels price slashing lead AMD to do the same thing. This forced AMD to also lowering their prices, again, top of the line was about $350-$400. Meanwhile AMD lost a lot of money and ended up selling their Dresden wafer fab which was intels intent.
What we can hope for are legal proceedings that lead to AMD getting the rights to work on the duo core. Then they can make some money again, come up with something even more effecient, yet powerful then Apple has machines from both companies perhaps lowering the price of their machines as chip prices drop and finally? The long awaited mid range, headless mac pro for the millions if ProSumers out there from gaming ( boot to windows, any graphic card), musicians, millions that can run software from both platforms and of course for some excitement, throw in a bios mode so over clockers can tweak the machings memory timings, front side bus, and CPU mulitiplyer, allowing for extreme speeds. Apple would dominte in like a heart beat. Millions of customers, gamers and semi entertainment folks out there would love their own gpu, over clocking a mac, editing, ethusiasts, audio production.
It would be quite huge. AMD just needs a break and a breakthrough.
Also, OT, read a few weeks ago, 1000 cores should be out in a few years by this MIT of company. AMD should by that company as they wouldnhave the nada to release a 64 core for a duo core price. That's what I loved about them.
Comments
Well, 2010 will see what I'd be calling Intel's bundleGate. Bundling a rubbish GPU part with highly desired CPU (Arrandale and Clarkdale having 45nm Intel integrated GPU on-chip with the CPU).
This is nasty. Forcing desktop and laptop manufacturers into accepting this GPU and hence dissuading them from AMD-ATI or Nvidia integrated or discrete graphics.
Geez, you're so fixated on this. It's really no big deal if the pricing isn't much more than the Core2Duo part, the package size is the same and you can turn off the GPU part to not use power beyond the memory controller portion. With Sandy bridge they'll even be on the same die.
It's 45nm because it is a low end and cheapo part and for non-gamers it works okay. The Clarkdale GPU is faster than the X4500HD, does DX10 + shader model 4.0, and can do dual stream HD decoding, dual HDMI and 12 bit color. It does blue ray audio bitstreams correctly and you don't need to buy a Radeon HD 5870 to do so. It's not a GPU as much as a media processing unit. All the enhancements beyond making Aero not suck has been improvements in media playback support.
It's like whining that every motherboard comes with ethernet now.
...It's like whining that every motherboard comes with ethernet now.
Well, I guess if those motherboards are made by various companies then ethernet's okay. Oops! Wait, since the chipset is all Intel I guess your ethernet's all from Intel*.
*Or ethernet chip suppliers which have to work with Intel chipsets.
To be honest, I'm not as psycho as I sound, just bored. People at work are idiots so I don't hang out with them on my off days... I have friends, I swear...
...It's 45nm because it is a low end and cheapo part and for non-gamers it works okay. The Clarkdale GPU is faster than the X4500HD, does DX10 + shader model 4.0...
If by 5 to 10 frames per second you mean, then I guess it *does* DX10...
*sigh. long boring day today*
Apple should switch to AMD, or probably go the full length and switch to ARM.
Why? Are you desperate for inferior performance?
Apple should doing exactly what they do now. Use Intel cpus and avoid the Intel IG for the desktops and laptops. ARM for the iPhones and iPods.
AMD is getting better but for the machines that Apple make Intel are still better. ATI gpus are good at the moment and Apple can and do use them.
ARM is fine for the iPhones/ipods but are you suggesting they be used for anything else?
Use Intel cpus and avoid the Intel IG for the desktops and laptops...
I agree, I still think Apple should use Intel CPUs for desktops and laptops, Clarkdale and Arrandale are going to bring the next step up of performance-per-watt. I *am* curious to see if Apple will have to do what Vinea says, accept the CPU as it is and simply "disable" the integrated GPU on the chip.
I have a G5 PowerMac, that is just now starting to feel a little old. Not for the speed, but due to applications coming out for Intel only.
The PowerPC G5 was a very powerful processor for its time. Look at these benchmarks from MacWorld. The first is the G5 2.3GHz Dual tests from back in 2005:
SpeedMark4 (bigger is better) - 224
PhotoShop CS2 test (less is better) - :59
Cinema 4D render test (less is better) - 1:13
Here is an iMac Core 2 Duo 2.4 GHz from last year (note that the software versions are not the same, for whatever difference that might make)
SpeedMark5 - 230
PhotoShop CS3 test - 1:02
Cinema 4D render test - :54
As you can see, these two machines, three years apart, have almost identical performance characteristics for these three tests.
