The Amd-K6 3d Processor

Rating:
Summary: Skeptical cont'd
Review: I would like to append to my previous comments to provide further clarity.

While the object file containing instruction code will be stored in RAM, the MPU will use a decoder or look-up table to handle the instruction. This hardware will not be changed.

Rating:
Summary: Skeptical of the reviews
Review: I've read the reviews and skeptical of their value. Here's why:

1. A program is a list of instructions. Instructions are "hardwired" on the processor "chip". Yes, you can program a processor. Your writing lists of instructions so that the processor will interface with other onboard devices and hardware and execute ALU operations. I don't believe the author was meaning that you are to change the hardware.

2. I'm not familiar with the AMD MPU but am skeptical of the video control issue. Depending on the architecture of an MPU it could act like a video card.

3. If an MPU can execute most of its intruction at reduce bus cycles (translating to reduced clock time) yes it will process faster.

If there is anyone out there that can provide a fair review of this book and point out why I should buy the book besides the manufactorers user manual I would be very interested in reading it.

Mike

Electrical Engineer

Rating:
Summary: A great way to learn about PC Processors
Review: It's a little out-dated now, of course, but if you're interested in learning about PC processor technology and how it all works, this book is a great value. Of course, no one is going to go buy a K6-2 these days, but the terminology and the concepts you'll learn apply to any processor. ... First, no one ever said that the K6-2 was going to replace the video card. Second, all AMD chips from the K6 on up ALL HAVE MMX SUPPORT. Finally, when they said you could "reprogram the processor," they were talking about the "virtual processor" on the CD-ROM, ...I've seen this book listed used for around $..., so it's a really cheap way to learn about the fascinating technology behind all PC processors.

Rating:
Summary: A great way to learn about PC Processors
Review: It's a little out-dated now, of course, but if you're interested in learning about PC processor technology and how it all works, this book is a great value. Of course, no one is going to go buy a K6-2 these days, but the terminology and the concepts you'll learn apply to any processor. ... First, no one ever said that the K6-2 was going to replace the video card. Second, all AMD chips from the K6 on up ALL HAVE MMX SUPPORT. Finally, when they said you could "reprogram the processor," they were talking about the "virtual processor" on the CD-ROM, ...I've seen this book listed used for around $..., so it's a really cheap way to learn about the fascinating technology behind all PC processors.