IBM introduce faster 2.2GHz PowerPC 970FX in blades

"Initial JS20 servers used a 1.6GHz PowerPC 970, but the new models use a 2.2GHz PowerPC 970FX..."

http://news.com.com/IBM+brings+Unix,+faster+chip+to+Power+blades/2100-1010_3-5402114.html

Hopefully this means IBM are successfully ramping up production of faster 970s. Perhaps that rumoured XServe update will appear soon?

varmit said:

Um, you know the Big Mac cluster at VT is using 2.3Ghz Xservers right. Even though Apple only sells 2.0.

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Yes, I am aware of that rumour.

varmit said:

And a speed boost in IBMs computers doesn't mean Apples will get them.

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That is of course true, but IBM is pretty conservative about introducing new tech for its servers, so it suggests they are reliably producing quanitites of 2.2GHz parts. Which is a hopeful sign.

varmit said:

But so you know, it is getting around that time for the Xservers to get a speed boost, most likely 2.5 if they figured out how to water cool in the Xserve, otherwise its probably be 2.3.

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Unless the water cooling has proven reliability in the field (PowerMacs with it have only been with users a short time), I think Apple should stick with more conventional cooling. Reliability is of paramount importance in servers.