CPU World: SoFIA 3G

[dealcorn]

CPU World is reporting some details of upcoming SoFIA 3G processors, http://www.cpu-world.com/news_2015/2015022501_Some_details_of_upcoming_SoFIA_3G_processors.html. SoFIA runs at 1 GHz and the single threaded performance of Atom Z3735G (which turbo's, to 1.833 GHz) is about 2.5 time faster. Atom Z3735G has faster memory (DDR3L-RS 1333 vs LPDDR2-800) and single threaded performance does not scale in a linear fashion with frequency. Still, a naive reader such as myself might assume that the upper bound for how much better Intel 22nm performs than TSMC 28/nm is about 36% (2.5/1.833-1). Does that performance benefit sound reasonable?

 

[Shivansps]

Mali igp? thats strange.

 

[Qwertilot]

Made in conjunction with Rockchip or something aren't they? They'll be much more used to mali, and this is about saving money where ever possible so.....

Not sure if you'll get a clean comparison between the processes even from this - look at how different the implementations of the same arm cores can end up.

 

[NTMBK]

1GHz dual core? LPDDR2? 32-bit memory? These chips sound like garbage, frankly. I can only hope that they are cheap.

 

[ShintaiDK]

If they are made with Rockchip they are cheap. Remember they are for entry level phones.

 

[Vesku]

Sounds like sub $99 phones considering the new Moto E (LTE, Quad 1.2GHz A53, faster GPU) is $150.

 

[AtenRa]

Intel SoC manufactured at TSMC using ARM graphics.

 

[Nothingness]

Intel SoC manufactured at TSMC using ARM graphics.

Yeah, so lovely

Note it's likely the modem has an ARM CPU too.

 

[dealcorn]

I think the dual cores are an Intel, in house, project that function as a proof of concept. Rockchip and Spreadtrum are doing quad cores. These chip target the bottom of the market so they are small and cheap to produce. Some of the performance difference may be due to the low cost design target.

These SoC's were initially an Infineon design with an ARM CPU. BK respecified the design to swap in an x86 core previously designed for TSMC fabrication. The concept of an X86 design fabbed at TSMC was generally laughed at, but here it is. If the SoC is small enough, Intel may gain some low end share at positive gross margin.

 

[Enigmoid]

Looks like a failure. Weaker than cheap mediatek chips currently at probably a very similar price.

 

[AtenRa]

Yea i have a Mediatek MT6580 (Quad core A7 1.3GHz with Mali 400MP) 5" Phone at 100 euro, i will really like to test SoFia and see how it performs.

 

[Redentor]

The first SoFIA 3G SoC is based on ARM Cortex-A5: http://www.cnx-software.com/2014/10...tion-for-low-cost-3g-smartphones-and-tablets/

 

[liahos1]

i would set your price points lower

http://www.cnet.com/news/meet-intel...st-smartphone-processor-created-in-singapore/

A spokesperson told CNET that "Intel's SoFIA could pave the way for smartphones costing as little as $50 in Indonesia and other emerging markets."

 

[NTMBK]

The first SoFIA 3G SoC is based on ARM Cortex-A5: http://www.cnx-software.com/2014/10...tion-for-low-cost-3g-smartphones-and-tablets/

Cortex A5 is ridiculously underpowered. No way that could run a smartphone in 2015. I suspect that the modem may use a Cortex A5 internally, but the actual OS and apps will be running on Intel x86 cores.

EDIT: As an example, AMD uses a Cortex A5 in its APUs for Trustzone compatibility.

 

[Arachnotronic]

Yeah, so lovely

Note it's likely the modem has an ARM CPU too.

I would have thought so too, but Hermann Eul confirmed at a recent event that the AP in SoFIA will be handling the baseband's processing tasks:

Q - Unidentified Analyst

Do you think you can displace the ARM core all together?

Hermann Eul - General Manager and Vice President, Mobile Communications Group
Yes. In the SoFIA architecture, yes, we have displaced the ARM core that was usually – formally used in the communication processor that also at the communication protocol stake also runs on the Intel architecture.

http://seekingalpha.com/article/272...aq-omx-investor-program-conference-transcript

 

[Nothingness]

Surprising indeed. Thanks!

 

[Redentor]

Cortex A5 is ridiculously underpowered. No way that could run a smartphone in 2015. I suspect that the modem may use a Cortex A5 internally, but the actual OS and apps will be running on Intel x86 cores.

EDIT: As an example, AMD uses a Cortex A5 in its APUs for Trustzone compatibility.

SoFIA 3G will be used in low cost smartphone (50$ budget). Like this: http://www.samsung.com/uk/consumer/mobile-devices/smartphones/android/GT-S6310ZWNBTU (Single core Cortex-A5 & Android 4.1)

 

[witeken]

There will still be 3G-R and 4G, both quadcores. The better comparison would be A7.

 

[NTMBK]

There will still be 3G-R and 4G, both quadcores. The better comparison would be A7.

The original Moto E with dual core A7 and 3G modem has been available since May for £70 unlocked off contract. 28nm Sofia is a day late and a dollar short

Hopefully the 14nm versions will be more interesting.

 

[dahorns]

The original Moto E with dual core A7 and 3G modem has been available since May for £70 unlocked off contract. 28nm Sofia is a day late and a dollar short

Hopefully the 14nm versions will be more interesting.

Uh, £70 is significantly more than the $30-$50 mentioned in the other articles.

 

[myocardia]

Uh, £70 is significantly more than the $30-$50 mentioned in the other articles.

Only 200+% more.