Gobi (PPC 750GX) - This Summer?

[MacRumors]

The Register (http://www.theregister.co.uk/content/3/30640.html) writes about the upcoming G3 processor from IBM, codenamed Gobi. In their article, they reference the various rumors that have already been circulating (http://www.macrumors.com/pages/2003/05/20030509020831.shtml) as well as some unverified comments (http://www.macrumors.com/pages/2003/05/20030509020831.shtml) from this site (MacRumors).

Of interest, they add further confirmation that Gobi will be shipping at 1+GHz speeds this summer and is expected to be pin-compatible with the current 750FX.

It's still unclear what role these chips will have in Apple's upcoming hardware.

[barkmonster]

This sounds perfect for an across the board increase to 1Ghz as the minimum entry level clockspeed this summer.

It's been long time coming too.

[gotohamish]

AltiVec support for the G3 - finally!

This means that Apple probably wont ever put G4s in the iBook - soon all the product lines will be IBM only chips. Bye bye Moto.

[amnesiac1984]

ibooks maybe?


Maybe when all the line has gone to PPC970 the iBooks will be on these babies, will they be powerful enough to have a DVD Burner tho?

[pilotgi]

Strange that there is more info available for the PPC 970 than the 750GX.

I wonder why all the secrecy?

[blueBomber]

Originally posted by gotohamish
AltiVec support for the G3 - finally!

This means that Apple probably wont ever put G4s in the iBook - soon all the product lines will be IBM only chips. Bye bye Moto.

I agree. This seems to be exactly what Apple is going for, which suits me just fine. The one thing about this though is that it may put the 12" ibook (if this is where it is going to end up) in a better light than the 12"PB. Unless of course we get a 970 PB at the same time :D

[gotohamish]

Originally posted by blueBomber
I agree. This seems to be exactly what Apple is going for, which suits me just fine. The one thing about this though is that it may put the 12" ibook (if this is where it is going to end up) in a better light than the 12"PB. Unless of course we get a 970 PB at the same time :D

We all know Apple wants rid of the G4 asap - I can see 970/G5 powerbooks a lot sooner than we're used to with chip-transitions.

I think Apple might rename this chip for the iBooks though - especially if the Pro machines become 'G5' as then a G3 would look odd. maybe there's a whole new name structure on the way. xBooks and Xstations? xMac?

[drastik]

CRAP! I was gearing up to buy an iBook in the begining of June, now I have to freaking wait!!!!!!! I figured I was safe with an update so recent, but if the GOBI is comming this summer, I will hold off. Arrrggghhhh!

[macrumors12345]

Originally posted by gotohamish
AltiVec support for the G3 - finally!



Where did you get that idea? The article specifically said that Altivec would appear in the chip AFTER the 750GX. Unless that was what you were referring to (but that's not the one that they are saying will ship this summer).

[barkmonster]

It could mean apple standardising on DDR400.

I know a 200Mhz SDR frontside bus coupled with 400Mhz DDR is going to be as effective as the current 167Mhz SDR frontside bus of the G4 minitowers running on DDR333 but it would allow apple to maximise the bandwidth each system has available to it without using different RAM.

I know there's been no mention of the PPC7457 in months but let's assume that ends up in the TiBooks later in year we'd have a nice little lineup :

iBook : Gobi with DDR400 (1.5Gb/s)

TiBook, eMac and iMac : 7457 with DDR400 (1.5Gb/s)

Powermac and Xserve : 970 with dual channel DDR400 (6.4Gb/s)

This would give apple a huge boost in 'perceptual' bandwidth, their whole range would appear to have standardised on DDR400. For people more in the know, the PPC970 based systems really would scream and I'm sure with the larger L2 of both gobi and 7457, the iBook and eMac/iMac would certainly give the Pentium-M and the Celeron a run for it's money even though they'd still be fairly starved of bandwidth even with a 200Mhz FSB.

[Nutzoids]

I know it's a little off the point but has anyone eles een these links about the ppc970?

http://www-3.ibm.com/chips/products/powerpc/newsletter/pdf/dec2002.pdf

http://www-3.ibm.com/chips/techlib/techlib.nsf/techdocs/A1387A29AC1C2AE087256C5200611780/$file/PPC970_MPF2002.pdf


Both are adobe and both came straight from IBM's webpage!

Let me know:confused:

[Jaykay]

Originally posted by drastik
CRAP! I was gearing up to buy an iBook in the begining of June, now I have to freaking wait!!!!!!! I figured I was safe with an update so recent, but if the GOBI is comming this summer, I will hold off. Arrrggghhhh!

