This started out as a rumor today, but Intel has since more-or-less confirmed that licensing discussions between Intel and Nvidia for Intel's next-generation processors are not going well and the resulting conflict could have implications for high-end gaming PCs.
The story is that Intel and Nvidia are currently negotiating technology licenses for Nehalem, Intel's next-generation desktop CPU due out at the end of this year. As we were told from multiple desktop vendors who wish to remain nameless, Intel wants to license SLI from Nvidia for its Nehalem chipsets, and if Nvidia won't, Intel will withhold the license that would enable Nvidia to support Nehalem's memory controller, and thus Nehalem, on its own chipsets.
We have no official confirmation from Nvidia on this, and Intel's statement from PR manager Dan Snyder is vague, but it lends credence to the story:
"There is a disagreement between Intel and Nvidia as to the scope of Nvidia's license from Intel to make chipsets compatible with Intel microprocessors. Intel is trying to resolve the disagreement privately with Nvidia and therefore we will not provide additional details. It is our hope that this dispute will be resolved amicably and that it will not impact other areas of our companies' working relationship."
Intel has been after SLI support for its chipsets for years, but has thus far only been able to build it into its ultra high-end Skulltrail motherboards, seemingly a one-off. With SLI available across all of its chipset lines, Intel would be able to sell motherboards that support both AMD's and Nvidia's multigraphics card technologies. Right now Intel boards (with the exception of Skulltrail) only support AMD's CrossFire.
Nvidia, on the other hand, has kept SLI close, often citing compatibility and certification concerns as the reason why no other chipset vendor has been able to offer SLI-capability. But if Nvidia loses out on Nehalem for its next-generation chipsets, the high-end desktop market will become more fragmented than it's been in years. Nvidia has been able to offer SLI-supporting chipsets for both AMD and Intel processors, but if this split happens, on one side we'll have Nehalem and CrossFire-based systems, the other will offer SLI (and possibly CrossFire, if hacks used in the past continue to work) and AMD CPUs.
In light of this rumor, Nvidia's recent marketing push encouraging upgraders to pick a graphics card before a quad-core CPU takes on new significance. If Nvidia knows high-end PC gamers will have to make a choice later this year, better to plant the seeds in its favor early. Intel probably has less to worry about, because gamers who demand SLI with a fast Intel processor can still use Nvidia's NForce 790i chipset, which supports the current generation of Intel Core 2 Extreme chips.
Saturday, July 26, 2008
AMD Stream SDK now supports GPU programming for Linux
The new beta version 1.1 of the AMD Stream development environment incorporates support for Linux. The software development kit (SDK) allows current AMD graphic chips to be used for carrying out processor-intensive tasks. The new Stream version is already on AMD's FTP servers, but there is no link to it yet on the corresponding web site. Besides the conventional Windows version, AMD is also offering version 1.1 beta in 32- and 64-bit versions for the Red Hat Enterprise 5.1 and Suse Linux Enterprise Server 10 SP1 Linux distributions.
AMD has added support not just for Linux, but also for the FireStream 9170 stream-processing graphics card, which is tailored for dealing with complex calculations. Microsoft's Visual Studio 2008 is also now supported, at least provisionally. The Brook+ compiler now handles integer mathematical operations and enables line numbering to simplify BR data debugging. According to AMD, several errors (not described in detail) have been eliminated, and speed has been optimized. AMD Stream contains all the tools required for programming Stream processors.
Nvidia is offering a similar suite with its CUDA (Compute Unified Device Architecture), that supports programming current Nvidia GPUs. According to Nvidia's CUDA Zone developer portal, most of the applications so far published fall within the areas of astrophysics and molecular dynamics. (jk/c't)
AMD has added support not just for Linux, but also for the FireStream 9170 stream-processing graphics card, which is tailored for dealing with complex calculations. Microsoft's Visual Studio 2008 is also now supported, at least provisionally. The Brook+ compiler now handles integer mathematical operations and enables line numbering to simplify BR data debugging. According to AMD, several errors (not described in detail) have been eliminated, and speed has been optimized. AMD Stream contains all the tools required for programming Stream processors.
