Eventually, all data roads lead to the computer motherboard
Article Abstract:
Motherboards comprise the computer's main circuit board and keep chips together by serving as the information center. This allows allows smaller assemblies to be attached through plugs or wires in a complex configuration. Most motherboards contain the computer's entire processing power. Another key motherboard function consists of transferring signals among chips that handle various tasks. A basic designing choice centers on whether to connect components to the board through direct soldering or a socket connection. Soldering once was nearly universal, but less effective replacements parts and extensive replacement time have rendered the practice nearly obsolete. Most modern socket attachments involve only the processor chip and memory boards. Manufacturers might add user flexibility by omitting some parts from the motherboard.
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1998
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
The IA-64 chip: Intel breaks the mold
Article Abstract:
The successor to Intel Corp.'s x86 microprocessor chip series is the IA-64 chip. Known originally as Merced, it was developed in partnership with Hewlett Packard, and is based on some supercomputing technology. The IA-64 features 64 bit processing and explicitly parallel instruction computing, or Epic. This architecture enables the chip to perform many calculations at once. It can address terabytes of memory and comes with an x86 emulator built in. Initially, Intel plans to market these chips to users that require faster smoother processing of large amounts of data, like corporate databases, Web site hosts, or graphical artists. The IA-64 will probably sell for more than $1000. Intel intends to continue development of its 32-bit chip line for consumers.
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1999
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
Crunching numbers bit by bit
Article Abstract:
Computer functions are typically measured by determining how quickly the central processing unit of a computer can handle information. These measurements result in such terms as 32-bit, 64-bit and 128-bit. These measurements refer to the amount of data pieces being moved simultaneously around by a computer. For a computer to achieve its best possible performance, all the solutions need to conform to a standard size when moving information. Intel and Microsoft failed to do this during the transition from 16-bit machines to 32-bit machines. Microsoft's operating systems was designed for a 16-bit machine, while Intel was manufacturing 32-bit microprocessor chips.
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1998
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
- Abstracts: Are my kids safe? Employers sabotage office computer games. Dirty work: Web screeners block smut
- Abstracts: 'Hacktivists' of all persuasions take their struggle to the Web. The American way of spam: is it (a) the end of civilization or (b) a triumph of free enterprise?
- Abstracts: Some conceptual and research barriers to the utilization of knowledge. Knowledge research issues
- Abstracts: Operational improvement and strategic costing. Introduction to enterprise-wide cost management. Cost management for internal markets
- Abstracts: Yahoo! results beat estimates as revenue surges. Amazon.com will go head to head with eBay, OnSale in online auctions