I was going to buy one myself, damn you IBM, well no, thank you IBM.. Hell i dont know anymore.

[dongmin]

Personally, I think the Register is full of doodoo. They have zero credibility in my book, after the G5 hype fiasco. This report doesn't say anything new; it's simply recycling old rumors. And the reason why the G3 hasn't hit 1 ghz with the 750FX is not because of technical reasons, in my opinion, but because of marketing reasons. Apple, likely the main buyer for a 1ghz chip, is not gonna put in a 1ghz chip in the iBook as long as the Powerbook is stuck at 867/1000mhz.

Originally posted by blueBomber
I agree. This seems to be exactly what Apple is going for, which suits me just fine. The one thing about this though is that it may put the 12" ibook (if this is where it is going to end up) in a better light than the 12"PB. Unless of course we get a 970 PB at the same time :D

I wouldn't worry about this at this point. The 750VX, if it really exists, is said to be sampling at the end of the year. It's not gonna make its way into any computers until late spring or summer of 2004, a year from now. By that time, a lot of things will have changed to the lineup of CPUs.

[herr_neumann]

Pin compatible eh.... The mean we are going to be able to throw them in our current iBooks? If so, hello upgrade...

[Actuary]

Originally posted by Nutzoids
I know it's a little off the point but has anyone eles een these links about the ppc970?

http://www-3.ibm.com/chips/products/powerpc/newsletter/pdf/dec2002.pdf

http://www-3.ibm.com/chips/techlib/techlib.nsf/techdocs/A1387A29AC1C2AE087256C5200611780/$file/PPC970_MPF2002.pdf


Both are adobe and both came straight from IBM's webpage!

Let me know:confused:

Our Apologies
You have attempted to enter a controlled access area. IBM Microelectronics uses a entitlement process to protect potentially sensitive data. Please use the Sign In link at the right side of the page to log in.

HTTP Web Server: Lotus Notes Exception - Entry not found in index

Can't find the second one... Did you have to sign in? Do you happen to have a copy?

[MrMacMan]

yes, good news from the register!

woo, super powering laptops!

:D

[Shaktai]

Originally posted by drastik
CRAP! I was gearing up to buy an iBook in the begining of June, now I have to freaking wait!!!!!!! I figured I was safe with an update so recent, but if the GOBI is comming this summer, I will hold off. Arrrggghhhh!

Gobi chips are coming this summer. Not necessarily iBooks based on them. Once IBM starts shipping, then you can figure there may be a new iBook on the way. You can wait for ever, (there will always be something better 6-9 months later) or you can get what you need now.

[sturm375]

Originally posted by Nutzoids
I know it's a little off the point but has anyone eles een these links about the ppc970?

http://www-3.ibm.com/chips/products/powerpc/newsletter/pdf/dec2002.pdf

http://www-3.ibm.com/chips/techlib/techlib.nsf/techdocs/A1387A29AC1C2AE087256C5200611780/$file/PPC970_MPF2002.pdf


Both are adobe and both came straight from IBM's webpage!

Let me know:confused:

Reading the first PDF, I noticed that the PPC 970 is supposed to be produced at the fishkill FAB. Earlier today I noticed this on another rumors site:

http://www.siliconstrategies.com/story/OEG20030509S0034

It says that there is a rumor that IBM is gutting the Fishkill (no pun intended:D ), and going to be turning it over to AMD for advanced processor manufacturing.

Doubtful, but interesting none the less.

[deejemon]

*

[Websnapx2]

deejemon
G3 iPod maybe?

Just had to include the iPod didn't you? Think iBooks and tablets.

[imaswitcheryeah]

I definitely feel these may go into the mini-tablet, if there really is going to be one.... If so, they will go into the mini-tablet first, then into the next round of ibook updates, which most likely by that time will also recieve a new-improved enclosure.. which I feel has room to be more indestructable than it already is..

[stompy]

Originally posted by drastik
CRAP! I was gearing up to buy an iBook in the begining of June, now I have to freaking wait!!!!!!! I figured I was safe with an update so recent, but if the GOBI is comming this summer, I will hold off. Arrrggghhhh!

Upgrade when the reasons to do so are compelling enough; it's also wise to coordinate your purchase with a recent update. If you thought the current iBook was compelling enough yesterday, you could get it and have the best iBook available for the next 4-5 months.

Always waiting for the next big thing gets you a better computer tomorrow, but means you are using an older computer today. (Works out fine if you also own a time machine.)

[Nutzoids]

Originally posted by Actuary
Can't find the second one... Did you have to sign in? Do you happen to have a copy?


