Intel's "Skulltrail 2" to Feature 16 Cores?

It looks as though Intel's next dual-socket platform might not be a straight-forward dual desktop CPU setup like the original Skulltrail. Bright Side of News is reporting that "Skulltrail 2" will instead be comprised of Octal-Core (8) processors based on Nehalem-EX. That's right... 16 cores, and 32 threads.

When I questioned Intel regarding the validity of this claim, I received back an answer that neither denied or confirmed it, so I'd be willing to believe that Intel is indeed considering moving to a 16 Core Skulltrail 2 rather than an 8 Core version. For what reason is unknown, but chances are it's simply because a) it's not going to be in high-demand, and b) that is a lot of power to brag about. But, it's important to note that even if they are considering that particular move, it doesn't mean it will happen.

The question of course arises... "who could touch all that power?" and in truth, I don't think the answer is a simple one. After all, even with our original Skulltrail article, we had a difficult time finding ways to properly push all 8 Cores / 8 Threads. Just imagine how challenging 32 threads would be! If the original Skulltrail was the "ultimate" multi-tasker's PC, I think we're going to need to invent a new word to describe Skulltrail 2.

Here's Intel's official stance: "We have not announced any plans to bring a new ‘Skulltrail’ board to market.  We are always researching and looking at new technologies for various segments, so we are not saying we would never come out with this board.  But, at this time we have no public plans to do so."

Many OS and apps code paths would now nicely fit in that huge cache, but high speed memory would still be useful for streaming and HPC apps. Every Nehalem-EX Beckton processor has a quad-memory controller, e.g. 256-bit interface. With DDR3-1333, you will get 85.3 GB/s. But with DDR3-1600 you would get 102.4GB/s e.g. CPUs would have more than 100GB/s of system bandwidth for the first time in history!

Apple Announces Updated MacBook Pro Line-up, OS X Snow Leopard

When Apple's annual WWDC rolls around each summer, people stop and listen. The reason is simple: new product launches. Between the new iPhone 3G S, Max OS X Snow Leopard (desktop and server), Safari 4 and an updated MacBook Pro line-up, I think it's safe to say that nothing at all has changed this year in that regard.

Probably the most interesting for Mac OS X users is what's been unveiled for Snow Leopard. More than just an upgrade, Apple claims that they've refined over 90% of the 1,000 "projects" in the OS, so not only will the updated applications be faster, but they'll offer even more functionality.

The best part might be the pricing for current Leopard owners... $29. Still, I shrug when I picture the incoming ad campaigns that point this fact out. OS X might cost less, but their hardware is undeniably far more expensive. Either way, the cheaper upgrade path for current users isn't going to go unappreciated.

The depth is too great to get into all of the updates here, but Apple have revised their entire MacBook Pro line-up as well. This means more powerful machines, but also less-expensive machines, such as the $1,199 13" model. With their new built-in battery, Apple promises up to 7 hours of battery-life, and that's without the use of Intel's latest ULV processors.

Check out the press release URL below for all the updates.

Apple today unveiled Mac OS X Snow Leopard, an even more powerful and refined version of the world’s most advanced operating system and the foundation for future Mac innovation. Snow Leopard builds on a decade of OS X innovation and success with hundreds of refinements, new core technologies, out of the box support for Microsoft Exchange and new accessibility features. Snow Leopard will ship as an upgrade for Mac OS X Leopard users in September 2009 for $29.

Tech Roundup - June 9, 2009

Motherboards & Processors
• AMD Phenom II X4 955 Black Edition - Hardware Overclock
• MSI 790FX-GD70 - Bjorn3D

Displays & Video Cards
• ASUS GTS 250 Dark Knight and Sapphire HD 4850 Vapor - PC Perspective
• Galaxy GeForce 9800GT Low Power - Hardware Bistro
• Sapphire HD 4890 Toxic and Sapphire 4890 Vapor-X - Overclockers Club
• XFX GeForce 275 GTX 896MB DDR3 Core Edition - Motherboards.org
• Zotac GeForce GTX 275 AMP! - ocaholic

Memory & Storage
• Cavalry Storage Pelican 64GB External SSD - Hardware Canucks
• OCZ USB 2.0 Rally2 64GB Flash Drive - TestFreaks

Peripherals & Gadgets
• Cresyn CS-HP500 Headphones - techPowerUp
• Kingwin KW-01 2.4g Wireless Mouse - OverclockersHQ
• Microsoft Wireless Laser Mouse 5000 - i4u
• Mophie Juice Pack Air - TestFreaks

Cooling
• Cooler Master V10 CPU Cooler - Red and Blackness
• Scythe Katana 3 CPU Cooler - DeXgo

Chassis & Power Supplies
• Antec P193 Chassis - Overclockers Online
• Chieftec Dragon CH-07B-R - techPowerUp
• Cooler Master HAF 922 - PureOverclock
• Ikonik Ra X10 Liquid Full Tower Chassis - TweakTown
• In Win X-Fighter Chassis - Neoseeker
• NZXT Beta Classic Series Mid-Tower Steel Chassis - Think Computers
• Thermaltake V9 Black Edition Chassis - Virtual-Hideout

Competitions, Complete Systems & Et cetera
• MSI GT627-216US Gaming Notebook - HotHardware