Why do we need different CPU architecture for server & mini/mainframe & mixed-core?
- by claws
Hello,
I was just wondering what other CPU architectures are available other than INTEL & AMD. So, found List of CPU architectures on Wikipedia.
It categorizes notable CPU architectures into following categories.
Embedded CPU architectures
Microcomputer CPU architectures
Workstation/Server CPU architectures
Mini/Mainframe CPU architectures
Mixed core CPU architectures
I was analyzing the purposes and have few doubts. I taking Microcomputer CPU (PC) architecture as reference and comparing others.
Embedded CPU architecture:
They are a completely new world.
Embedded systems are small & do very specific task mostly real time & low power consuming so we do not need so many & such wide registers available in a microcomputer CPU (typical PC). In other words we do need a new small & tiny architecture. Hence new architecture & new instruction RISC.
The above point also clarifies why do we need a separate operating system (RTOS).
Workstation/Server CPU architectures
I don't know what is a workstation. Someone clarify regarding the workstation.
As of the server. It is dedicated to run a specific software (server software like httpd, mysql etc.). Even if other processes run we need to give server process priority therefore there is a need for new scheduling scheme and thus we need operating system different than general purpose one. If you have any more points for the need of server OS please mention.
But I don't get why do we need a new CPU Architecture. Why cant Microcomputer CPU architecture do the job. Can someone please clarify?
Mini/Mainframe CPU architectures
Again I don't know what are these & what miniframes or mainframes used for? I just know they are very big and occupy complete floor. But I never read about some real world problems they are trying to solve. If any one working on one of these. Share your knowledge.
Can some one clarify its purpose & why is it that microcomputer CPU archicture not suitable for it?
Is there a new kind of operating system for this too? Why?
Mixed core CPU architectures
Never heard of these.
If possible please keep your answer in this format:
XYZ CPU architectures
Purpose of XYZ
Need for a new architecture. why can't current microcomputer CPU
architecture work? They go upto 3GHZ &
have upto 8 cores.
Need for a new Operating System Why do we need a new kind of operating
system for this kind of archictures?