Comment Re:False assumption: "Desktop CPUs need fans" (Score 2) 296
The Crusoe cannot compete with desktop CPUs and is not meant to. Transmeta's best chip runs at 500 MHz which puts it significantly slower than current desktop CPUs. Furthermore Crusoe runs all its x86 decoding in software which further reduces the amount of actual work the Crusoe can get done.
This is why Transmeta made up their own benchmarks (red flag) rather than using the conventional ones. I imagine that if they used the actual SPEC benchmarks that they'd look pretty bad in comparison to a Pentium running at the same speed.
Now their technology is extremely cool, and decoding x86 in software is a great way to conserve power and reduce die size. But it is not a catch-all solution for computing. If speed is what matters (desktop CPUs) then you aren't going to want a Crusoe. If you want low power and reduced cost from smaller batteries then the Crusoe is perfect. But you will get a performace loss.
As for fan noise. It could probably be alleviated by getting a liquid cooling system of some kind. I think kryotech (www.kryotech.com) uses a refrigeration system to cool their 1GHz Athlons. They probably aren't as loud if you weren't overclocking. Personally I enjoy the constant hum of my computer. Very relaxing.
-Uh-oh. I just took a shot at Transmeta. Here come the flames.
This is why Transmeta made up their own benchmarks (red flag) rather than using the conventional ones. I imagine that if they used the actual SPEC benchmarks that they'd look pretty bad in comparison to a Pentium running at the same speed.
Now their technology is extremely cool, and decoding x86 in software is a great way to conserve power and reduce die size. But it is not a catch-all solution for computing. If speed is what matters (desktop CPUs) then you aren't going to want a Crusoe. If you want low power and reduced cost from smaller batteries then the Crusoe is perfect. But you will get a performace loss.
As for fan noise. It could probably be alleviated by getting a liquid cooling system of some kind. I think kryotech (www.kryotech.com) uses a refrigeration system to cool their 1GHz Athlons. They probably aren't as loud if you weren't overclocking. Personally I enjoy the constant hum of my computer. Very relaxing.
-Uh-oh. I just took a shot at Transmeta. Here come the flames.