I don't have any Login or Password for those links. They took a while to come up, but they did come up in Adobe Acrobat Reader! I veiwed them at work on a Windows PC...Sorry but I can't control work! :( I have not tested them on my IBook but i would assume that it would work.

[nagromme]

An IBM 750 with AltiVec would not be the end of the G4... it would BE a G4, and give Apple a new G4 supplier for consumer Macs. Good news.

[Websnapx2]

As long as it runs cooler that the G4, I'm in. That would be a powerful moble alternative.

[Rincewind42]

Originally posted by nagromme
An IBM 750 with AltiVec would not be the end of the G4... it would BE a G4, and give Apple a new G4 supplier for consumer Macs. Good news.

Thank you! Nice that someone is being sensible =). Assuming that IBM does add altivec to a G3, then Apple will call it a G4 - after all, they have already used 4 different chips that have all been called G4, as all it means to them is Altivec-Enabled.

G3 - 32-bit, Non-Altivec (yes, that is a bad description =p)
G4 - 32-bit, Altivec
G5 - 64-bit, Altivec =).

Here's to the G5 soon!

[Websnapx2]

I don't think any of the new chips will be G- anything. Apple would do well to stay away from this stigma. When I think of the G4's, all I think of is over-heating, and under performing. I say new look, new name , a clean slate with no past baggage.

[ndmac]

I'm new so you're allowed to point and laugh, no offense taken.

Basically, I really want a 970 Powerbook...which I know is rumored all over the place...but this seems to me (the pessimist side at least) as being a way for apple to give the Powermacs dibs on the 970 (at least initially) while still "renovating" the powerbooks in the "year of the laptop."

This is all contingent on a Gobi that could outperform a current G4 either in considerable heat/power consumption or architecture...so far that info has not appeared conclusive.

Anyway, someone please tell me a 15" 970 Albook is coming soon.
My faith is waivering.

[lazyrighteye]

Agreed. New chip, new name, new campaign, new designs, new everything.

All of that mhz myth crap was (is) exactly that, crap. A clever and specific arrangement of words to help "justify" the paultry development of (as it appears) Moto's chips.

Anywhoo, I too think sticking with G-anything is a bad avenue for Apple to keep traversing. I think the G prefix is more a negative that a positive connotation.

[Websnapx2]

I have to admit, I'll take the "G" over anymore "Extreme" anything. Who names these things?

[vniow]

Originally posted by Nutzoids
fixed link (http://www-3.ibm.com/chips/techlib/techlib.nsf/techdocs/A1387A29AC1C2AE087256C5200611780/$file/PPC970_MPF2002.pdf)

[QCassidy352]

Originally posted by herr_neumann
Pin compatible eh.... The mean we are going to be able to throw them in our current iBooks? If so, hello upgrade...

um, is this true? I don't think so... my understanding is that ibook processor cards are not removable regardless of what the new ones are compatible with. Am I correct?

[blueBomber]

I think the chips are soldered right on to the board. This cuts down on cost and size because you don't need to create a ZIF socket.

[rice_web]

I personally would like to see Apple release a cheap G3 tower machine for the $499 price point, but to every man his own pocket book.

Outside of the iBook, I don't see how Apple is going to work this processor into their line-up, unless we see a tablet--but I do not see this coming at any time soon--or a new PDA--which is an already-saturated market.

So, with very few practical uses for Apple, the Gobi processor seems most ideal for the upgrade market. There are still many B&W and Beige G3 owners that would lose sleep in anticipation of a faster PowerMac. Sonnet offers a 1GHz G4, PowerLogix an 800MHz G3. If somebody had a 1.2GHz G3, it may be a compelling, inexpensive upgrade (seeing as how Sonnet's upgrade runs a cool price of an eMac).

[mccoma]

Heck, 750 and 970 sound good enough for me.

[rice_web]

Originally posted by mccoma
Heck, 750 and 970 sound good enough for me.

Yes, they sound perfectly fine. However (and there's always a point against a statement), does Average Joe care for a three-digit number just for a processor name? Not that Average Joe really knows more than a MHz rating, but Apple has always stood for simplicity.

I believe it is time to stray away from the 'G' series and devise a new scheme, but those numbers seem a trifle long.

[eric_n_dfw]

I hope they do get away from naming the machine by the chip in it.

I still like "Machintosh III" and maybe "PowerBook III" - except that there never was a "PowerBook II". Steve could explain that they wanted the name to indicate that it was the portable version of the "Mac III".

No? How about the "PowerBook Pro"?

Also, just to beat that dead horse some more: People, the G4 is not a G3+AltiVec! (althogh the 750vx might be)

[Sol]

Originally posted by Websnapx2
When I think of the G4's, all I think of is over-heating, and under performing.

