Knowledge's Blog

Having just bought my first multi-core PC, I was mightily impressed with the idea of more efficient multitasking, being able to carry on working while a video file was transcoded or converted to DVD, and knowing that if some sneaky program decides to suck up all the CPU’s attention, its havoc would be limited.

I’d also looked at the issue of whether to get dual-, tri- or quad-core: the latter two weren’t for me, but I could see the advantages for avid gamers or people using Photoshop professionally.

What I didn’t realise was that I was WAY behind the curve. Intel has just demonstrated a frankly mindboggling 48-core chip. Yes, that’s effectively 48 processors on a single chip, around the size of a postage stamp.

As you’d imagine, these aren’t coming to your desktop PC anytime soon, which is a shame: imagine giving Firefox a dedicated core for each tab and seeing how it reacts when it learns that even a severe bout of CPU greed wouldn’t cause any disruption.

Instead it would most likely be used for servers behind online software services. One major advantage of the chip is that even with all 48 cores running, it only consumes around 125 watts of power, roughly the same as a single-core chip. Click here to read more.. »

There’s been a lot of talk in 2009 about the next generation of wireless technology, known as 4G wireless broadband, but the current generation of 3G wireless technology is far from dead.

For many wireless operators, especially those that have built their networks using the global standard GSM, the current 3G wireless technology called HSPA still has some legs left.

And while many carriers are planning their 4G networks, hundreds of wireless providers throughout the world are also expected to upgrade existing network infrastructure with the latest versions of the 3G wireless technology to increase speeds and offer new services.

And because these network speeds will match current 4G speeds, consumers will likely see no difference in capability.

For this reason, the next few years will likely continue to be all about 3G technology. And 4G services, where they will be available, will likely appeal only to niche audiences.

“The average consumer doesn’t care about peak data rates or network acronyms,” said Dan Warren, the GSM Association’s director of technology. “They just care about the experience. They want to be able to watch YouTube or get live traffic updates on their smartphones. And they don’t care whether it’s a new network or a current network that is being upgraded.” Click here to read more.. »

(CNET) — The settlement between Intel and Advanced Micro Devices isn’t just a matter of business between companies.

Sure, it’s a big financial deal when the biggest chipmaker in the world forks over $1.25 billion to its closest competitor. And the settlement, announced Thursday, officially puts an end to a five-year battle over licensing disputes and AMD’s complaints of unfair competition.

Beyond that, there will also be an effect on the two chipmakers do business with PC makers, and how they price their chips. Still, the settlement won’t likely foment major changes for consumers shopping for a new laptop or desktop.

Choice
AMD processors are readily available from most PC makers, the major exception being Apple. If you really wanted one before the settlement came along, it’s not like you couldn’t get an AMD-based machine in stores or online. Intel now has agreed basically to not punish PC makers that choose to put AMD chipsets in some of their machines, but that doesn’t mean Hewlett-Packard, Dell, Acer, Apple, and others will suddenly want to use AMD’s latest chip in their flagship products. AMD will probably continue to be used as the “value” option for PC makers looking to offer cheaper notebooks.

That said, there is room for AMD to increase its share in processors used in laptops. The company has made improvements in that area recently, particularly in the ultrathin category, according to observers. So if you’re paying attention, you might see more from AMD when shopping for a new laptop. Click here to read more.. »