决战双核：06年移动芯片预测
作者： R9
责任编辑： 阚智
来源： 《电脑商情报》
时间： 2006-02-16 09:46
Only a month into 2006 and we've already seen the first dual-core laptop CPU. That's a great sign for the coming year. After all, a pitched battle between Intel and AMD for market share in the booming mobile computing category can only mean powerful processors and affordable prices for consumers.
Intel strongly believes that 2006 will mark a return to the dominant role it played throughout much of the 1990s. The reason for the chip giant's confidence? What it thinks is a sizeable technology advantage and a promising new mobile CPU architecture that will debut later this year.
Rest assured that AMD shares no part of this vision. Despite trailing Intel in the mobile processor market, the company has enjoyed astounding success and made significant competitive inroads in the desktop market.
This surge in popularity can be primarily attributed to AMD's early understanding of the all-important notion of performance-per-watt, which emphasizes fast processor speeds, but only at reasonable power usage levels. But can the underdog chipmaker overcome the marketing juggernaut that is the Centrino platform?
The Dual-Core Battle Goes Mobile
As we enter 2006, it's clear that the mobile processor landscape is on the verge of the same massive shift as the desktop market. This year & finally & the dual-core movement is coming to a laptop near you. Intel's already there and AMD isn't far behind.
By the end of 2006, the mobile computing platform will experience dramatic leaps in two seemingly opposing metrics. Processing power will skyrocket, yet battery consumption will simultaneously decrease.
As we move into 2006, the big questions in the mobile processor market are:
What changes, if any, are in store for Intel's vaunted Centrino processor lineup?
What's up with Intel's mysterious new Next Generation Micro Architecture? And how will these changes manifest themselves in the company's new Merom processor?
How will AMD respond to the growing threat Intel poses in this category?
Is now a good time to buy a new laptop, or are there changes afoot that will make it worthwhile to wait three or six or nine months to buy?
Read on for answers.
Intel "Yonah" Makes Its Debut
With one new processor technology already released, and a potentially monumental new CPU architecture coming in the second half of the year, it's clear that Intel is looking for a knockout punch in the mobile category in 2006.
Early in January, Intel fired the first shot in the 2006 mobile processor campaign when it released the first-ever dual-core mobile processor: the Core Duo.
Formerly code-named "Yonah," the Core Duo is a highly efficient 65nm processor. (See the following page for more on the 65nm fabrication process.) One of the key developments of this CPU is the presence of a shared 2MB L2 cache. Named SmartCache, this feature (which the first-generation Pentium D dual-core processors lacked) allows for improved communications between the two CPU cores and faster data processing.
Early online tests comparing the Core Duo to a Pentium M (Intel's previous mobile CPU line) of the same clock speed have indicated performance gains of 30 percent with a simultaneous 15-percent increase in battery life. That's impressive.
Perhaps even more impressive is the fact that Apple Computer is using Core Duo processors in its new MacBook Pro laptops. This is a tremendous advantage for Intel because it allows the chipmaker exclusive domain in a massive new market. In fact, demand for Apple's new Core Duo-powered notebooks has been so high that company representatives have warned of possible shortages.
Intel has also released a lower-cost single-core version of this same Yonah CPU architecture known as the Core Solo.
One disadvantage of the Core Duo and Core Solo processors is the absence of 64-bit processing. It's no big deal now, but when Windows Vista debuts later this year, experts expect 64-bit processing to play a more prominent role in system performance. One other concern is a recent Tom's Hardware Guide report about a possible Microsoft driver bug sapping up to one hour of battery life off of Core Duo-based systems. Early adopters beware.
The following Core Duo and Core Solo CPUs are currently or soon-to-be available:
Core Duo T2600: 2.16GHz
Core Duo T2500: 2.00GHz
Core Duo T2400: 1.83GHz
Core Duo T2300: 1.66GHz
Core Solo T1300: 1.66GHz
Core Duo L2400: 1.66GHz
Core Duo L2300: 1.50GHz
In this naming scheme, the first letter denotes power consumption: "L" indicates a super-low-voltage processor; "T" means higher power consumption. The number indicates relative clock speed and performance, so the T2600 Core Duo is faster than the T2400.
