Quote Originally Posted by memmem View Post
Thanks flyck.

What I am trying to say is:

* if there´s only 128 bits instructions in a workload than you can safely say you have 8 cores (Zambezi or SNB (4+4HT))

* if there´s 256 bits instructions, than maybe the CPUs will behave like a quad core.

Is it dumb?

That is the wrong way to think about it. You have integer execution and FP execution.

90% of what happens in processing is integer. Especially in games.

Where, exactly, are you looking to use these 256-bit instructions? Software needs to take advantage of them and it needs to be rewritten. If they can't take advantage then they will not recompile.

Those applications that will be recompiled will probably take advantage of the FMA4 instructions as well, which will present an even more efficient way to handle complex math.

Suffice to say that if you need 256-bit, then you can bet your apps will be there, but without the need, you'll be in 128-bit mode. And in 128-bit mode, we have double the capability in Bulldozer.