[geeks] PS/3's, Linux, etc, was: Second Life is not a game?

[Sridhar Ayengar]

Geoffrey S. Mendelson wrote:
> On Wed, Aug 01, 2007 at 09:37:20AM -0400, Patrick Giagnocavo wrote:
>> The Xeon is a PC, no ?
>>> 2. Does the compiler run on X86?
>>>
>> The Xeon is x86, no?
> 
> Does not answer my questions. Second try, hopefully more clearly:
> 
> Can I get the same GPU for a PC and will the COMPILER for the GPU run on a PC?
> 
> Since the GPU does the work so much faster than an X86 processor,
> I asking if I can wrap a PC around it instead of (if you pardon the
> expression) a toy?

Considering the last part of the discussion was regarding the Geforce 
8800, and its primary market is the PC, the answer is yes.  And there 
are compilers floating around that have support for targeting the 
Geforce 8000-series for GPGPU work, but I can't vouch for whether they 
work well, because I've never used them.

>> If you wanted a Cell for some reason instead I suppose the PS3 would  
>> be the cheapest option.
> 
> I'm not looking for cheap. I am looking for something that will work, be
> easily supported and easily serviced. 

I have a Geforce 8800.  If you want, I could try it and let you know how 
it benchmarks.

Peace...  Sridhar