'Read taste' computer configuration in 2010

How will the desktop and laptop change next year? This is a prediction of PC Pro magazine (UK).

Desktop

Many interesting inventions will be put on desktop computers in 2010. On the high-end desktop line, Intel expects to bring 6-core processor Gulftown code name to desktop computers next year. . This 6-core processor is capable of handling Hyper-Threading ( Hyper-Threading ) high, up to 12 threads.

On the mainstream desktop line, there will also be major changes when Intel brings Clarkdale, the first 32nm processor to integrate graphics processing into mass applications. This processor allows motherboard manufacturers of smaller sizes for compact desktops or all-in-one PCs.

However, the most exciting thing in Intel's plan in 2010 is Larrabee. This is a graphics processor (GPU) based on multi-core x86 platform, capable of handling superior to today's graphics processors. Larrabee is considered a threat to the companies in the field of graphics card processing today.

According to Intel's executive vice president of business, Stephen Smith, the chipmaker, negotiated with game makers to develop new games that make use of Larrabee's power. Stephen Smith said the first Larrabee product, described as a "high-end graphics card," will be available in the first quarter of 2010.

New generation graphics processors from ATI or Nvidia will also have improvements. Nvidia said GPU processing speeds will increase more slowly due to power consumption problems. However, Nvidia GPUs in 2010 will be able to handle more data streams.

Another attractive technology for desktop computers in 2010 is Intel's Braidwood, which is capable of combining fast storage technology with traditional hard drives. Intel's Stephen Smith explains, 'We will use flash memory (flash) as a temporary memory for handling the I / O (input and output data) of the drive, and we have very clever control algorithms, so only a few GB of flash storage can improve your computer's responsiveness at a very small cost. ' Intel representative said Braidwood will be integrated into the Calpella processor (for laptops) and Piketon (for desktops) is expected to be released in 2010.

In the field of storage, a feature that is expected to be widely used next year is the 6Gbits / second SATA interface on both hard drives and motherboards. SSD solid-state drives are also expected to be more popular. There is speculation about Intel increasing its SSD capacity to 320 GB this year and if that doesn't happen this year, it's likely to happen in 2010. Stephen Smith said. Intel expects SSD drives to follow Moor's law, doubling capacity after a year or two. '

If calculated in GB units, in 2010, SSDs will still be much more expensive than regular hard drives, although the launch of Windows 7 operating system can boost the SSD business better. The president and co-founder of Corsair storage device company, John Beekley, pointed out that ' current operating systems and file systems are designed for common storage devices but Windows 7 will integrate. Both features are specifically designed to optimize the processor performance of SSDs such as TRIM, a feature that notifies SSDs of what data is not used . '

The launch of Windows 7 will also drive more people to 64-bit processing platforms and expand the amount of RAM in the computer. Corsair expects a 12 GB RAM consumption increase in 2010 and the company is planning to produce 24 GB RAM.

High-end desktop configuration in 2010

6 core Intel Gulftown chip

New generation ATI or Nvidia graphics processor or Intel Larrabee

DDR3 12 GB RAM memory

3TB hard drive or 320GB SSD

Universal desktop configuration in 2010

Clarkdale 4 core processor

Intel integrated graphics

Braidwood motherboard integrates flash memory

DDR3 4GB RAM memory

500GB hard drive

Laptop

Like desktop computers, there will be a lot of changes in the processor line for laptops from Intel in 2010, including the four-core Clarkdale processor equipped with hyper-threading technology ( Hyper-Threading). However, Intel also plans to introduce a 32nm dual-core Arrandale processor with integrated graphics processing and hyper-threading technology for power-saving laptops in 2010. By integrating graphics processing cores on processors, Clarkdale and Arrandale facilitate small motherboard manufacturers and cheaper prices for laptops.

Intel also has a similar plan for netbooks with the launch of Pineview-M processor, an Atom-based chip that integrates graphics processing and memory controller. Thus, the only chipset needed for Atom is the I / O chip that is codenamed Tiger Point.

This may pave the way for the introduction of smaller sized netbooks today, but Intel's limited chipset is not good news for companies currently producing Atom chipsets. For example, Nvidia's Ion platform will be eliminated because Atom does not need a chipset and GPU. This could motivate many laptop manufacturing companies to find VIA's Nano netbook processor, and combine it with Nvidia's chipset to better watch movies and play 3D games.

On the memory side, laptops using RAM 8GB will appear next year but 4G capacity will be popular in 2010. In storage, the 2.5-inch hard drive forecast for laptops will reach 640 GB.