Intel unveils 48-core cloud computing silicon (BBC)

[eppur_se_muova]

Intel has unveiled a prototype chip that packs 48 separate processing cores on to a chunk of silicon the size of a postage stamp.
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Each processing core could, in theory, run a separate operating system.
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The chip maker said the research that had gone into the chip suggests that it could, eventually, cram 100 cores onto a single piece of silicon.

In 2007, the firm showed off an 80-core processor, whilst earlier this year a US firm called Tilera announced a 100-core chip. Also graphics chip maker Nvidia has previewed its next-generation processor that has 512 cores.

However, unlike both of these, the SCC is based on Intel's X86 architecture, meaning it can run operating systems found in normal desktop computers such as Windows and Linux.
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more: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/8392392.stm

[shireen]

1. cool!

the things that humans can achieve scientifically and technologically is just so awesome. Too bad we don't have the same talent when it comes to social issues.

[brooklynite]

2. Available in a MacBook by Christmas?

[ElboRuum]

3. I wonder how they do on heat dissipation...

Running all cores at full voltage would generate a ton of heat. Either it's got to have a MASSIVE heat sink, or they have to be liquid cooled.

[TheMadMonk]

4. I'd suspect that individual core speeds will be relatively slow.

It's their aggregate speed for specific (massively parallel) applications that will be the selling point.

[Indenturedebtor]

5. You are assuming that they run at high voltage

Though there likely won't be any applications for these for a few years - this would definately lead to an increase in processing power/speed and may use even less electricity.

[ElboRuum]

8. I'm assuming that each core would run at the same voltage...

as current processors do. That's not really explained in the article, although they did mention that the voltage for various islands could be throttled down depending on processing needs.

[Ichingcarpenter]

6. The next step in the evolution of man

will be the combination of the computer and the brain. The brain, according to studies, Once the brain has grown to a point where the bulk of its mass is in the form of connections, further increases will be unproductive, due the declining capability of neuronal integration and increased conduction time (Ringo et al., 1994; Prothero, 1997; Hofman, 2000).

At this point, corresponding to a brain size two to three times that of modern man, the brain reaches its maximal processing power. The larger the brain grows beyond this critical size, the less efficient it will become, thus limiting any improvement in processing power.


One cannot exclude the possibilty of new structures evolving in the brain, or a higher degree of specialization of existing brain areas, but within the limits of the existing ŒBauplan¹ there does not seem to be an incremental improvement path available to the human brain. This implies that, as a species, Homo sapiens is nearly at the end of the road for brain evolution.

However with the advancement of computer processors and increased miniaturization a symbiotic relationships will be achieved that will increase
our processing power beyond the realms of what we could dream of.

[Ichingcarpenter]

7. Here's a photographic example of the emerging symbiotic relationship

Here, microwires emerging from the green and orange tubes connect to two arrays of 16 microelectrodes. Each array is embedded in a small mat of clear, rubbery silicone. The mats are barely visible in this image.

These microelectrode arrays sit on the brain without penetrating it, a step toward longer-lived, less invasive versions of "neural interfaces" that in recent experiments elsewhere have allowed paralyzed people to control a computer cursor with their thoughts.
The new microelectrode arrays were placed in two patients at the University of Utah who already were undergoing brain surgery for severe epilepsy.

The larger, numbered, metallic electrodes are used to locate the source of epileptic seizures in the brain, so the patients allowed the microelectrodes to be placed on their brains at the same time.


http://www.popsci.com/science/gallery/2009-12/gallery-years-most-amazing-scientific-images

[Fumesucker]

9. You are assuming that computers do not become sentient and self-aware first..

I'm not so sure that ever increasing computing power is going to be an unalloyed boon for mankind.

Consider that this paper was written in 1993, we have 14 years left according to Dr Vinge.

http://mindstalk.net/vinge/vinge-sing.html

Abstract

Within thirty years, we will have the technological means to create superhuman intelligence. Shortly after, the human era will be ended.

Is such progress avoidable? If not to be avoided, can events be guided so that we may survive? These questions are investigated. Some possible answers (and some further dangers) are presented.

What is The Singularity?

The acceleration of technological progress has been the central feature of this century. I argue in this paper that we are on the edge of change comparable to the rise of human life on Earth. The precise cause of this change is the imminent creation by technology of entities with greater than human intelligence. There are several means by which science may achieve this breakthrough (and this is another reason for having confidence that the event will occur):

* There may be developed computers that are "awake" and superhumanly intelligent. (To date, there has been much controversy as to whether we can create human equivalence in a machine. But if the answer is "yes, we can", then there is little doubt that beings more intelligent can be constructed shortly thereafter.)
* Large computer networks (and their associated users) may "wake up" as a superhumanly intelligent entity.
* Computer/human interfaces may become so intimate that users may reasonably be considered superhumanly intelligent.
* Biological science may provide means to improve natural human intellect.

<snip>

More at the link..