IBM Preps Faster G3s as Apple Transitions to G4

IBM, who at one time played a much larger role in supplying PowerPC processors to Apple for Macintosh based systems, is preparing the release of a pair of its next generation G3 processors.

According to extremely reliable sources, IBM's new PowerPC 750CX chip, code-named "SideWinder," will run at speeds in excess of 600MHz and will include a 256KB integrated Level 2 cache running at the processor speed.

SideWinder will be manufactured via IBM's 0.18-micron process with copper interconnects and silicon-on-insulator (SOI) technology, sources said. Moreover, SideWinder is recognized inside IBM's tests labs for its extremely low power consumption.

SideWinder's successor, code-named "Anaconda," is said to be IBM's 'Next Generation G3 processor." It's official product name will be the PowerPC 750CXe, though inside IBM it is often referred to as the "Max killer." For those unfamiliar with "Max," it was the code-name used by Motorola for their first major release of the PowerPC 7400 G4 processor.

Anaconda is said by sources to sport a 512KB integrated level 2 cache running at the speed of the processor, but more impressively is said to boast support for an external Level 3 cache.

"Anaconda will break the Gigahertz speed barrier of the PowerPC processor sometime next year without the need for a larger heat sink or strong heat fan," one anonymous industry source told AppleInsider.

And although these new technologies may sound exciting, users may never see them as part of an Apple branded product, with the possible exception of a second revision to Apple's new PowerBook G3 Series before years end. According to sources, Apple's strategy differs with IBM's in terms of their PowerPC Roadmap.

According to sources, Apple has now made an unofficial decision to begin to convert the processors in each of its products to the G4 family of processor chips, with the exception of the iBook, by next year. This leaves the next-generation of IBM's G3 processors solely in the hands of third party upgrade card manufacturers, as the 750CX line of chips are not suitable for Apple's plans for the iBook.

Consumers should expect to hear more about third party upgrades featuring the new line of chips beginning sometime later this year.