IBM to unleash new PowerPC chip

Zardon · Oct 14, 2002, 10:06 PM

IBM will put its PowerPC processor line back on the map Monday when it talks up a speedy chip that promises a substantial performance boost for desktops and servers.
The PowerPC 970 chip, due next year, will run at 1.8GHz, nearly twice as fast as Big Blue's quickest existing PowerPC chip, the 1GHz 750FX. It will also be able to handle both 32-bit software, the current standard on desktops, and 64-bit software, used on high-end servers.

Engineers from IBM's Microelectronics division will disclose the details of the new chip for the first time at this week's Microprocessor Forum in San Jose, Calif.

The new chip might prove a boon to Apple Computer, which could use it to substantially narrow a growing performance gap with the PC world--PC chips will run at 3GHz by the end of the year. Sources familiar with IBM and Apple's plans said that Apple will be a customer for the PowerPC 970 next year. Apple did not return calls for comment.

full story here http://news.com.com/2100-1001-961862.html?tag=fd_top_1

Oct 14, 2002, 10:06 PM	#1
Zardon DriverHeaven Founder Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 32,480 Rep Power: 179	IBM to unleash new PowerPC chip IBM will put its PowerPC processor line back on the map Monday when it talks up a speedy chip that promises a substantial performance boost for desktops and servers. The PowerPC 970 chip, due next year, will run at 1.8GHz, nearly twice as fast as Big Blue's quickest existing PowerPC chip, the 1GHz 750FX. It will also be able to handle both 32-bit software, the current standard on desktops, and 64-bit software, used on high-end servers. Engineers from IBM's Microelectronics division will disclose the details of the new chip for the first time at this week's Microprocessor Forum in San Jose, Calif. The new chip might prove a boon to Apple Computer, which could use it to substantially narrow a growing performance gap with the PC world--PC chips will run at 3GHz by the end of the year. Sources familiar with IBM and Apple's plans said that Apple will be a customer for the PowerPC 970 next year. Apple did not return calls for comment. full story here http://news.com.com/2100-1001-961862.html?tag=fd_top_1