At 8:56 AM -0700 01/03/2006, Bruce Johnson wrote:
On Jan 2, 2006, at 2:07 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
The Power architecture is fundamentally FAR superior to x86. That
means it can more easily and *more reliably* be scaled bigger
better faster wider. Given quality implementation from the
software, it will blow the doors of x86 processors.
This has been being said for a long long time. While theoretically
true, it hasn't materialized in the Real World.
Depends on how you define "the Real World". :)
In a generally mixed environment, using products like Photoshop and
OS X, I'm sure the Mac doesn't do as well as it should. Adobe just
hasn't put much work into the altavec code for the Mac.
But we've run some benchmarks using our specific algorithms (heavily
threaded, heavily vectored, big VM). Can't give specifics, because
we're waiting for MS and other permissions before publishing
anywhere, but in general:
Four boxes, configured roughly the same:
PowerPC, Power, Intel, AMD.
Mac OS X, Linux, FreeBSD, Windoze XP.
The PPC machine, when running *nix, *easily* matches the Intel and
AMD machines in scaler and beats them soundly in vector performance.
When OS X is used, the performance drops. In unthreaded tests, we
see about 95% on the scalar and 80% or less on the vector (but the
vector still beats x86). In threaded tests, ug. Performance drops
to 80% and 50 to 60% respectively. In heavily threaded tests,
forgetit; the OS X system goes to its knees.
IOW, the Mac hardware CAN do it.
You just need to untie the brick from its head before testing.
*shrug*
- Dan.
--
G-List is sponsored by <http://lowendmac.com/> and...
Small Dog Electronics http://www.smalldog.com | Refurbished Drives |
-- We have Apple Refurbished Monitors in stock! | & CDRWs on Sale! |
Support Low End Mac <http://lowendmac.com/lists/support.html>
G-List list info: <http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-list.shtml>
--> AOL users, remove "mailto:";
Send list messages to: <mailto:[email protected]>
To unsubscribe, email: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
For digest mode, email: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Subscription questions: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Archive: <http://www.mail-archive.com/g-list%40mail.maclaunch.com/>
iPod Accessories for Less
at 1-800-iPOD.COM
Fast Delivery, Low Price, Good Deal
www.1800ipod.com
