Mac to Intel--Intel Optimization Tools and Performance per Watt

Intel will soon be providing Mac developers with software tools to get maximum performance from its CPUs, ones that Apple will be using starting the middle of next year. According to this CNet article, Intel will make beta versions of its complier as a plug in for Apple's Xcode development environment and its performance libraries, optimized for scientific computing and digital media operations, available later this year.

In addition, Intel will focus on energy-efficient computing in its new chips, getting much greater performance per watt as Apple CEO Steve Jobs outlined in announcing the switch from IBM to Intel CPUs during Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference this past June. This will allow more powerful servers and, most importantly to Apple, longer lasting PowerBooks. Intel CEO Paul Ottelini said in a speech yesterday that Intel's design goals are 5-watt laptops, 65-watt desktops and 80-watt servers according to today's NYT article. Doing so will double the present performance per watt The laptop goal is particularly important because laptops now outsell desktop personal computers. While moving to lower watt usage, Intel will move to multi-core CPUs to maintain performance through parallel processing. It looks like the megahertz myth will finally rest in peace. [Dana Baggett]