Well, if these numbers are true:

http://freevec.org/content/libfreevec_104_benchmarks_updated

a MPC8610 (similarly MPC8640D and the P1022) are usually 2-3x faster than a G4 1Ghz, just because of the faster memory bus. It's not just a simple benchmarks, a kernel compile takes 1/3 of the time on the MPC8610 than the G4. Plus, USB2, SATA, PCI-e slots would give you an advantage over any Mac Mini. I'm pretty sure the MPC8610 would leave the Mac Mini in the Dust. The lack of Altivec in P1022, that would be a serious disadvantage, but it might be outweighed by dual core, builtin crypto unit and much lower price -a new system might cost 300-350EUR. I'm not saying I wouldn't like higher clocked CPUs, but that would mean having the price go up to 700EUR or even more. Eg. check the prices here:

http://gr.mouser.com/Semiconductors/_/N-5gcb?Keyword=MC8640D&FS=True

and you'll see why it's so hard to produce a high performing PPC system.
It would flop at such a high price. As a sidenote, I have to say looking at this stuff all this time lately, made me completely understand Genesi's decision to move to ARM. I just think there is a niche market left neglected, that of PowerPC enthusiasts, and this is what I'm trying to work on, being one myself.

But I do appreciate the feedback, thanks a lot. And everything will be taken into consideration when the time comes to make the decision.

Konstantinos Margaritis
Codex



[ Edited by feanor on 2009/9/23 13:40 ]