|
> > You are missing the point: > 1) The CPU has one of the most powerful FPUs around > 2) The use of this FPU can be disabled in software by setting > a bit in the MSR (Machine State Register). > 3) This 'disable' bit is set (at least on the low-end models) > > So, the customer is paying for hardware that he has, > but cannot use it. An interesting issue is to what > models this apply. Only low-end, or all, or what? > > BTW, the FPU can be enabled again in software... > Leif, I recognise that the customer gets a piece of hardware with certain characteristics, but based on the model he pays for, he pays for a certain performance. Given the cost to develop and build the plant to manufacture these chips, it is more cost effective to apply a one size fits all aproach to production and then charge as though different models were manufactured when selling the product. IBM has to amortize the cost of develping these chips across all sales, so it's kind of not exactly correct (IMO) to speak as though the cost of the processor remains the same across all models. I would figure that there might be some kind of under the covers financial equailisation so that the nominal cost of a processor internally to IBM is different across machine models. This is reflected in the pricing and what the customer gets. Look at the absence of floating point on the low end from the perspective of the customer who buys a car without the factory fitted radio. Not a great analogy, but do you get my drift ? Cheers Evan Harris +--- | This is the Midrange System Mailing List! | To submit a new message, send your mail to MIDRANGE-L@midrange.com. | To subscribe to this list send email to MIDRANGE-L-SUB@midrange.com. | To unsubscribe from this list send email to MIDRANGE-L-UNSUB@midrange.com. | Questions should be directed to the list owner/operator: david@midrange.com +---
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
This mailing list archive is Copyright 1997-2024 by midrange.com and David Gibbs as a compilation work. Use of the archive is restricted to research of a business or technical nature. Any other uses are prohibited. Full details are available on our policy page. If you have questions about this, please contact [javascript protected email address].
Operating expenses for this site are earned using the Amazon Associate program and Google Adsense.