Nvidia is offering a similar suite with its CUDA (Compute Unified Device Architecture), that supports programming current Nvidia GPUs. According to Nvidia's CUDA Zone developer portal, most of the applications so far published fall within the areas of astrophysics and molecular dynamics. (jk/c't)
EC denies 'provisional decision' on Intel anti-trust probe
The anti-trust arm of the European Commission today denied that it had reached any provisional decision in its ongoing probe of Intel’s marketing and sales practices.
EC competition spokesman Jonathan Todd said: "There is no provisional or internal decision on this case. The investigation is very much active and ongoing," reports Reuters.
He slammed The Financial Times Deutschland newspaper, which cited Brussels sources, for providing misleading information and described the report as "irresponsible journalism".
The newspaper had said that the European Union anti-trust authority planned to take action against Intel’s marketing and sales practices by this summer. It reckoned that decision had already been made by EU commissioner Neelie Kroes because the EC had gathered enough evidence against the world’s biggest chip maker following a lawsuit by rival AMD.
The paper also claimed that the EU would prevent Intel from marketing its microprocessors to PC vendors at a marked down price, and that the authority would forbid the company from subsidising retailer's advertising costs.
The EU has been sniffing around Intel's business practices in Europe for six years, but the investigation got a second wind in 2005 when AMD formally accused its arch-rival of using illegal tactics to dominate the PC and server markets.
In July last year the EU filed formal anti-trust charges against Intel.
Intel spokesman Chuck Mulloy told Reuters yesterday: "We continue to work with the Commission to attempt to convince them that our business practices are well within the law." ®
EC competition spokesman Jonathan Todd said: "There is no provisional or internal decision on this case. The investigation is very much active and ongoing," reports Reuters.
He slammed The Financial Times Deutschland newspaper, which cited Brussels sources, for providing misleading information and described the report as "irresponsible journalism".
The newspaper had said that the European Union anti-trust authority planned to take action against Intel’s marketing and sales practices by this summer. It reckoned that decision had already been made by EU commissioner Neelie Kroes because the EC had gathered enough evidence against the world’s biggest chip maker following a lawsuit by rival AMD.
The paper also claimed that the EU would prevent Intel from marketing its microprocessors to PC vendors at a marked down price, and that the authority would forbid the company from subsidising retailer's advertising costs.
The EU has been sniffing around Intel's business practices in Europe for six years, but the investigation got a second wind in 2005 when AMD formally accused its arch-rival of using illegal tactics to dominate the PC and server markets.
In July last year the EU filed formal anti-trust charges against Intel.
Intel spokesman Chuck Mulloy told Reuters yesterday: "We continue to work with the Commission to attempt to convince them that our business practices are well within the law." ®
IBM Unveils New x86 Servers With Quad-Core AMD Opteron(TM) Processors
IBM (NYSE: IBM) today announced three IBM System x(TM) servers featuring the Quad-Core AMD Opteron(TM) processor.
All of the new servers provide the IT efficiency needed in a new enterprise data center, with the System x3755
delivering 15 percent better performance than its predecessor.
IBM is delivering new Quad-Core AMD Opteron processor-based systems that offer exceptional power-efficiency,
performance and virtualization capabilities for today's most demanding datacenters. These include:
-- The System x3455 offers leading memory performance with 48 GB of
memory, making it ideal for technical and financial applications. With
today's announcement of the addition of Quad-Core processors, the x3455 is
now more competitive for high performance computing.
-- The System x3655 is now more effective for business performance
computing and memory-intensive applications such as database,
virtualization and dynamic web serving.
-- The new System x3755 leverages a unique modular design to scale to
four sockets more affordably. Its flexible design allows customers to
increase the size of their system as their databases, virtualization
environments and collaboration applications grow. The x3755 provides a
three socket configuration that outperforms many competitive four socket
configurations.
The new servers are an important element in helping clients develop a new enterprise data center, which offers
dramatic improvements in IT efficiency and provides for rapid deployment of new IT services to support future
business growth. IBM is helping clients move to new enterprise data centers by focusing on best practices around
virtualization, green IT, service management and cloud computing.
