Apple's A5X Floorplan
by Anand Lal Shimpi on March 16, 2012 5:29 PM ESTApple's A5X SoC
Today has been pretty exciting. Not only did we confirm the die size of Apple's A5X SoC (162.94mm^2) but we also found out that it's still built on Samsung's 45nm LP process. Now, courtesy of UBM TechInsights, we have the first annotated floorplan of the A5X (pictured above).
Apple's A5 SoC
You can see the two CPU cores (ARM Cortex A9s) as well as the additional two GPU cores (PowerVR SGX543MP4) compared to the A5 (pictured below). Note the increase in DDR interfaces, although it's unclear whether we're looking at 4x16 or 4x32-bit interfaces. It's quite possible that it's the former. Also note that Apple has moved the DDR interfaces next to the GPU cores, compared to the CPU-adjacent design in the A5. It's clear who is the biggest bandwidth consumer in this chip.
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dagamer34 - Friday, March 16, 2012 - link
I'm guessing this week I will have large leaps in performance next year. 28nm CortexA15+A7, PowerVR 6 series, and low power LTE chipsets should be a sight to behold.Death666Angel - Friday, March 16, 2012 - link
Won't Krait with Adreno 3xx come this year?UpSpin - Saturday, March 17, 2012 - link
My same thinking.If you own a tablet or smartphone already, I wouldn't recommend upgrading to a new one right now. Better wait for Cortex A15, 28nm, based products, which will be available in the next months (Qualcomm Krait, ...)
The same with the iPad, if you own an iPad 1 or 2 it just doesn't make sense to get the new iPad. The Display might be impressive, but it doesn't give you a huge improvement. You still can't use it outdoors as an eReader, you still can't do more with it. The software remains the old one, the compatible apps hasn't changed.
jameskatt - Saturday, March 17, 2012 - link
Get the iPad 3.The Retina Screen makes every app better.
READING is a pleasure. Every letter is sharper than before.
Games will have much clearer resolution than before.
The iPad 3 is much more FUN than the iPad 2.
Then next year, sell your iPad 3 and buy the iPad 4.
No use in waiting a year when it comes to Apple products.
The best is always more fun now.
Arnulf - Sunday, March 18, 2012 - link
Spoken like a true believer. Brainwashed much ?douglaswilliams - Tuesday, March 20, 2012 - link
I agree with jameshatt. I sold my iPad 1, threw in an extra $200 for the new iPad, and plan on doing the same next year for the new new iPad. Maybe then I'll wait a couple/few years before another upgrade.I do wash my brain, but not every year.
Lord 666 - Friday, March 16, 2012 - link
Using it right now to type this and have to say miss my old ipad2. The weight difference is enough to be annoying, screen has odd brightness patches with some color gradient when held at angles. Plus the screen transitions are a little slow sometimes.Steelbom - Saturday, March 17, 2012 - link
It shouldn't. You could return it for a different model.steven75 - Sunday, March 18, 2012 - link
I have none of these problems and have gone back and forth between the two all day. Don't notice a weight difference and the resolution difference is HUGELY noticeable.tipoo - Sunday, March 18, 2012 - link
Apple tends to be very easy with returns/exchanges, why not go get one without that screen problem.And after that, work out your wrists :)