Replies to post #29134 on Advanced Micro Devices Inc (AMD)

[HailMary]

Intel set to introduce processors with integrated memory controllers

We better keep our eyes on this. This could give Intel cores a big boost in performance. I wonder what the timeframe is. My guess is sometime in 05.

[wbmw]

Rupert, AMD did not invent the integrated memory controller. CPU vendors have been making chips with this for years. It has definite pros and cons, and for Intel to adopt this, I would expect them to add features necessary to make the implementation more flexible. Perhaps an off-chip low latency hub that can be exchanged to support newer DRAM technologies so that the CPU doesn't need to be redesigned with each new iteration. This solution would add only a few nanoseconds over AMD's approach, but it will still be far less latency than Intel's current approach. It would also be far more flexible.

[SmallPops]

Interesting take on this here:

Mike Fister, SVP Intel..... Q&A

Question: The EV8 also contained an integrated Rambus memory controller. I don't know if we will see exactly that in the future, but what do you think of integrated controllers in general? Are they a good idea?

Mike: "They can be, but timing is everything. We obviously have looked at it and haven't done it yet, because the memory technology evolves faster than the micro core--and when you get out of synch, that is a problem. And I think that somebody in the industry will figure out that that is a problem--somebody who has already done it. (AMD put an integrated memory controller on Opteron.)

We haven't said whether we would or wouldn't do it, but it is a natural thing to think about. Just like putting cache on a die is something we said we would do--or multi-core integration. Some people have done it already. Why? It was the only way they could drive performance.

When we do it, I bet that it will make sense to you. You've got to not only look at the speed characteristics, but also at the power characteristics of the process. The EV8 guys were talking about a part that would run in excess of 200 watts. It is almost beyond practical. When we do it, it isn't going to do that. We are holding a power threshold. It takes a ton of work."

http://news.com.com/2008-1082-1020498.html

Regards,
Smallpops