Centrino's New Platform
In tandem with the release of the new Core processors, Intel has also released & actually, specified is a better way to put this & the brand new Centrino Duo mobile platform (known by the code name "Napa" prior to its release). For a laptop to qualify as a Centrino Duo system, three Intel components must be present: the Core Duo processor, Intel's 945 Express chipset, and Intel's 3945ABG wireless chipset for wireless connections.
While the 945 Express was also in last year's Centrino platform, Intel has made a number of changes in the chipset, starting with a faster 667MHz frontside bus, which aids performance, given the presence of a dual-core processor. The 945 Express chipset also allows the support of DDR2-667 memory, over last year's DDR2-533. The chipset also boasts a marked decrease in power consumption.
Exciting as it sounds, the Core Duo processor will take a back seat to a potentially even more powerful processor in the second half of 2006.
What's So Great About Merom?
Intel's most aggressive move in mobile processor technology will come in the second half of 2006 with the company's debut of its Next Generation Micro Architecture (NGMA). Intel believes so strongly in NGMA that the company is basing its entire line of future CPUs & desktop and server included & on this new architecture.
NGMA will debut in the form of "Merom," the code name for Intel's upcoming dual-core mobile processor. Not surprisingly, this CPU will maintain Intel's emphasis on aggressively pushing the performance-per-watt metric. Intel has released numerous technical details explaining Merom's theoretical superiority, such as:
65nm process: Like the Core Duo processors, Merom will be fabricated on a 65nm process. In addition to providing increased financial efficiencies, moving to 65nm fabrication allows a larger number of transistors on a single chip. This provides a stronger foundation for innovation on dual- and multi-core platforms, and also results in decreased temperatures and faster performance. (The term 65nm refers to the width of the smallest circuit wires on the semiconductor. For comparison's sake, a typical human hair is 80,000nm in diameter.)
14-stage pipeline: Merom will process data in a 14-stage pipeline, which means that it can utilize lower clock speeds, which will result in lower temperatures and power consumption. (The Pentium 4 Prescott architecture uses a 31-stage pipeline, which requires super-high clock speeds and results in the processors' characteristic high temperature.)
Shared L2 cache: As with the Core Duo, Merom's shared L2 cache will result in faster data processing.
L1 cache communication: Each CPU core will be able to access each individual L1 cache, which will result in improved cooperation between the two cores.
64-bit support: Merom's 64-bit processing will pay off in terms of system performance when Microsoft releases Windows Vista, scheduled for the end of 2006.
It appears that Merom processors will be compatible with the current Centrino Duo platform. This is a good thing because it will mean an easy upgrade for system resellers. That means smaller price increases for consumers.
Intel has not released specific details regarding Merom clock speeds. The company has also not officially announced what brand name Merom-based processors will be released under. However, given the marketing emphasis around the brand new Core Duo moniker, it's a safe bet that these new CPUs will carry the same name, but with different model numbers.
Making The Right Buying Decision
Okay, so the thought of moving to mobile dual-core has your heart racing and your breath coming faster and faster, right? That's good. We're pretty excited ourselves. There's no doubt that dual-core laptops will provide excellent levels of performance and increased battery life.
Mobile CPUs In 2006
But as you begin to plan the purchase of your next laptop (or set of laptops), keep these five considerations in mind.
1. Consider Merom. If you pride yourself on buying machines with peak performance, you should wait for Intel to release its Merom-based processors in the second half of 2006. If you buy a Core Duo-based laptop today, you'll probably find yourself disappointed in seven or eight months. In addition to an expected increase in performance, Merom CPUs will add 64-bit extensions, which Windows Vista -- also scheduled for release later this year -- will actually take advantage of.
2. Wait for Turion dual-core. Sure, AMD's dual-core Turion 64 processors lack the sex appeal of Centrino Duo. But how will they perform? It may be worth waiting a few months to find out. With this said, however, we don't expect to see a major performance difference between the two.
3. Wait for thin-and-light? Given AMD's cryptic hints about targeting the thin-and-light category, it might be worth waiting a few months to see what AMD has up its sleeve before buying that ultra-portable three-pound laptop. If (and admittedly this is a big if) AMD is able to innovate a major performance-per-watt breakthrough in this category, you'll be sorry if you recently forked over $2,000 for old technology.
4. Summer and fall will bring lower prices. If you positively, absolutely must have a new laptop today, you won't go wrong with an Intel Core Duo laptop. But keep in mind that when Intel releases its brand-new mobile processor architecture later this year, prices for existing Core Duos should drop.