The continued performance of my G5 has made me hesitate to upgrade. My experience with my family's Macs (MacBook and iMac) have not shown any obvious speed differences to me in everyday use. The one issue I am starting to run into is updating purchased software, only to find the upgrade is Intel-only. That frustration will lead me to upgrade my machine in the next year.
However, the problem was that you could not cram a dual-core or dual-processor PowerPC G5 into a laptop or an iMac (both of which are far more popular than the Power Mac G5/Mac Pro). Also, the PowerPC G5 wasn't getting any faster at that point. The fastest PowerPC G5 required liquid-cooling because it was so damn hot, and eventually the liquid-cooling system failed destroying the computer.
Yeah, I suppose locking the iPhone to ATT reduces the appeal of the iPhone because people don't like ATT so locking in this case is "de-competitive"... Or something like that LOL.
Huh?
I don't think Apple will reveal much details even if Apple is unhappy about the relationship... Since it would mean Apple would have to disclose how it negotiates with suppliers and obtains components.
It's not about whether Apple is happy or unhappy in their relationship with Intel, or whether they wish to participate in the suit. It's about the FTC sending a subpoena to key people at Apple and asking them to explain in depositions their change from a competitor of Intel to a customer of Intel.
However, the problem was that you could not cram a dual-core or dual-processor PowerPC G5 into a laptop or an iMac (both of which are far more popular than the Power Mac G5/Mac Pro). Also, the PowerPC G5 wasn't getting any faster at that point. The fastest PowerPC G5 required liquid-cooling because it was so damn hot, and eventually the liquid-cooling system failed destroying the computer.
I completely agree with the switch to Intel. Never meant to suggest otherwise. My only point was that I am not seeing a significant improvement in speed for a newer Intel machine with a processor of similar speed. I do look forward to a machine that does not affect my air-conditioning bill!
If by 5 to 10 frames per second you mean, then I guess it *does* DX10...
Aero only requires DX9 but there's no reason not to do DX10 and SM 4.0 given it's already in the X4500/X4500HD. It's faster so there are probably some low end DX10 games that will work. Not every DX10 game will be Crysis or World In Conflict. Civ 4 is a DX9.0c title for example but not in the same league as any DX9 FPS game. Having geometry shading can be useful even for games without a high FPS requirement.
Most AAA titles will be DX10 soon...even the non-frame rate heavy genres. Heck LOTROL and D&DOL support DX10 effects.
Here's Counter Strike Source bench comparing the GMA4500 and the HD 3470.
http://www.overclock.net/laptops-not...ma-4500-a.html
So, for very light gaming the intel part is okay. For flash games it probably doesn't matter at all.
I agree, I still think Apple should use Intel CPUs for desktops and laptops, Clarkdale and Arrandale are going to bring the next step up of performance-per-watt. I *am* curious to see if Apple will have to do what Vinea says, accept the CPU as it is and simply "disable" the integrated GPU on the chip.
For the MBPs the IGP is weaker than the 9400M that it currently uses for low power mode and adding a discrete GPU in the 13" might be a little annoying but a custom Arrandale part? At this late date? They might as well wait for Sandy Bridge. There's no way they'll get the IGP portion removed in any scenario that makes any economic or schedule sense if the objection is this late in the game.
Maybe for the MBA the custom part was reasonable given the lead times. But the only thing this does is make the MBP line up really "pro" across the whole line up if they all have discrete graphics. They can certainly spin that to their advantage.
Apple should switch to AMD, or probably go the full length and switch to ARM.
AND can't right now. Intels price slashing lead AMD to do the same thing. This forced AMD to also lowering their prices, again, top of the line was about $350-$400. Meanwhile AMD lost a lot of money and ended up selling their Dresden wafer fab which was intels intent.
What we can hope for are legal proceedings that lead to AMD getting the rights to work on the duo core. Then they can make some money again, come up with something even more effecient, yet powerful then Apple has machines from both companies perhaps lowering the price of their machines as chip prices drop and finally? The long awaited mid range, headless mac pro for the millions if ProSumers out there from gaming ( boot to windows, any graphic card), musicians, millions that can run software from both platforms and of course for some excitement, throw in a bios mode so over clockers can tweak the machings memory timings, front side bus, and CPU mulitiplyer, allowing for extreme speeds. Apple would dominte in like a heart beat. Millions of customers, gamers and semi entertainment folks out there would love their own gpu, over clocking a mac, editing, ethusiasts, audio production.
It would be quite huge. AMD just needs a break and a breakthrough.
Also, OT, read a few weeks ago, 1000 cores should be out in a few years by this MIT of company. AMD should by that company as they wouldnhave the nada to release a 64 core for a duo core price. That's what I loved about them.
P