BANGALORE, INDIA: Multi-core CPUs are nothing new. They've existed in the RISC world for ages. However, it's a relatively new phenomenon on the x86 platform. Hence that's what we'll elaborate on in this article, along with some other varieties of multi-core. In the world of IT, there's always been a cat and mouse chase between hardware and software. Everytime a fast, new hardware is introduced, software developers come out with applications to quickly consume its power. Likewise, the hardware manufacturers then start working on something to manage the growing demands from the software and the cycle repeats.

The story so far:

Intel launched their new mobile platform AMD launched their first Quad Core processor named Barcelona NVDIA and ATI brought out their Direct X 10 GPUs for next generation gaming Intel and AMD announced their 45nm processor named Penryn and Phenom respectively First Quad Core processor for the desktop

For a long time, in CPUs, this demand from applications was largely being addressed by increasing the clock speed, FSB, etc. This went on until the clock speeds hit a ceiling, exceeding which was just not possible. Plus, higher clock speeds also affected the power consumption and heat generation by the CPU. The only way out therefore was to increase the number of CPUs in the system. Adding more physical sockets into a system would have increased circuit complexity and increased the cost. A more efficient solution was required that would manage the costs, be more power efficient, and yet be powerful enough to manage the growing demands from software.

That's how multi-core CPUs came into being, or putting in multiple cores within the same CPU die without increasing its size. Today, the number of cores has increased to four, and next year, expect it to go up to 8 and continue increasing thereafter.

So now, the new battle of increasing the number of cores has started, or shall we call it multi-core wars.

Opportunities Galore for Multi-Core
Multi-core CPUs have not only impacted the traditional desktop PC, laptop, and server markets, but have also opened up a plethora of opportunities for many other segments. So whether it's gadgets like cellphones, smart phones, PDAs, or consumer appliances like microwaves or even the automobiles, everything can benefit from multi-core CPUs, and work is on to achieve the same.

Multi-Core this year
Lots of exciting things happened in multi-core this year. Intel bombarded the market with a slew of new multi-core processors for desktops, laptops, and servers. So much so that before one could even digest the launch of a new CPU, another more enhanced CPU gets released. For instance, it's not been long since the 65 nm processor came into the market, and 45 nm based CPUs have already been announced. Intel also has plans to move to 32 nm process very soon. In Jan this year, it introduced its Quad Core range of CPUs as well.

Likewise, AMD, which had been lagging in the multi-core race, finally came up with their first Quad Core Processor called Barcelona for servers. Plus, they also launched a higher clock speed Dual Core processor, called the AMD Athlon 64 Black Edition. AMD has also announced its 45 nm based processors and has plans to move to 32 nm as well.