Replies to post #55895 on Advanced Micro Devices Inc (AMD)

[chipguy]

Having some computer architecture background, I see huge differences between 4 CPUs on a single bus or being connected via multiple point-to-point connections.

Having designed computer systems with multiple processors
in them as well as complex glue logic to fit them all together
the meaning is absolutely crystal clear. If you can go from N
to N+1 processors without adding extra logic to the system
then the processor in question has glueless multiprocessing
capability. Xeon DP is glueless from 1 to 2 sockets and Xeon
MP is glueless from 1 through 4 sockets. IMO there is nothing
open to debate, redefinition of well understood technical
terminology by sloppy wannabe computer engineers not
withstanding.

[Tenchu]

Matthias, So "glueless" seems to be marketing speak, nothing more.

You got it. It used to be a big deal back when multiprocessor servers still cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, but now that even servers are dropping in price and soaring in volume, being "glueless" isn't such a big deal anymore.

Having some computer architecture background, I see huge differences between 4 CPUs on a single bus or being connected via multiple point-to-point connections.

One of Intel's upcoming dual-CPU chipsets will have two FSBs, each populating only one CPU max. That's kind of like multiple point-to-point connections. There goes the "glueless" moniker, but at least Intel can crank up the FSB speeds, and it won't cost all that much to do it.

Tenchu