Intel's Tulsa Server Processor, and IBM Power 6

MacRumors · Feb 7, 2006, 07:09 AM

http://www.macrumors.com/images/macrumorsthreadlogo.gif

The International Solid State Circuits Conference takes places this week, and reveals Intel's plans for a dual-core Xeon server processor due in the "second half of the year".

The upcoming chip is called "Tulsa" and has an emphasis on performance. The dual-core chip is expected to come in at 3.4GHz with a 16MB unified cache. The performance is expected to boosted by up to 10% with this change. Also featured in the chip is Intel's virtualization technology allowing the chip to run multiple operating systems as well as energy conservation technology.

Apple announced at MacWorld San Francisco that they would be transitioning their entire line over to the Intel processor in 2006, suggesting that the Tulsa processor could find its way into future Xserves.

Meanwhile, IBM continues work on their Power6 processor also designed for servers. We had previously been interested in the Power6 as a basis for future PowerPC chips.

Craigy · Feb 7, 2006, 07:13 AM

Be great in the new MacPros!

combatcolin · Feb 7, 2006, 07:14 AM

16MB cache.

Little Endian · Feb 7, 2006, 07:17 AM

Tulsa sounds very nice but what does this mean for Xserve? Is Apple going to leave it untouched till late this year? I am still wondering why Apple has not upgraded the Xserve with Dual Core G5. Heat is an issue but two 970MPs at 2Ghz should run at a reasonable temp inside Xserve. Intel really does not have anything fitting that could replace the 970FX or a 970MP at the moment.

jacobj · Feb 7, 2006, 07:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by combatcolin

16MB cache.

One day you'll laugh at the fact that you find this amazing

Platform · Feb 7, 2006, 07:21 AM

16MB Cache...Dual Core @ 3.4Ghz.....nah that would be too many barries for Apple to brake

Mac Pro and Xserves

manu chao · Feb 7, 2006, 07:37 AM

Isn't this still based on Netburst? And when are the Conroe-based processors coming?

TangoCharlie · Feb 7, 2006, 07:44 AM

These Xeon's (Tulsa) are aimed at the high-performance high-power usage
end of the market. At 150W power usage <http://www.theinquirer.net/?article=29540> I can't see these in Apple's 1U XServe style enclosures.

I think the XServe will get the Sossaman LV Zeon (Lendenhurst platform).

The "PowerMac G5" replacement might get Depsey and/or Woodcrest (Dual-Code) DP Xeons.

Tulsa will only get into Apple's line-up if they try another "big" server (like the old Apple Network Servers), or at the very least a 3U rack-mounted server. It's extremely unlikely IMHO. I don't see Apple trying to compete with HP and Dell for the 3U-5U server market.

Stella · Feb 7, 2006, 07:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by manu chao

Isn't this still based on Netburst? And when are the Conroe-based processors coming?

Conroe will arrive by third quarter, I think?

IBM processors are now academic, Apple aren't going to use them.

Hattig · Feb 7, 2006, 07:54 AM

Tulsa won't be used in a Mac.

It's one of the final designs from the Netburst era, it's a slightly more muscley P4. 150W TDP (and Intel's TDP is 75% max TDP, which AMD use, making the 95W AMD figure even better in comparison).

I'm wary of the AMD details in the article as well - AMD's dual core Opterons already have 1MB L2 per core, so why would they move back to 512KB? Maybe AMD are adding a unified L3 cache, or they are going to release a quad-core processor with reduced cache at 90nm for applications where cache isn't so useful (streaming data tasks, etc).

Mord · Feb 7, 2006, 08:10 AM

these are netburst, therefor suck ass apple will not use them.

BornAgainMac · Feb 7, 2006, 08:24 AM

Off topic but the Apple online store is down. Maybe we will see some more Intel stuff. Today is Tuesday!

Mord · Feb 7, 2006, 08:28 AM

powerbook G6!

DHUK · Feb 7, 2006, 08:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BornAgainMac

Off topic but the Apple online store is down. Maybe we will see some more Intel stuff. Today is Tuesday!

MacBook Pro could have started to ship?

ezekielrage_99 · Feb 7, 2006, 08:36 AM

One of those new Xeons in a Mac Pro would be sweet

In the words of Homer "Strap yourself in and feel the Gs"..... or should that be intels

Mord · Feb 7, 2006, 08:36 AM

or the 12/17" mbp's are ready to announce.

excalibur313 · Feb 7, 2006, 09:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BornAgainMac

Off topic but the Apple online store is down. Maybe we will see some more Intel stuff. Today is Tuesday!

Ooop it's already fixed. Drat!

bodeh6 · Feb 7, 2006, 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BornAgainMac

Off topic but the Apple online store is down. Maybe we will see some more Intel stuff. Today is Tuesday!

