BIAS sees huge performance bumps using Intel apps

[Arnie Schlissel]

So, migrating the software from a single processor to a dual core system (with bigger, faster cache) makes the app run faster? How surprising! One of the bigger factors that led to the switch from IBM to Intel was based on getting faster CPUs for the laptops.

Arnie
https://www.arniepix.com

[Mitchji]

[Arniepix] “So, migrating the software from a single processor to a dual core system (with bigger, faster cache) makes the app run faster? How surprising!”

Hi Arnie,

I didn’t notice that the comparision was comparing single to dual so the huge performance boost is misleading. Thanks for pointing that out!

On the other hand:
The first Intel Powermac models will also probably have a bigger cache also, no?

Going to dual processors normally increases performance approximately 40%. These performance gains are higher than that so depending on how well Apple optimizes their code for Intel we might expect a nice performance bump on the first Powermacs with Intel processors.

Looking a little further into the future the information below is from an Intel developers conference. Quad core chips in 2007. It seems likely that in 2007 Apple will be shipping Powermacs with two quad-core processors (8 CPU’s in one computer!). That will be like having a one computer render farm!
“The move to dual-core over the majority of the product line was discussed, with Rattner admitting that it will take the software world a while to adjust to the need for multi-threading their applications, but that it was an inevitable move given the power envelope problems. Increasing the core frequency by 20 percent adds 73 percent more power consumption. Keeping the frequency the same allows for a second core on the same die, which theoretically could increase performance by 100 percent (although these gains are rarely achievable in real-world applications). Intel wants to help out software developers by providing tools to assist in multithreading, such as V-Tune.

A dozen dual-core products are now in silicon, versus five for last year. Over 85 percent of Intel’s server platforms will be dual core by end of year. Gelsinger then demoed three platforms from Dell, showing eight threads launched on a rendering application running on four-core Cloverton. Three quad-core products are on track for release in 2007.”

Best Wishes,

Mitch

[Arnie Schlissel]

I don’t know what the numbers are, Mitch, but dual core should always be faster than dual processor at the same speed. The CPUs share a bus in DC, along with (I think) some of the cache, so they swap information & tasks much more quickly. But the idea of an 8 CPU mac (the OctoMac?) is reeeaaaaly sexy! Talk about fast encodes! (note to self: I need to get out more!)

BTW, I’m curious to know what OS Intel ran that render test on. I bet it was not something sold in a retail box out of Redmond, WA. 🙂

Arnie
https://www.arniepix.com