"IBM continues to deliver innovation and choice in the x86 market with today's introduction of System x servers
based on AMD's new Quad-Core processors," said James Northington, vice president, IBM System x. "The new System
x3755 allows clients to grow the system along with their business, affordably scaling from the standard two socket
system to three and four socket configurations while delivering industry leading price and performance."
"The addition of Quad-Core AMD Opteron processor-based servers will help continue IBM's tradition of enhancing its
customers' competitiveness through innovative, high-performing computing solutions," said Randy Allen, Senior Vice
President of CSG, AMD. "Datacenter managers are increasingly seeking a balance of performance, energy-efficiency,
and advanced virtualization functionality in order to optimize server resources amidst skyrocketing power, cooling
and space costs. The Quad-Core AMD Opteron processor is at the forefront of addressing this new paradigm of
datacenter performance."
Pricing and Availability
The IBM System x3455, x3655 and x3755 will be available with Quad-Core AMD Opteron(TM) processors in June, starting
at $1,809, $2,499 and $3,407 respectively.
AMD, the AMD Arrow logo, AMD Opteron and combinations thereof, are trademarks of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. Other
names are for informational purposes only and may be trademarks of their respective owners.
All of the new servers provide the IT efficiency needed in a new enterprise data center, with the System x3755
delivering 15 percent better performance than its predecessor.
IBM is delivering new Quad-Core AMD Opteron processor-based systems that offer exceptional power-efficiency,
performance and virtualization capabilities for today's most demanding datacenters. These include:
-- The System x3455 offers leading memory performance with 48 GB of
memory, making it ideal for technical and financial applications. With
today's announcement of the addition of Quad-Core processors, the x3455 is
now more competitive for high performance computing.
-- The System x3655 is now more effective for business performance
computing and memory-intensive applications such as database,
virtualization and dynamic web serving.
-- The new System x3755 leverages a unique modular design to scale to
four sockets more affordably. Its flexible design allows customers to
increase the size of their system as their databases, virtualization
environments and collaboration applications grow. The x3755 provides a
three socket configuration that outperforms many competitive four socket
configurations.
The new servers are an important element in helping clients develop a new enterprise data center, which offers
dramatic improvements in IT efficiency and provides for rapid deployment of new IT services to support future
business growth. IBM is helping clients move to new enterprise data centers by focusing on best practices around
virtualization, green IT, service management and cloud computing.
"IBM continues to deliver innovation and choice in the x86 market with today's introduction of System x servers
based on AMD's new Quad-Core processors," said James Northington, vice president, IBM System x. "The new System
x3755 allows clients to grow the system along with their business, affordably scaling from the standard two socket
system to three and four socket configurations while delivering industry leading price and performance."
"The addition of Quad-Core AMD Opteron processor-based servers will help continue IBM's tradition of enhancing its
customers' competitiveness through innovative, high-performing computing solutions," said Randy Allen, Senior Vice
President of CSG, AMD. "Datacenter managers are increasingly seeking a balance of performance, energy-efficiency,
and advanced virtualization functionality in order to optimize server resources amidst skyrocketing power, cooling
and space costs. The Quad-Core AMD Opteron processor is at the forefront of addressing this new paradigm of
datacenter performance."
Pricing and Availability
The IBM System x3455, x3655 and x3755 will be available with Quad-Core AMD Opteron(TM) processors in June, starting
at $1,809, $2,499 and $3,407 respectively.
AMD, the AMD Arrow logo, AMD Opteron and combinations thereof, are trademarks of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. Other
names are for informational purposes only and may be trademarks of their respective owners.
Intel Confirms Chip Component Delay
Intel(INTC - Cramer's Take - Stockpickr) confirmed that it is delaying the release of certain components at the heart of its forthcoming notebook PC package of chips.
The Santa Clara, Calif., chipmaker said the delay affects the integrated graphics processing and wireless chips in its so-called Montevina product, and will result in certain parts shipping a few weeks behind schedule.