Hang on a second, I thought that G4s were very cool compared to anything x86. Since when has heat been an issue with G4s? I do not have any temperature tests with me but I am sure that if you find any they will show the G4s to be a lot more heat efficient than Pentiums, Athlons, etc.

Of course the 970 and this new IBM G3 will be even cooler but i think that is due to advancements in chip manufacturing which were to be expected.

[mccoma]

Originally posted by rice_web
Yes, they sound perfectly fine. However (and there's always a point against a statement), does Average Joe care for a three-digit number just for a processor name? Not that Average Joe really knows more than a MHz rating, but Apple has always stood for simplicity.

I believe it is time to stray away from the 'G' series and devise a new scheme, but those numbers seem a trifle long.

Seems to work for high end car makers.:)

[mccoma]

Originally posted by eric_n_dfw
I hope they do get away from naming the machine by the chip in it.

I still like "Machintosh III" and maybe "PowerBook III" - except that there never was a "PowerBook II". Steve could explain that they wanted the name to indicate that it was the portable version of the "Mac III".

No? How about the "PowerBook Pro"?

Also, just to beat that dead horse some more: People, the G4 is not a G3+AltiVec! (althogh the 750vx might be)

Roman Numeral 3 taboo at Apple
bad times.... bad times....

[Arcady]

Originally posted by eric_n_dfw
I still like "Machintosh III" and maybe "PowerBook III" - except that there never was a "PowerBook II". Steve could explain that they wanted the name to indicate that it was the portable version of the "Mac III".

Apple will never name anything with a "III" on it, ever again. The Apple III killed that idea.

Besides, Steve Jobs seems to like having 20 products with the same name. It's fun when you call tech support and they spend the first 20 minutes just figuring out which model of the Mac you happen to own: "Oh that's the PowerBook G4 32MB VRAM Dual USB Bronze FW800 15.4" LCD Bluetooth 2X SuperDrive YoYo Opaque Aluminum Magnesium edition!"

[Bengt77]

Originally posted by nagromme
An IBM 750 with AltiVec would not be the end of the G4... it would BE a G4, and give Apple a new G4 supplier for consumer Macs. Good news.

No, technically it's still a G3, but the GX extension to the 750 name of this processor leaves someting to think about. It's a G3, faster than a G4 on non-altivec tasks already (look at the 750FX, which is now used in the iBooks), but is still a G3. Performance-wise it would be the best thing to do: use this 750GX in the iBooks, eMacs and iMacs (before they get the 970s, which the iMacs will probably get first of these three consumer Macs).

But then they would have to market them as having G3 processors; that would not be a very wise thing to do. Well, luckily, those new 750s have this wonderful GX name-extension. Guess what? The new iBooks, eMacs and iMacs, powered by IBM's new GX processor. Sounds pretty slick, if you ask me?!...

G1 (630), G2 (640), G3 (7XX), G4 (7XXX), GX (750). No G5, bummer. But who gives a *****, now we finally know (?) the 970 is coming. What will it be called by Apple? Maybe the G-naming scheme dies after the GX and just start using the numbers as the name for the processors. Who knows?! Just as long as they rename the Power Mac to xMac, the PowerBook to xBook and the Xserve to xServe. Looks good next to and differentiates nicely from the iBook and iMac.

[Websnapx2]

Originally posted by Sol
Hang on a second, I thought that G4s were very cool compared to anything x86. Since when has heat been an issue with G4s? I do not have any temperature tests with me but I am sure that if you find any they will show the G4s to be a lot more heat efficient than Pentiums, Athlons, etc.

Of course the 970 and this new IBM G3 will be even cooler but i think that is due to advancements in chip manufacturing which were to be expected.

Especially in the power books, they run really hot. It takes a lot to cool them, so their fan is noisy, much like the PowerMac towers. The G4 is not a good portable proccessor. The only test you need is use a 15" powerbook on your lap for 30 minutes, you'll get a nice tan. :D

[Marble]

I'm not a big fan of the "x" or the "i" or even the "G" really. Negative association or not, I'd like to see something more innovative from a company built on innovation. Relying on tried and true symbols for "the future" just doesn't quite do it for me anymore.

[Flowbee]

Originally posted by Marble
I'm not a big fan of the "x" or the "i" or even the "G" really. Negative association or not, I'd like to see something more innovative from a company built on innovation. Relying on tried and true symbols for "the future" just doesn't quite do it for me anymore.

However, thay just named their new wireless networking hardware "Airport Extreme." Adding 'exterme' to the name of something was really cool in, like, 1999. :rolleyes:

[Marble]

True. I was disappointed.

