IBM offers details on dual-core PowerPC 970MP

IBM says it will continue to focus on both the server and embedded markets, despite Apple's planned transition to Intel-based processors, according to an eWEEK article that provides some interesting details on the new dual-core PowerPC 970MP chips used in Apple's new Power Mac G5s. The report says the 970MP, compared with its 970FX predecessor, will have twice the cache, a wider range of frequency tuning and voltage scaling, as well as the ability to run one or two cores. "...Initial tests showed a 2.5GHz 970MP reaching a score of 1,438 in the SPECint test, with a 2,076 score in the SPECfp test."

In addition, the report says the 970MP will max out at 100W when both 2.5GHz cores are running and the that two cores can operate at different wake/sleep states with the ability for the second core to run at one-quarter frequency, or even switch off--reducing power consumption and heat by up to 50 percent. Both cores will also be able to run at full, one-half or one-quarter of its normal frequency, or enter a "deep nap" state that uses 1/64th the power.

Filed under: industry