10343916
submission
Ninjakicks writes:
Although they won't hit store shelves for a few more weeks, today Intel has officially unveiled the new Core i7-980X Extreme processor. The Core i7-980X Extreme is based on Intel's 32nm Gulftown core, derived from their Nehalem architecture and sports six execution cores. The chip runs at a 3.33GHz clock frequency, that can jump up to 3.6GHz in Intel's Turbo Boost mode. This processor has a max TDP of 130W, which amazingly is the same as previous generation Core i7 quad-core CPUs. Of course, it's crazy fast too. Some may say that the majority of applications can't truly take advantage of the resources afforded by a six-core chip capable of processing up to 12 threads. However, the fact remains there are plenty of multi-threaded usage models and applications where the power of a CPU like this can be put to very good use.
9163012
submission
Ninjakicks writes:
IM Flash Technologies is a joint venture between Intel and Micron that is targeted for producing NAND flash memory. With a focus on R&D, IMFT has doubled NAND density approximately every 18 months. Tomorrow IMFT will announce the launch of their 25 nanometer NAND technology--a major advancement in the semiconductor industry. Intel and Micron can now lay claim to the smallest production ready-semiconductor process technology in the world. IMFT took members of the press on a tour of the new 25nm fab and it's an interesting view into this bleeding-edge manufacturing process. What's perhaps even more interesting however, will be the new storage products that will roll out in the months ahead, based on 25nm NAND that is sure to help drive SSD costs lower for the consumer.
630214
submission
Ninjakicks writes:
Hard drives are typically one of the more significant performance bottlenecks
in any system today. This evaluation of Lenovo's new
ultra portable Thinkpad X300 notebook shows, a fast solid state hard drive can
substantially improve the performance of a system with a low-end, low power processor and
integrated graphics, in addition to reducing overall power consumption. Despite
its 1.2GHz CPU the Thinkpad X300 is actually able to outperform some desktop
replacement notebooks equipped with dual 7200RPM hard drives in RAID 0 in
productivity benchmarks, and in data transfers. Interesting results to say
the least, especially considering the X300's ultra portable form factor.
