Evolution of specialized CPU cores?

[VirtualLarry]

http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=2099431
This thread got me thinking, especially the comment about a quad-core CPU being marketed as a 3-core CPU with built-in AV scanning with zero CPU overhead (dedicated core).

When, or if, do you see this happening? Already, we are starting to see CPU core specialization with Fusion, combining a traditional CPU core or core(s), with a GPU, a parallel FPU unit essentially.

Could we see a dedicated "security" CPU core, perhaps dedicated to AV and crypto work?

Or would that lead to more "trusted" computing crap, where corporations hold all the keys to your previously general-purpose computer? (In other words, would this lead to "Ultimate DRM", with a core dedicated to it?)

 

[nenforcer]

I think it was the latest 2010 Core processors added specific instructions to support AES encryption but that is about the extent you will see general purpose hardware (CPU) dedicated to a specific function like this.

This is where software play a bigger role and could run at the OS level on perhaps a dedicated core.

There are a few custom ASIC companies out there doing some dedicated math coprocessors running on PCI-E boards same as companies having FPGA boards as well.

You obviously won't see anything like this at the consumer level, however.

Interesting to see what Intel does with its purchase of McAfee, a company with bloatware antivirus products.

 

[Idontcare]

...the comment about a quad-core CPU being marketed as a 3-core CPU with built-in AV scanning with zero CPU overhead (dedicated core).

When, or if, do you see this happening? Already, we are starting to see CPU core specialization with Fusion, combining a traditional CPU core or core(s), with a GPU, a parallel FPU unit essentially.

Could we see a dedicated "security" CPU core, perhaps dedicated to AV and crypto work?

Personally I don't think we'll ever see such a thing from marketing. It's too complicated for the layperson to think about what it means.

They won't waste their time attempting to understand it and marketing will just be wasting their own time and budget trying to educate them about it.

People like free. Bundle premium McAfee AV software with every Intel-based PC and laptop. The cost of going with an AMD system just went up another $30-40 by the time their customers get done buying stand-alone AV software.

You can't get SLI on a modern AMD rig, why not add McAfee to that list.

 

[ShawnD1]

People like free. Bundle premium McAfee AV software with every Intel-based PC and laptop. The cost of going with an AMD system just went up another $30-40 by the time their customers get done buying stand-alone AV software.

I don't think most people use AV software. Look how easily viruses spread and how many people have them.