The move doesn't affect Intel's financial forecast for the current quarter, and the company doesn't anticipate any change to its full-year forecast, said company spokesman Tom Beerman.
Shares of Intel were off 40 cents at $23.20 in recent trading Wednesday.
Earlier this week, analysts reported signs of trouble in Montevina, the code name of the new version of Centrino, the bundle of chips that Intel offers as a package of key electronic ingredients for notebook PCs.
Intel's Beerman confirmed that the company is retesting the graphics processing chips to address certain issues, while a "paperwork error" involving filings with the Federal Communications Commission means that the wireless component of Montevina will be also held up slightly.
Intel had initially promised to ship Montevina in the first half of 2008. The company now says it will ship the notebook microprocessor and other related Montevina chips on July 14. The rest of the components will ship a few weeks later, sometime in the first week of August, said Beerman.
He said that PC makers could fill out Intel's Montevina by incorporating graphics and WiFi components from other suppliers.
Whether or not other chipmakers have components that are compatible with Montevnia, which is a new product, isn't clear. If the chips are not compatible, PC makers may have to go with an entirely different bundle of chips until Intel can offer the complete package, says analyst Jon Peddie of Jon Peddie Research.
And the fact that Intel is missing the component for integrated graphics, which accounts for the bulk of the notebook PC market, could present rival Advanced Micro Devices(AMD - Cramer's Take - Stockpickr) with an opportunity to grab some market share.
"Every company in the industry has a hiccup from time to time. It's just the nature of the business" says Peddie. "The only thing that makes this one annoying and maybe a little scary is the fact that there is this timing for the back-to-school [sales] rollout."
The Santa Clara, Calif., chipmaker said the delay affects the integrated graphics processing and wireless chips in its so-called Montevina product, and will result in certain parts shipping a few weeks behind schedule.
The move doesn't affect Intel's financial forecast for the current quarter, and the company doesn't anticipate any change to its full-year forecast, said company spokesman Tom Beerman.
Shares of Intel were off 40 cents at $23.20 in recent trading Wednesday.
Earlier this week, analysts reported signs of trouble in Montevina, the code name of the new version of Centrino, the bundle of chips that Intel offers as a package of key electronic ingredients for notebook PCs.
Intel's Beerman confirmed that the company is retesting the graphics processing chips to address certain issues, while a "paperwork error" involving filings with the Federal Communications Commission means that the wireless component of Montevina will be also held up slightly.
Intel had initially promised to ship Montevina in the first half of 2008. The company now says it will ship the notebook microprocessor and other related Montevina chips on July 14. The rest of the components will ship a few weeks later, sometime in the first week of August, said Beerman.
He said that PC makers could fill out Intel's Montevina by incorporating graphics and WiFi components from other suppliers.
Whether or not other chipmakers have components that are compatible with Montevnia, which is a new product, isn't clear. If the chips are not compatible, PC makers may have to go with an entirely different bundle of chips until Intel can offer the complete package, says analyst Jon Peddie of Jon Peddie Research.
And the fact that Intel is missing the component for integrated graphics, which accounts for the bulk of the notebook PC market, could present rival Advanced Micro Devices(AMD - Cramer's Take - Stockpickr) with an opportunity to grab some market share.
"Every company in the industry has a hiccup from time to time. It's just the nature of the business" says Peddie. "The only thing that makes this one annoying and maybe a little scary is the fact that there is this timing for the back-to-school [sales] rollout."
Intel's Atom to be out in Q3
KOCHI: Intel’s new processor Atom would be launched in the third quarter (July-September) of 2008. This was announced at the Intel Channel Conference (ICC) held here on Tuesday. Atom is the name given to a new series of low-power processors being launched by Intel, which would find application in affordable computers designed specifically for internet-related use and mobile internet devices.
“Our studies showed that a good number of people used PCs for checking e-mails and other such internet-related use,” Ashok Nair, Intel’s channel business manager for south Asia, said. “For them, many advanced features of a PC are not necessary. At a time when companies are trying to reduce the cost of PCs, these studies prompted the company to work on processors that power PCs for internet use,” he said.
