Just to let you all know we've updated all the specs and prices on our range of custom built PCs. We've added a new one too called the IvyBridge PC which unsurprisingly is powered by Intel's 3rd generation Ivybridge core CPU. Take a look!!!
Quantum computing is a big deal. Unlike cramming more and more components closer together on chips, quantum computing will increase processing power by orders of magnitude. It would forever change the face of computing as we know it. Still not hitting home? How about this: Scientists have designed a 300 atom quantum-computing crystal so powerful that in order for a conventional computer to match it, that computer would have to be the size of the known universe. Yeah.
It sounds crazy, but if you know a little bit about quantum computing, it makes sense. The real beauty of quantum computing is its ability to scale. Unlike bits, which can only have one value at a time (0 or 1), qubits can have 2 values at any given time. Because of this, the power of a quantum computer scales exponentially as you add qubits, making it very easy to get to ludicrously high levels of computing power.
But before you go getting too excited, there are a few things to note. The crystal — the specifics of which were recently published in Nature – has been designed, but not actually built or put to use. And even if it were, we still have a way to go in understanding the fundamental basics of quantum computing. It was a big deal when IBM finally got up to 95% accuracy with quantum computers, and we probably should get to at least 99% before anyone starts building. That’s not to mention that the things crazy quantum computers are good at computing are things that are practically impossible to check any other way.
All said, we can stow this away in the folder marked “awesome things related to quantum computing that sound awesome and are awesome, but don’t directly impact the likelihood that I’ll be able to play with a quantum computer in the next 15 years or so.” Still, a breakthrough is a breakthrough, and it’s baffling to think what you could do with a computer that, in a way, is as powerful as the universe is large. Let’s just hope we can get one of those up, running, and comprehensible soon.
Intel launches Ivy Bridge CPUs
April 25, 2012
Intel launches Ivy Bridge CPUs
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Intel has finally launched its Ivy Bridge range of processors, which, according to the chip making giant, is the first generation to feature 3D transistors.
According to Intel the addition of 3D transistor will allow processors to deliver more computing muscle while consuming less energy, which means big gains for battery life and hardware that generates significantly less heat.
The Ivy Bridge range currently consists of 13 quad-core processors, many of which will be aimed at desktop computers, with additional dual core processors, intended for notebook PCs to be announced later this year.
Intel says there are over 570 new Ivy Bridge based products in development including numerous ultrabooks, desktop computers and a significant amount of "all-in-one" form factor PCs (where the computer hardware is integrated into the screen for a more slim-line design).
Ivy Bridge is also Intel's first processor manufactured using the 22 nanometre process, which means it should be capable of bringing approximately 20 percent more performance to the table whilst using up to 20 percent less power on average.
