1. New IBM G6 Processors
Yesterday (May 3rd), IBM announced their newest CMOS G6 processors, which provide a 32 to 54% improvement over the G5 models. The G6 models provide two series from 1-way machines to 12-way machines. The non-turbo model (9672-Xx7) is based on a 174 MIPS uni-processor and the turbo model (9672-Zx7) is based on a 201 MIPS uni-processor with a top end of 1614 MIPS. Although LSPR rates will not be published until June 15th, the estimated MP ratios look remarkably good (e.g. 67% for the 12-way turbo). The ranges for workloads also look much closer than on previous models (i.e. DB2 is not that different from batch, for example). While the G6 models do not come close to HDS’s estimated Trinium models at 3200 MIPS, IBM’s earlier availability (May versus September) make them a favorable choice for installations who want to upgrade well before the Y2K crunch.
Announcement letter #199-115 provides further information on this new series. You can also find the announcement on the Web at http://www.ibm.com/news/usalet.
The list below shows the new models with their MSUs. TUNING Letter subscribers who want my estimated MIPS may obtain them by sending an email with your company name and location to admin@watsonwalker.com.