ICC is being held at 15 to 20 cities across the country. It is usually held two times a year. These conferences are followed up by mini-conferences in around 50 cities. The details about the upcoming products are shared with channel partners during the conferences. The company has 2000 channel partners in the country.
The new internet PCs based on the Atom processor could take the form of net-tops, netbooks or mobile internet devices. The new technology could lead to revolutionary designs for PCs based on low power use and higher efficiency. It could also translate into lower costs.
“Our studies showed that a good number of people used PCs for checking e-mails and other such internet-related use,” Ashok Nair, Intel’s channel business manager for south Asia, said. “For them, many advanced features of a PC are not necessary. At a time when companies are trying to reduce the cost of PCs, these studies prompted the company to work on processors that power PCs for internet use,” he said.
ICC is being held at 15 to 20 cities across the country. It is usually held two times a year. These conferences are followed up by mini-conferences in around 50 cities. The details about the upcoming products are shared with channel partners during the conferences. The company has 2000 channel partners in the country.
The new internet PCs based on the Atom processor could take the form of net-tops, netbooks or mobile internet devices. The new technology could lead to revolutionary designs for PCs based on low power use and higher efficiency. It could also translate into lower costs.
Intel launching six-core CPUs this year
While most of us are still stuck with dual-core microchips (if that), Intel is prepping to launch a six-core processor in the second half of 2008. While the company currently offers a few four-core, or quad-core, models of its chips, most currently-sold machines still come with the more affordable dual-core CPUs installed.
The six-core chip is code-named Dunnington and will be built using the same 45nm process that Intel is using for its just-released Penryn-class chips. Another key feature is the chip's large level of level 3 (or L3) cache, 16MB, which is one of the memory buffers between the processor and RAM that are used to speed the overall performance of the chip. Most current Intel chips don't use any L3 cache, instead using only L2 cache: L3 has historically been limited to server-class computer chips, though AMD's Phenom chip has 2MB of L3 onboard. (Bottom line for those who don't understand any of this stuff: This chip ought to be blazing fast, at least on paper.)
The bigger question now becomes what Joe Average might actually do with six cores of processing power available to him. Numerous performance benchmarks have shown little real-world advantage in moving from two cores to four, even in high-end applications. Users who spend most of their time browsing the web and replying to email will find even less of a performance boost. That said, other computer components tend to get faster and more capable alongside new CPUs, so a Dunnington-based computer ought to feel very fast at booting, loading applications, and running complex processes like spell-checking a large document. Running an antivirus scan in the background which bogs down most computers should be no problem on a six-core CPU, too.
Expect Dunnington to arrive first for desktop PCs later this year. Intel hasn't said whether laptops are part of the plan for the technology, but given quad-core's limited introduction on notebook computers, I'd expect this to remain hard to find in a portable format for some time. More details as they emerge.
The six-core chip is code-named Dunnington and will be built using the same 45nm process that Intel is using for its just-released Penryn-class chips. Another key feature is the chip's large level of level 3 (or L3) cache, 16MB, which is one of the memory buffers between the processor and RAM that are used to speed the overall performance of the chip. Most current Intel chips don't use any L3 cache, instead using only L2 cache: L3 has historically been limited to server-class computer chips, though AMD's Phenom chip has 2MB of L3 onboard. (Bottom line for those who don't understand any of this stuff: This chip ought to be blazing fast, at least on paper.)
The bigger question now becomes what Joe Average might actually do with six cores of processing power available to him. Numerous performance benchmarks have shown little real-world advantage in moving from two cores to four, even in high-end applications. Users who spend most of their time browsing the web and replying to email will find even less of a performance boost. That said, other computer components tend to get faster and more capable alongside new CPUs, so a Dunnington-based computer ought to feel very fast at booting, loading applications, and running complex processes like spell-checking a large document. Running an antivirus scan in the background which bogs down most computers should be no problem on a six-core CPU, too.
Expect Dunnington to arrive first for desktop PCs later this year. Intel hasn't said whether laptops are part of the plan for the technology, but given quad-core's limited introduction on notebook computers, I'd expect this to remain hard to find in a portable format for some time. More details as they emerge.
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