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Best Motherboards With Large RAM Capacity?
cortex writes "I routinely need to analyze large datasets (principally using Matlab). I recently 'upgraded' to 64-bit Vista so that I can access larger amounts of RAM. I know that various Linux distros have had 64-bit support for years. I also typically use Intel motherboards for their reliability, but currently Intel's desktop motherboards only support 8GB of RAM and their server motherboards are too expensive. Can anyone relate their experiences with working with Vista or Linux machines running with large RAM (>8GB)? What is the best motherboard (Intel or AMD) and OS combination for workstation applications in terms of cost and reliability?"
AMD offer energy-efficient chips:
Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) launched two new single-core desktop chips that use less power than the preceding models, and a dual-core processor for high quality graphics and video on Microsoft's Windows Vista.
The Athlon 64 3500+ and 3800+ are based on 65nm process technology and run on 45 watts power. The previous version all consumed up as mush as 89 watts. These single core chips are made for small form-factor system designs.
"We expect that our commercial and consumer customers, as well as end-users, will be pleased with both the low noise and small form-factor designs possible using this latest generation of energy-efficient desktop processors," Bob Brewer, corporate VP of AMD's desktop division, said in a statement.
AMD also launched Athlon 64 X2 6000+ dual processor powering high-quality graphic, video and security on Window Vista.
These new chips are available in the market. The computer makers using the new processors include Dell Computer's subsidiary, Alienware, Fujitsu Siemens Computer, Systemax and Voodoo PC. The Athlon 64 3500+, 3800+ that costs $88 and $93 respectively. The Athlon 64 X2 cost $464.
Intel unveils super-chip technology
Intel recently publicized a diminutive new microprocessor that it could deliver "supercomputer-like" performance to home computers and handheld devices.
Intel said that this extraordinary programmable processor is not much larger than fingernail and use less power than typical home electronic devices and can perform more than a trillion calculations per second i.e. a "teraflop." Such 'tera-scale computing' could help in artificial intelligence, real time speech recognition, more realistic video games, instant online film viewing and other things related to science fiction, said Intel.
"Our researchers have achieved a wonderful and key milestone in terms of being able to drive multi-core and parallel computing performance forward," said Intel chief technology officer Justin Rattner.
"It points the way to the near future when teraflops-capable designs will be commonplace and reshape what we can all expect from our computers and the Internet at home and in the office."
The first computer to run a teraflop speed was an Intel built machine at Sandia National Laboratories in 1996. The ASCI Red supercomputer is said to take up more than 2,000 sqft. (185 square meters) and used up to 500 kilowatts of electricity.
The California based Intel's '80-core'research chip at Santa Clara achieves teraflop performance using just 62 watts.
http://www.memory4less.com/cpus/m4l_turion64.asp