Posted on Wednesday 26 October 2005 - Popularity: unranked
IBM’s dual core 970MP used in the new PowerMacs have several new power saving features. While Intel still needs to prove the efficiency of their power saving technology for next years “performance per watt” chips, the new IBM chips used in the new G5’s already go along a similar route. The chip cannot only completely shut down one of its cores; additionally it’s possible to reduce the frequency and chip voltage whenever all that extra power isn’t needed. In a “deep nap” mode the chip is able to cut its frequency to 1/64 of the regular speed. With both cores active but deeply napping, the processor consumes 5 watts; with one, it’s 3 watts. Those numbers are definitely impressive and it makes you wonder if Apple really plans to make a complete Intel switch next year.
