IBM has improved the power efficiency of two models of PowerPC processors, making an effort to strengthen its position in markets from cars and printers to networking and communications equipment.The PowerPC 750CL and PowerPC 970GX are both single-core chips built with a 90-nanometer process. Both chips reduce DC electricity leakage with thicker gate oxides and reduce AC switching power with higher thresholds, the company said.IBM made the change to reach a wider range of enterprise and consumer applications, said Ron Martino, director of power architecture solutions in IBM’s technology collaboration solutions unit.The company already has a strong grip on certain sectors. It makes the processors for all three of the top gaming consoles: Sony Computer Entertainment’s PlayStation 3, Microsoft’s Xbox 360 and Nintendo’s Wii. These improved chips could help it reach even further. The trend of power-efficient chips has already changed the notebook, desktop and server markets. Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) has cited power efficiency for the reason that its Opteron server processors have outsold chips from Intel in recent months, and Intel says its new Core 2 Duo chips will also use power efficiency to win back that market share.IBM’s 750 CL is a 32-bit chip running at 400MHz to 1GHz, and is intended for high-performance embedded applications, including consumer electronics, storage and imaging. The 970GX supports both 32-bit and 64-bit applications running from 1.2GHz to 2.5GHz, making it appropriate for applications in high-bandwidth data processing or algorithmic computation. IBM also announced a road map of future products to improve power draw. Its CPC965 will act as a companion chip to the PowerPC 970 series, providing more efficient I/O connectivity. Its 460S is a 32-bit, synthesizable core with variable cache sizes, and its 464FP H90 and 464H90 are application-specific integrated circuits that can be manufactured either by IBM or by its partners, Chartered Semiconductor and Samsung Electronics.The 464H90 will launch by the end of 2006, while the other three cores are due to ship in the first quarter of 2007. The PowerPC 750CL and PowerPC 970GX are available Tuesday.-Ben Ames, IDG News Service (Boston Bureau)Related Links: IBM Ships ‘Broadway’ Chips for Nintendo Wii IBM Kicks Off Major Revamp of Its Services Biz IBM Builds Software Delivery Center in IndiaCheck out our CIO News Alerts and Tech Informer pages for more updated news coverage. Related content brandpost Sponsored by Zscaler How customers capture real economic value with zero trust Unleashing economic value: Zscaler's Zero Trust Exchange transforms security architecture while cutting costs. By Zscaler Nov 30, 2023 4 mins Security brandpost Sponsored by SAP A cloud-based solution to rescue millions from energy poverty Aware of the correlation between energy and financial poverty, Savannah Energy is helping to generate clean, competitively priced electricity across Africa by integrating its old systems into one cloud-based platform. By Keith E. Greenberg, SAP Contributor Nov 30, 2023 5 mins Digital Transformation feature 8 change management questions every IT leader must answer Designed to speed adoption and achieve business outcomes, change management hasn’t historically been a strength of IT orgs. It’s time to flip that script by asking hard questions to hone change strategies. By Stephanie Overby Nov 30, 2023 10 mins Change Management IT Leadership feature CIO Darlene Taylor’s formula for success: Listen, drive, care This Motor City CIO says building and maintaining credibility starts with an empathy-driven approach, which has the potential to render you highly appealing to top talent. By Michael Bertha Nov 30, 2023 6 mins Automotive Industry IT Leadership Podcasts Videos Resources Events SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER From our editors straight to your inbox Get started by entering your email address below. Please enter a valid email address Subscribe