Modular CPU?

[Lumikor]

So, the video on open source CPU reminded me a very old idea I heard (or read) very long time ago (I guess it was between 10-20 years, give or take a century, I really can't remember)  an idea about modular CPU where you can some options (like cache, I also believe SSE/MMX/whatever) completely on your own and download "extensions" for it. 

But, I don't remember where I saw/heard that, or when, or even if it's real. 

 

Does anyone know what I'm talking about and can send me to the right place or explain why the idea never got on tracks? 

 

Thank You,

ALL HAIL DENNIS!

 

 

 

[Pixel5]

its basically what intel does with Raid support on the x299 motherboards, the functionality is there but its locked behind a license.

 

exactly the same thing would happen if we had what you are talking about, every CPU has all functions but you need to pay to unlock them.

[Lumikor]

8 minutes ago, Pixel5 said:

its basically what intel does with Raid support on the x299 motherboards, the functionality is there but its locked behind a license.

 

exactly the same thing would happen if we had what you are talking about, every CPU has all functions but you need to pay to unlock them.

it's not what I meant but thanks for the try. 

[porina]

I've only heard of some server/supercomputer level hardware doing the software unlock thing. It is cheaper/easier for them to fully load it, and unlock what the options customer pays for, than to get someone in later to do a physical upgrade. Sounds bonkers to me...

[chiller15]

You know what, that's actually ringing a bell. I got into this industry in 2004 as an apprenticeship and maybe not necessarily cache, but I'm sure I heard about being able to import custom/other instruction sets for the CPU. I can't remember where I heard/read it from and I don't know if it was actually regarding the hardware at the time, or older hardware.

[WereCatf]

23 minutes ago, Lumikor said:

an idea about modular CPU where you can some options (like cache, I also believe SSE/MMX/whatever) completely on your own and download "extensions" for it.

Technically, you are already kinda-sorta doing this with GPUs and stuff.

[WereCatf]

7 minutes ago, chiller15 said:

being able to import custom/other instruction sets for the CPU.

You're thinking of Transmeta, probably. There's a reason Transmeta never got very far, though: that was a stupid and slow idea in practice. Purpose-built CPUs like we have today are just simply a better solution.

 

I remember all the hulaballoo around Transmeta and before they actually shipped anything, they were touting how easy it would be for them to support any instruction-sets someone might want and how power-friendly and fast it would be, but when they actually began shipping, their products were quite underwhelming.

[Lumikor]

15 hours ago, WereCatf said:

You're thinking of Transmeta, probably. There's a reason Transmeta never got very far, though: that was a stupid and slow idea in practice. Purpose-built CPUs like we have today are just simply a better solution.

 

I remember all the hulaballoo around Transmeta and before they actually shipped anything, they were touting how easy it would be for them to support any instruction-sets someone might want and how power-friendly and fast it would be, but when they actually began shipping, their products were quite underwhelming.

 

Seems like the right one indeed. Too bad it didn't had more R&D :-(