Intel Unveils a 48-core x86 Processor

Intel introduced a completely new processor technology today, dubbing it the "Single-chip Cloud Computer".  Justin Rattner, Intel's CTO, unveiled the new product in Santa Clara at a press event.

The "SCC", as we'll call it from here on in, is based on a handful of new, experimental technologies.  The whole thing resides on a 45nm Hi-K metal-gate silicon wafer.  There are 48 IA-compatible cores, which is the highest number ever built into a single chip.  The core are paired into 2-core "nodes", which each act as a node in a chip-level cloud computing environment.  The whole thing can run at power levels ranging from 25W at idle (we think) to 125W at full capacity.

Without getting into crazy technical detail, this new architecture can mean great things for applications such as physics modeling, financial analysis, and weather predicition.  It significantly increases processing density, which means a reduction in physical footprint of hardware in applications that require lots of parallel computing power.  In short: more cycles per square foot.

For more information, check out PC Perspective's article, "Intel Shows 48-core x86 Processor as Single-chip Cloud Computer".