In terms of space yes 3x3 would fit nicely but remember how these chips work and how they access memory. If chip 1 wants to talk to chip 9 (or 3 to 7 etc) its a long path compared to 1 to 2, 1 to 4 etc. And they all have to talk to the memory controller and the hardware that co-ordinates them.
The best design sees the 3x3 arrangement with the centre chip poped out and in goes the central control (mem controller, synchro kit etc) and bingo 8 cores.
so you get this progression of 1 core, 2 cores (side by side) 4 cores (quadrents) 8 cores (3x3).
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@alyn:More Logical
In terms of space yes 3x3 would fit nicely but remember how these chips work and how they access memory. If chip 1 wants to talk to chip 9 (or 3 to 7 etc) its a long path compared to 1 to 2, 1 to 4 etc. And they all have to talk to the memory controller and the hardware that co-ordinates them.
The best design sees the 3x3 arrangement with the centre chip poped out and in goes the central control (mem controller, synchro kit etc) and bingo 8 cores.
so you get this progression of 1 core, 2 cores (side by side) 4 cores (quadrents) 8 cores (3x3).