Reviews of AMD's new Llano processor appear
If you follow tech news, you may know a little about AMD's newest new processor- the Llano "APU" which combines four processor cores with a 400-SP integrated GPU (there are cut-down versions as well). A few reviews of the mobile version:
Anandtech, Phoronix (Linux-focused), HardOCP (gaming-focused)
Desktop versions just have higher clock speeds.
I think this raises a couple of interesting questions. First, what is the right balance of CPU:GPU for the average computer user? Have we reached a point where faster processors don't benefit people as much as faster graphics?
And second, the Macbook and Mac mini still haven't been updated. Is Apple waiting for this processor? Should it be?
Anandtech, Phoronix (Linux-focused), HardOCP (gaming-focused)
Desktop versions just have higher clock speeds.
I think this raises a couple of interesting questions. First, what is the right balance of CPU:GPU for the average computer user? Have we reached a point where faster processors don't benefit people as much as faster graphics?
And second, the Macbook and Mac mini still haven't been updated. Is Apple waiting for this processor? Should it be?
Comments
And second, the Macbook and Mac mini still haven't been updated. Is Apple waiting for this processor?
Nope.
Should it be?
Nope.
if you follow tech news, you may know a little about amd's newest new processor- the llano "apu" which combines four processor cores with a 400-sp integrated gpu (there are cut-down versions as well). A few reviews of the mobile version:
anandtech, phoronix (linux-focused), hardocp (gaming-focused)
desktop versions just have higher clock speeds.
I think this raises a couple of interesting questions. First, what is the right balance of cpu:gpu for the average computer user? Have we reached a point where faster processors don't benefit people as much as a ssd ?
And second, the macbook and mac mini still haven't been updated. Is apple waiting for this processor? Should it be?
t, ftfy.
Nope.
Nope.
I really wonder how Llano would perform in the MM server. Might actually work as well or better than the current Intel solutions at Llano's price point.
I'm not holding my breath though.
Nope.
Nope.
I don't seriously expect Apple to use this, either, but you've got to admit it's an interesting option.
I don't seriously expect Apple to use this, either, but you've got to admit it's an interesting option.
It is from the point of view of graphics. AMD wins hands down here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mdPi4GPEI74
But Apple can't do it without giving up Thunderbolt and their relationship with Intel. I think both Apple and Intel want to go as far as putting Intel chips in iPads.
I think both Apple and Intel want to go as far as putting Intel chips in iPads.
Intel-made, Apple-custom ARM-based chips, you mean.
Wow, hyphens.
I think this raises a couple of interesting questions. First, what is the right balance of CPU:GPU for the average computer user? Have we reached a point where faster processors don't benefit people as much as faster graphics?
And second, the Macbook and Mac mini still haven't been updated. Is Apple waiting for this processor? Should it be?
We have reached a point where indeed a faster CPU and GPU on a desktop or laptop is meaningless for the average user. Hence the success of the iPad. Only gamers need better horsepower but with most games being console ports, running a big hot gaming rig is becoming more and more ridiculous to the average "gamer". Plus the lack of titles and nonsensical DRM increasingly shoved down honest user's throats. I myself will be ditching PC gaming soon.
As for your second question, nope, Shitel integrated graphics is good enough for Apple, the CPU (and certainly SSD where available) does most of the heavy lifting anyway so MacBook and Mac mini will get Sandy Bridge by the end of the year.
If I had the money and bought a new iMac, I would certainly get at least 8 GB of RAM installed.