What does #nm mean -- processors

Akashio · Post by **Akashio** » Wed Apr 13, 2005 8:03 pm

What is the difference between

AMD Athlon 64 3500+ 2.2GHz Newcastle 130nm 939Pin 512KB

and

AMD Athlon 64 3500+ 2.2GHz 90nm 939Pin 512KB

?

Scintilla · Post by **Scintilla** » Wed Apr 13, 2005 8:07 pm

Refers to the manufacturing process used. I think the measure given is the width of each single transistor on the chip, but don't quote me.

I'm also pretty sure the 90nm A64s run cooler than the 130nm versions.

*wishes DW was around*

dwchang · Post by **dwchang** » Wed Apr 13, 2005 8:21 pm

Scintilla is correct. It's the fabrication process used. Specifically in reference to transistor width (I believe the gate width?).

Generally the lower the nm, the less power it *should* dissipate for a given frequency. Also transistors *should* switch faster.

If possible, get a 90 nm since it's obviously a newer revision of the silicon and should run a little cooler.

At the same time, I realize a 130 nm is probably comparatively less in price so I'd certainly understand. Also it's not like cooling these days is *that bad* and you can't keep a 130 cool anyway.

Also don't take this as me saying 130 nm is bad or anything. I like it a lot from a work standpoint since it wasn't as difficult to debug

.