5. Get low prices now. Because Intel recently released the Core Duo, you can probably find a stellar bargain on an older and still fairly speedy previous-gen Centrino- or Turion 64-based laptop today.
Intel strongly believes that 2006 will mark a return to the dominant role it played throughout much of the 1990s. The reason for the chip giant's confidence? What it thinks is a sizeable technology advantage and a promising new mobile CPU architecture that will debut later this year.
Rest assured that AMD shares no part of this vision. Despite trailing Intel in the mobile processor market, the company has enjoyed astounding success and made significant competitive inroads in the desktop market.
This surge in popularity can be primarily attributed to AMD's early understanding of the all-important notion of performance-per-watt, which emphasizes fast processor speeds, but only at reasonable power usage levels. But can the underdog chipmaker overcome the marketing juggernaut that is the Centrino platform?
The Dual-Core Battle Goes Mobile
As we enter 2006, it's clear that the mobile processor landscape is on the verge of the same massive shift as the desktop market. This year & finally & the dual-core movement is coming to a laptop near you. Intel's already there and AMD isn't far behind.
By the end of 2006, the mobile computing platform will experience dramatic leaps in two seemingly opposing metrics. Processing power will skyrocket, yet battery consumption will simultaneously decrease.
As we move into 2006, the big questions in the mobile processor market are:
What changes, if any, are in store for Intel's vaunted Centrino processor lineup?
What's up with Intel's mysterious new Next Generation Micro Architecture? And how will these changes manifest themselves in the company's new Merom processor?
How will AMD respond to the growing threat Intel poses in this category?
Is now a good time to buy a new laptop, or are there changes afoot that will make it worthwhile to wait three or six or nine months to buy?
Read on for answers.
Intel "Yonah" Makes Its Debut
With one new processor technology already released, and a potentially monumental new CPU architecture coming in the second half of the year, it's clear that Intel is looking for a knockout punch in the mobile category in 2006.
Early in January, Intel fired the first shot in the 2006 mobile processor campaign when it released the first-ever dual-core mobile processor: the Core Duo.
Formerly code-named "Yonah," the Core Duo is a highly efficient 65nm processor. (See the following page for more on the 65nm fabrication process.) One of the key developments of this CPU is the presence of a shared 2MB L2 cache. Named SmartCache, this feature (which the first-generation Pentium D dual-core processors lacked) allows for improved communications between the two CPU cores and faster data processing.
Early online tests comparing the Core Duo to a Pentium M (Intel's previous mobile CPU line) of the same clock speed have indicated performance gains of 30 percent with a simultaneous 15-percent increase in battery life. That's impressive.
Perhaps even more impressive is the fact that Apple Computer is using Core Duo processors in its new MacBook Pro laptops. This is a tremendous advantage for Intel because it allows the chipmaker exclusive domain in a massive new market. In fact, demand for Apple's new Core Duo-powered notebooks has been so high that company representatives have warned of possible shortages.
Intel has also released a lower-cost single-core version of this same Yonah CPU architecture known as the Core Solo.
One disadvantage of the Core Duo and Core Solo processors is the absence of 64-bit processing. It's no big deal now, but when Windows Vista debuts later this year, experts expect 64-bit processing to play a more prominent role in system performance. One other concern is a recent Tom's Hardware Guide report about a possible Microsoft driver bug sapping up to one hour of battery life off of Core Duo-based systems. Early adopters beware.
The following Core Duo and Core Solo CPUs are currently or soon-to-be available:
Core Duo T2600: 2.16GHz
Core Duo T2500: 2.00GHz
Core Duo T2400: 1.83GHz
Core Duo T2300: 1.66GHz
Core Solo T1300: 1.66GHz
Core Duo L2400: 1.66GHz
Core Duo L2300: 1.50GHz
In this naming scheme, the first letter denotes power consumption: "L" indicates a super-low-voltage processor; "T" means higher power consumption. The number indicates relative clock speed and performance, so the T2600 Core Duo is faster than the T2400.
Centrino's New Platform
In tandem with the release of the new Core processors, Intel has also released & actually, specified is a better way to put this & the brand new Centrino Duo mobile platform (known by the code name "Napa" prior to its release). For a laptop to qualify as a Centrino Duo system, three Intel components must be present: the Core Duo processor, Intel's 945 Express chipset, and Intel's 3945ABG wireless chipset for wireless connections.