[Abstract]

They should name the new chips "Cheetah" and "Leopard". :p SJ seems to have a thing for big cats. Imagine ordering a PM with dual Cheetahs and ApE. :)

[abdul]

the G-thing is old (not that g thing the name)

the p-prefix is already used by..........

and the X-prefix is over used anyway and may remind peope of xp, (not me but there must be someone in the world:D )

i think they should go for the s-prefix this is new original. can be linked with mercs therefore showing a level of class and can stand for a number of thing, some from the top of my head

super.....um......s*it?

[dongmin]

Originally posted by abdul
the G-thing is old (not that g thing the name)

the p-prefix is already used by..........

and the X-prefix is over used anyway and may remind peope of xp, (not me but there must be someone in the world:D )

Yes it's over-used but given that we have 'OS X' it's more or less fitting to use a X-moniker. Hence XServe, Quartz Extreme, Airport Extreme, etc. My guess is that they'll stick with the i-something for consumer machines and go across the board with X-somethings for pro machines.

XServe
XStation (or XTop; XMac sounds weird)
XBook

iMac
iBook
iPod
(eMac is, of course, would be the one anomoly.)

That's my prediction anyway. I would love for Apple to surprise us with something simple, clever, and original.

[jimthorn]

Originally posted by dongmin
XServe
XStation (or XTop; XMac sounds weird)
XBook

*sigh*

I hope not. After the last few years of overuse by everybody in every industry, the letter X needs to take a rest. Please.

[MOFS]

Originally posted by dongmin
Yes it's over-used but given that we have 'OS X' it's more or less fitting to use a X-moniker. Hence XServe, Quartz Extreme, Airport Extreme, etc. My guess is that they'll stick with the i-something for consumer machines and go across the board with X-somethings for pro machines.

XServe
XStation (or XTop; XMac sounds weird)
XBook

iMac
iBook
iPod
(eMac is, of course, would be the one anomoly.)

That's my prediction anyway. I would love for Apple to surprise us with something simple, clever, and original.

They could always release the eMacs only for educational customers again, or perhaps with a Gobi processor.

I think you're right with "i" indicating a consumer Mac - it is already a well recognised brand name. I thought "ProMac" which sounds weird, but it does allow a (slightly funny) advert - "I'm depressed due to working with PCs all the time - I'll take a Promac" :o Sorry to all those with a sense of humour and those who have ever been clinically depressed.

[wizard]

Reading the first PDF, I noticed that the PPC 970 is supposed to be produced at the fishkill FAB. Earlier today I noticed this on another rumors site:

http://www.siliconstrategies.com/story/OEG20030509S0034

It says that there is a rumor that IBM is gutting the Fishkill (no pun intended ), and going to be turning it over to AMD for advanced processor manufacturing.

Doubtful, but interesting none the less.


You have to remember that IBM was an old world mainframe manufacture, the plants that it has in NY are huge. In one the hallway was so long you could not see the other end. So yeah they could be gutting part of the plant or for that matter one of the plants in FishKill but it doesn't really mean anything. Besides the semiconductor plant is rather new compared to some of the fishKill plants.

Personally I'm glad I'm in a postion to wait a bit (bieng broke does have its advantages). I would hate to have to purchase a MAC right now knowing full well that major technology changes are on the way.

As to the question of 970's by July that one I'm up in the air on. I will say this though it will be an accomplishment on Apples part if they do deliever a usefull machine. Even more so if they have more technology than just the 970 built into them.

Dave

[Gyroscope]

http://www.siliconstrategies.com/story/OEG20030602S0003

Hm? I wouldn't count Mororola out just yet.

[CMillerERAU]

Isn't XMac a new hamburger at McDonalds? Its been advertised like mad where I live, but it might be a regional thing. PowerMac still does it for me, its an ancient line going all the way back to the 601's but heck, it works. I think many people like having a simle lineup, if you look at PC's they all have elaborate product lines like the Dell Inspiron 44534VC, might as well put a serial number on the front!

[mattmack]

Originally posted by nagromme
An IBM 750 with AltiVec would not be the end of the G4... it would BE a G4, and give Apple a new G4 supplier for consumer Macs. Good news. theres some good info in the hardware section under the topic G3 vs G4

[rickag]

Maybe I completely misread the article, but I understood the article to say IBM was converting the Advanced Semiconductor Technology Center (ASTC) in East Fishkill, N.Y. into a 300mm wafer fab. This lead me to believer the Advanced Semiconductor Technology Center to be separate from the new plant IBM has built for processor production.

I guess I stay perpetually confused.:confused: