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it might also be that Intel will gain some momentum with the recent introduction of their new 3D transistor approach leaving ARM behind even in regard to power

by sasvari 15y ago

it might also be that Intel will gain some momentum with the recent introduction of their new 3D transistor approach leaving ARM behind even in regard to power consumption. this could discourage apple from making a major processor switch again, especially with the high overall costs (compatibility etc.) a switch would introduce.

nextparadigms 15y ago
Intel's big breakthrough with the 3D chips is that they can continue Moore's Law at a steady pace, even when they can't shrink the transistors anymore. But it's not a breakthrough in performance. So in regards to that they are still behind ARM as always. Intel is still moving at Moore's Law's pace, not faster. For now at least, ARM chips seem to be moving faster, doubling in performance every 12 months. I think Apple is planning to move to ARM once they have their (most likely) quad core A6 chip.
- jcarreiro 15y ago
  > But it's not a breakthrough in performance. The tri-gate transistors have lower gate delays (they can switch more quickly) and can operate with lower voltages. How is that not a breakthrough in performance?
  - nextparadigms 15y ago
    It's mostly a performance improvement along Moore's Law. Are you saying that now with the tri-gate Intel's chips will double in power every 12 months or every 6 months? And if this is just a one time only "big" jump in performance, then even if it's 100% increased performance over sandy bridge, it's still not that much. ARM chips double in performance every 12 months. That's my issue with this. Because most people seem to think Ivy Bridge puts Intel so much closer to ARM, but it doesn't. Let's say that without 3D, the jump from 32nm to 22nm would give them 30% increased energy efficiency. Now with the 3D it gives them 50% increase, so an additional 20%. As I said,the jump in performance is nice but not a world changer.

by sasvari 15y ago

nextparadigms 15y ago

Intel's big breakthrough with the 3D chips is that they can continue Moore's Law at a steady pace, even when they can't shrink the transistors anymore. But it's not a breakthrough in performance. So in regards to that they are still behind ARM as always. Intel is still moving at Moore's Law's pace, not faster. For now at least, ARM chips seem to be moving faster, doubling in performance every 12 months. I think Apple is planning to move to ARM once they have their (most likely) quad core A6 chip.

jcarreiro 15y ago
> But it's not a breakthrough in performance. The tri-gate transistors have lower gate delays (they can switch more quickly) and can operate with lower voltages. How is that not a breakthrough in performance?
- nextparadigms 15y ago
  It's mostly a performance improvement along Moore's Law. Are you saying that now with the tri-gate Intel's chips will double in power every 12 months or every 6 months? And if this is just a one time only "big" jump in performance, then even if it's 100% increased performance over sandy bridge, it's still not that much. ARM chips double in performance every 12 months. That's my issue with this. Because most people seem to think Ivy Bridge puts Intel so much closer to ARM, but it doesn't. Let's say that without 3D, the jump from 32nm to 22nm would give them 30% increased energy efficiency. Now with the 3D it gives them 50% increase, so an additional 20%. As I said,the jump in performance is nice but not a world changer.