🔒 Locked

MultiCore Processor?

Started by Mythics Jun 16, 2009 at 12:11 PM 8 replies 2.3k views

Original Post

Jun 16, 2009 at 12:11 PM

Just curious if anyone is aware of a 'computer' with more than 4 cores (speed per core is irrelevant) that is actually purchasable by a consumer. I'd prefer something technologically inferior to today's semi-standard pc. If there was such a thing as a super mini pc with extremely low specs, that'd be perfect too. Something like a 50 mhz cpu, 256mb ram, 2gb hd, etc. Ports needed would be vga, 2 usb, and an ethernet port or wifi capable. The price would be somewhat important, as I'd want several of these little dinky things to connect together. Do I really sound as crazy as I think I might? (hehe, it'd actually be kinda awesome to have something like I just described the size of a 3.5" internal hd and stack em up in a full size tower with a 'built in' kvm switch).

socool274

Jun 16, 2009 at 12:15 PM

There is a mac, called the mac pro. I am pretty sure it offers up to eight cores. Also a 4TB Hard Drive. apple.com

TheMonkeyFromMyShoe

Jun 16, 2009 at 12:24 PM

AMD has a 6 core processor code named "Istanbul" coming out very soon. It wont be for the consumer AM3 slot but the Socket F or their new G34. However this is meant for servers so it will cost you quite a bundle, (over 1000$ USD).

Of course you can buy a muli-socket motherboard server, get two of these and you'll have 12 cores.

But don't worry were a couple years away from 16 core CPUs. I think recently AMD did a demonstration of a 16 core setup.

Moe

496

Moe

Jun 16, 2009 at 12:25 PM

I thought I remember hearing something about one of the lego Mindstorm kits that had a processor that could handle 256 simultaneous instructions. I could be completely wrong on that though.

Nypyren

1,001

Nypyren

Jun 16, 2009 at 12:26 PM

Use a PS3. :)

Mythics

Author

Mythics

Jun 16, 2009 at 3:24 PM

lol@PS3

I'd prefer my project to be offline. It does however make me wish for a quantum computer, not that I'd have a clue how utilize one if I did.

If not for the physical space, I'd just go for a ton of old 386's or something. Makes me wonder if there's a case specifically designed for stacked motherboards. Might just try making one myself, but I'm just a klutz when it comes to that kind of stuff.

KulSeran

196

KulSeran

Jun 16, 2009 at 3:31 PM

Actually I'd second the try out a PS3. It is comparatively cheap, lets you play games and movies when you are board. AND you can program the cell processor, which is interesting in of itself.

ddn3

124

ddn3

Jun 16, 2009 at 4:52 PM

The 360 is also multi-core, 3 physical processors, 2 hardware threads each. It's the closest thing to your requirements, cheap, multi-core (not quite 4, but 3) and all the ports u need.

I'm sure u can pick up some used cheap, but they are prone to RROD.

Good Luck!

-ddn

Hodgman

Mod

5,991

Hodgman

Jun 16, 2009 at 6:44 PM

I think Andre LaMothe sells a few different "DIY console kits", one of which is a low clock speed 8-core machine. Wish I had the link handy... Think they were about $200.

I don't know what kind of set-up Herb uses, but in this article he's got 24 cores running Windows!

[EDIT]Here's the links for the DIY multicore game console:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HYDRA_Game_Development_Kit
http://www.xgamestation.com/view_product.php?id=33

It's 80MHz x 8 cores, 32k shared ram, ~2k workspace per core, 128k ROM. You could link it up to a PC or other USB device for extra storage space I guess.

benryves

526

benryves

Jun 16, 2009 at 6:48 PM

Less powerful than you specified, but multicore and very cheap - Parallax Propeller. I'm not sure what you're intending on doing, but it's probably worth a look anyway. [smile]

Topic Locked

This topic has been locked by a moderator. New replies are not allowed.