While the 945 Express was also in last year's Centrino platform, Intel has made a number of changes in the chipset, starting with a faster 667MHz frontside bus, which aids performance, given the presence of a dual-core processor. The 945 Express chipset also allows the support of DDR2-667 memory, over last year's DDR2-533. The chipset also boasts a marked decrease in power consumption.
Exciting as it sounds, the Core Duo processor will take a back seat to a potentially even more powerful processor in the second half of 2006.
What's So Great About Merom?
Intel's most aggressive move in mobile processor technology will come in the second half of 2006 with the company's debut of its Next Generation Micro Architecture (NGMA). Intel believes so strongly in NGMA that the company is basing its entire line of future CPUs & desktop and server included & on this new architecture.
NGMA will debut in the form of "Merom," the code name for Intel's upcoming dual-core mobile processor. Not surprisingly, this CPU will maintain Intel's emphasis on aggressively pushing the performance-per-watt metric. Intel has released numerous technical details explaining Merom's theoretical superiority, such as:
65nm process: Like the Core Duo processors, Merom will be fabricated on a 65nm process. In addition to providing increased financial efficiencies, moving to 65nm fabrication allows a larger number of transistors on a single chip. This provides a stronger foundation for innovation on dual- and multi-core platforms, and also results in decreased temperatures and faster performance. (The term 65nm refers to the width of the smallest circuit wires on the semiconductor. For comparison's sake, a typical human hair is 80,000nm in diameter.)
14-stage pipeline: Merom will process data in a 14-stage pipeline, which means that it can utilize lower clock speeds, which will result in lower temperatures and power consumption. (The Pentium 4 Prescott architecture uses a 31-stage pipeline, which requires super-high clock speeds and results in the processors' characteristic high temperature.)
Shared L2 cache: As with the Core Duo, Merom's shared L2 cache will result in faster data processing.
L1 cache communication: Each CPU core will be able to access each individual L1 cache, which will result in improved cooperation between the two cores.
64-bit support: Merom's 64-bit processing will pay off in terms of system performance when Microsoft releases Windows Vista, scheduled for the end of 2006.
It appears that Merom processors will be compatible with the current Centrino Duo platform. This is a good thing because it will mean an easy upgrade for system resellers. That means smaller price increases for consumers.
Intel has not released specific details regarding Merom clock speeds. The company has also not officially announced what brand name Merom-based processors will be released under. However, given the marketing emphasis around the brand new Core Duo moniker, it's a safe bet that these new CPUs will carry the same name, but with different model numbers.
Making The Right Buying Decision
Okay, so the thought of moving to mobile dual-core has your heart racing and your breath coming faster and faster, right? That's good. We're pretty excited ourselves. There's no doubt that dual-core laptops will provide excellent levels of performance and increased battery life.
Mobile CPUs In 2006
But as you begin to plan the purchase of your next laptop (or set of laptops), keep these five considerations in mind.
1. Consider Merom. If you pride yourself on buying machines with peak performance, you should wait for Intel to release its Merom-based processors in the second half of 2006. If you buy a Core Duo-based laptop today, you'll probably find yourself disappointed in seven or eight months. In addition to an expected increase in performance, Merom CPUs will add 64-bit extensions, which Windows Vista -- also scheduled for release later this year -- will actually take advantage of.
2. Wait for Turion dual-core. Sure, AMD's dual-core Turion 64 processors lack the sex appeal of Centrino Duo. But how will they perform? It may be worth waiting a few months to find out. With this said, however, we don't expect to see a major performance difference between the two.
3. Wait for thin-and-light? Given AMD's cryptic hints about targeting the thin-and-light category, it might be worth waiting a few months to see what AMD has up its sleeve before buying that ultra-portable three-pound laptop. If (and admittedly this is a big if) AMD is able to innovate a major performance-per-watt breakthrough in this category, you'll be sorry if you recently forked over $2,000 for old technology.
4. Summer and fall will bring lower prices. If you positively, absolutely must have a new laptop today, you won't go wrong with an Intel Core Duo laptop. But keep in mind that when Intel releases its brand-new mobile processor architecture later this year, prices for existing Core Duos should drop.
5. Get low prices now. Because Intel recently released the Core Duo, you can probably find a stellar bargain on an older and still fairly speedy previous-gen Centrino- or Turion 64-based laptop today.
