The multi-core revolution is poised to change the way computing takes place, both on the server and the desktop, with the x86 microarchitecture shrinking and the number of cores per processor increasing, writes Pratap Vikram Singh.
The quad-core chips that have sat at the top of the microprocessor heap for almost two years are now about to be replaced by 6-core processors and more. Vendors Intel, AMD, and analysts say that that larger cache and six cores will give customers a nice bump in performance.
In the past, RISC microprocessors were preferred when it came to handling extreme performance and reliability for applications and in transaction-oriented environment. The x86 based servers are gaining momentum with the launch of series of multi-core chips such as Intel’s Nehalem and AMD’s Fusion. These server chips are proving capable of running high-end applications, sharing workloads and optimizing the use of existing infrastructure.
Running several operating systems and applications such as such as streaming video, video conferencing and telepresence, which are resource hungry applications, requires great processing power.