We did get new stuff. 1GB Nano $149

nagromme · Feb 7, 2006, 09:44 AM

Once upon a time I planned to wait for a Power6-derived chip in my next Mac.

It's looking like Conroe will be my post-G5 choice now...

Thanatoast · Feb 7, 2006, 10:27 AM

How in the world am I supposed to keep all these chips straight? I mean, there's like 47 different chips that Intel produced/is producing/will produce. What are the advantages of one versus the other? Are the ones we're getting the good ones, the okay ones, or the crap ones? How would I know the difference? Does the hardware matter more or what I'm using the computer for? Jeezus.

I liked the days of G5>G4, and faster G*>slower G*.

nataku · Feb 7, 2006, 10:32 AM

Conroe will probably be used in PowerMacs. I just keep wondering why Apple used the Core-Duo chips on iMacs. I guess they really wanted to speed things up. Core-Duo on Macbooks seem logical since they are really notebook processors (low-power, high-ish-performance). Am i right?

though off-topic... anybody got news on Intel's Viiv thingy? I wonder if Apple is going to use this. (I strongly hope so! macmini digital entertainment hub. hey i can dream right?

)

Peace · Feb 7, 2006, 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nataku

Conroe will probably be used in PowerMacs. I just keep wondering why Apple used the Core-Duo chips on iMacs. I guess they really wanted to speed things up. Core-Duo on Macbooks seem logical since they are really notebook processors (low-power, high-ish-performance). Am i right?

though off-topic... anybody got news on Intel's Viiv thingy? I wonder if Apple is going to use this. (I strongly hope so! macmini digital entertainment hub. hey i can dream right?

)

Intel's ViiV is a WindowsCentric marketing scheme.One Apple will never use.At least the term "ViiV".

Now the IBM Power 6..That's a different story.

iMeowbot · Feb 7, 2006, 10:46 AM

The Xeon models are relevant. Remember Xserve.

stockscalper · Feb 7, 2006, 11:02 AM

The G6 uses far far less power than Intel's current line up. Apple what were you thinking?

iMeowbot · Feb 7, 2006, 11:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stockscalper

The G6 uses far far less power than Intel's current line up. Apple what were you thinking?

IBM have made no such claim. They have only claimed that their future POWER6 processors should have better power density than some of today's desktop CPUs. Future desktop CPUs will also have better power characteristics than today's models, so the IBM statement is meaningless -- especially given that IBM haven't offered any actual numbers.

Also, there is no G6. The G5 is based on the POWER4. IBM never bothered to PowerPCify the POWER5 architecture, let alone the still-vaporware POWER6.

Feb 7, 2006, 07:09 AM	#1
MacRumors macrumors bot Join Date: Apr 2001	Intel's Tulsa Server Processor, and IBM Power 6 http://www.macrumors.com/images/macrumorsthreadlogo.gif The International Solid State Circuits Conference takes places this week, and reveals Intel's plans for a dual-core Xeon server processor due in the "second half of the year". The upcoming chip is called "Tulsa" and has an emphasis on performance. The dual-core chip is expected to come in at 3.4GHz with a 16MB unified cache. The performance is expected to boosted by up to 10% with this change. Also featured in the chip is Intel's virtualization technology allowing the chip to run multiple operating systems as well as energy conservation technology. Apple announced at MacWorld San Francisco that they would be transitioning their entire line over to the Intel processor in 2006, suggesting that the Tulsa processor could find its way into future Xserves. Meanwhile, IBM continues work on their Power6 processor also designed for servers. We had previously been interested in the Power6 as a basis for future PowerPC chips.

Feb 7, 2006, 07:13 AM	#2
Craigy macrumors regular Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Warwickshire, UK	Be great in the new MacPros! __________________ Check out our latest app: My Valentine All apps: See all our iPhone and iPod apps

Feb 7, 2006, 07:14 AM	#3
combatcolin macrumors 68020 Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Northants, UK	16MB cache. __________________ PC 24" Dell WS Monitor 500GB Lacie Triple 40 GB iPod, 1st gen iMac Bought sister a 1.25Ghz eMac Wide Aspect F810 Camera 1GB XD Card

Feb 7, 2006, 07:21 AM	#6
Platform macrumors 68030 Join Date: Dec 2004	16MB Cache...Dual Core @ 3.4Ghz.....nah that would be too many barries for Apple to brake Mac Pro and Xserves __________________ Aluminium Macbook \| 20" iMac G5 (iSight)

