Glasgow Scientists Build 1000-Core PC Processing Chip - Page 2
In addition, as processors gain additional cores to become more efficient and faster, they also tend to run a lot hotter, which requires additional power from much larger power supplies and cooling systems to maintain adequate temperatures and keep the chips operable. Whereas the processor itself may be considered greener by the University of Glasgow group, there is no telling how many internal and external components may be necessary to keep the chip processing operating at an acceptable level. Consequently, as the processor may indeed conserve power, the tools required to run it may negate any positive effects that it may have from an environmental perspective.
When processors with the type of alleged specifications that this FPGA one finally hit the market, it could be possible that the days of heat sinks, fans, and water-cooling may be at an end, while units like cryogenics become an everyday option. Conversely, without additional information to provide a full understanding of the requirements, specifications, and operational capability of a 1000-core chip, it could be many years before it even becomes a feasible alternative for the standard user-level desktop computer. One way or another, the market will be the harbinger of such alternatives, although to the standard user, until he or she is finally excused from being asked to send information regarding fatal errors to Microsoft, I doubt anyone but us techies are going to care.
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