90nm cpu

[tterris]

what does the nm stand for, what is the significance of the number, and what compatibility issues do i have to look for when matching the "nm" on the cpu with the motherboard?

thanks

 

[Mik3y]

it stands for nanometer. smaller = better.

 

[Waylay00]

The nm stands for nanometer - the distance used to measure the die shrink on the core of the CPU. Essentially, the smaller the die shrink, the less heat created; therefore, resulting in better performance and OCability. Also, this makes the CPU's cheaper to make. As long is the CPU is the correct socket, it will fit in a compatible mobo. For instance, a Socket 939 90nm Winchester core A64 will fit in the same board that a 130nm Newcastle core A64 will fit in. Hope this helps.

 

[AristoV300]

Actually the smaller dies are leaking more heat. Nanometer is a billionth of a meter:shocked:

 

[ZobarStyl]

Originally posted by: AristoV300
Actually the smaller dies are leaking more heat. Nanometer is a billionth of a meter:shocked:

Only your Prescott is leaking. The Dothan Pentium M and the Winchester A64 shrinks both lowered heat output.

 

[CaiNaM]

well, my winchester runs the same temp as my newcastle at the same mhz (tho the s939 has a higher "performance" rating at same speed)...

and as far as "smaller = better", it is for the manufacturers as they yeild more cpus per wafer, making it more profitable for them. if that turns into lower prices for end users (it does eventually, but who knows how long they milk higher prices before dropping), then i guess in that sense it's better, but smaller doesn't necessarily mean more features or better performance.