Feb 7, 2006, 07:44 AM	#8
TangoCharlie macrumors member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Horsham, West Sussex	Power Requirements These Xeon's (Tulsa) are aimed at the high-performance high-power usage end of the market. At 150W power usage <http://www.theinquirer.net/?article=29540> I can't see these in Apple's 1U XServe style enclosures. I think the XServe will get the Sossaman LV Zeon (Lendenhurst platform). The "PowerMac G5" replacement might get Depsey and/or Woodcrest (Dual-Code) DP Xeons. Tulsa will only get into Apple's line-up if they try another "big" server (like the old Apple Network Servers), or at the very least a 3U rack-mounted server. It's extremely unlikely IMHO. I don't see Apple trying to compete with HP and Dell for the 3U-5U server market. __________________ Umax Apus 2000 PPC 603e/240; Apple Mac LC475 (no case) 68040/25Mhz; Apple Mac Classic 68000/8Mhz; IBM 8482 - 2.8GHz P4; Compaq N800v P4M 1.7GHz

Feb 7, 2006, 07:17 AM	#4
Little Endian macrumors 6502 Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Honolulu	Tulsa sounds very nice but what does this mean for Xserve? Is Apple going to leave it untouched till late this year? I am still wondering why Apple has not upgraded the Xserve with Dual Core G5. Heat is an issue but two 970MPs at 2Ghz should run at a reasonable temp inside Xserve. Intel really does not have anything fitting that could replace the 970FX or a 970MP at the moment.

Feb 7, 2006, 07:37 AM	#7
manu chao macrumors 6502a Join Date: Jul 2003	Isn't this still based on Netburst? And when are the Conroe-based processors coming?

Feb 7, 2006, 07:54 AM	#10
Hattig macrumors 65816 Join Date: Jan 2003	Tulsa won't be used in a Mac. It's one of the final designs from the Netburst era, it's a slightly more muscley P4. 150W TDP (and Intel's TDP is 75% max TDP, which AMD use, making the 95W AMD figure even better in comparison). I'm wary of the AMD details in the article as well - AMD's dual core Opterons already have 1MB L2 per core, so why would they move back to 512KB? Maybe AMD are adding a unified L3 cache, or they are going to release a quad-core processor with reduced cache at 90nm for applications where cache isn't so useful (streaming data tasks, etc). __________________ iBook — 12" 1.33GHz, 1.5GB RAM, 40GB, Combodrive, 200GB Firewire Hard Drive :: iPod — 8GB Black G3 iPod nano

Feb 7, 2006, 08:10 AM	#11
Mord macrumors 601 Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: People's Republic of Yorkshire	these are netburst, therefor suck ass apple will not use them. __________________ Consider the lily.

Feb 7, 2006, 08:24 AM	#12
BornAgainMac macrumors 68030 Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Florida Resident	Off topic but the Apple online store is down. Maybe we will see some more Intel stuff. Today is Tuesday!

Feb 7, 2006, 08:28 AM	#13
Mord macrumors 601 Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: People's Republic of Yorkshire	powerbook G6! __________________ Consider the lily.

Feb 7, 2006, 08:36 AM	#15
ezekielrage_99 macrumors 68020 Join Date: Oct 2005	One of those new Xeons in a Mac Pro would be sweet In the words of Homer "Strap yourself in and feel the Gs"..... or should that be intels __________________ "There is a world elsewhere" - Coriolanus

Feb 7, 2006, 09:44 AM	#19
nagromme macrumors 601 Join Date: May 2002 Location: Blinking blue dot	Once upon a time I planned to wait for a Power6-derived chip in my next Mac. It's looking like Conroe will be my post-G5 choice now... __________________ nagromme Would you like a treatment?

Feb 7, 2006, 10:27 AM	#20
Thanatoast macrumors 6502a Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Denver	How in the world am I supposed to keep all these chips straight? I mean, there's like 47 different chips that Intel produced/is producing/will produce. What are the advantages of one versus the other? Are the ones we're getting the good ones, the okay ones, or the crap ones? How would I know the difference? Does the hardware matter more or what I'm using the computer for? Jeezus. I liked the days of G5>G4, and faster G>slower G.

Feb 7, 2006, 10:32 AM	#21
nataku macrumors regular Join Date: May 2005 Location: The Demilitarized Zone	Conroe will probably be used in PowerMacs. I just keep wondering why Apple used the Core-Duo chips on iMacs. I guess they really wanted to speed things up. Core-Duo on Macbooks seem logical since they are really notebook processors (low-power, high-ish-performance). Am i right? though off-topic... anybody got news on Intel's Viiv thingy? I wonder if Apple is going to use this. (I strongly hope so! macmini digital entertainment hub. hey i can dream right? ) __________________ *currently saving up for a 24-inch iMac* "A lie told often enough becomes accepted truth." - Vladimir Lenin

Feb 7, 2006, 10:46 AM	#23
iMeowbot macrumors 601 Join Date: Aug 2003	The Xeon models are relevant. Remember Xserve.

Feb 7, 2006, 11:02 AM	#24
stockscalper macrumors regular Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Area 51	The G6 uses far far less power than Intel's current line up. Apple what were you thinking? __________________ You'll never know what you don't know

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