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The latest mobile application processors from MediaTek already offer performance comparable to that of mobile system-on-chips from companies like Qualcomm. Apparently, the company is working on two new SoCs that promise to offer truly unbeatable performance. Unfortunately, it is completely unclear whether the new APs will be used for mobile devices.
Chinese web-site MyDrivers reports that MediaTek is working on two new system-on-chips with 10 and 12 general-purpose cores. At present nothing particular is known about the processors, it is even unclear what kind of cores will be used as building blocks. Still, it should be noted that the benefits of 10 or 12 cores for mobile applications are limited since smartphones and tablets are not used for truly demanding applications.
It is possible that MediaTek follows some of its rivals and plans to enter the market of ARM-compatible chips for servers. The company has a lot of experience when it comes to chip design, therefore, it could easily develop an SoC with loads of cores targeting a new market segment. Still, it should be noted that MediaTek would not initiate development without demand from potential customers. Therefore, it is likely that a server maker has asked MediaTek for a chip.
While MediaTek has a lot of experience with chip design, the company has never developed its own high-performance processing cores, something that is required by servers. If MediaTek does not design its own cores for its 10- or 12-core chips, then it will have to use off-the-shelf ARM Cortex-A57 or ARM Cortex-A53. As a result, MediaTek’s chips will hardly offer performance advantage versus competing solutions.
MediaTek did not comment on the story.
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KitGuru Says: Keeping in mind that there are tens of companies developing APs for smartphones and tablets these days, it makes a lot of sense for MediaTek to enter the market of servers chips. Unfortunately, it is completely unclear what advantages MediaTek’s processors will have on the server market, which is also pretty competitive.
It’s possible that the simple explanation is that many cores sell. It’s like CPU speed ratings years ago. Someone goes to buy a phone or tablet, they see “12 cores” and think it’s going to be great, because, hey, 12 cores.
12 cores, 2 at 50% load, 10 at 1-2%. Hype hype hype
I have a feeling mediatek are cooking up something extra special. This may be a long shot on my part but these new SoC’s may not use ARM cores, they may be using cores by another cpu IP company.