No, it isn't. AltiVec isn't used unless the compiler does some vectorization or the programmer has coded it by hand.Moonshadow wrote:on a G4 the regular FPU is as you said a backup and is rarely used . Even without the Atli-Vec fully activated it still is used in normal mode for most FPU task.
Bullshit. The PPC 8500 doesn't have an FPU because for it's intended applications, it doesn't need one. Only the vector and integer units - it's for routers and telco applications that don't need floating-point.The G5 is suposed to use an improved Alti-Vec as its only FPU and eliminate the old G3 FPU completely. The weird two FPU configuration does hurt the G4s performance and the G4s Alti-Vec isn't quite ready to do away with the old FPU yet. However as i said the G5 will have a more improved Alt-Vec
