# Gekko

> microprocessor

**Wikidata**: [Q2467811](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q2467811)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gekko_(processor))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/gekko

## Summary
Gekko is a microprocessor designed by IBM and Nintendo, serving as the central processing unit (CPU) for the Nintendo GameCube and Triforce game systems. Released in 2000, it was based on the PowerPC 7xx microarchitecture and operated at a base clock frequency of 486 MHz. The processor was discontinued in 2007.

## Key Facts
- **Designed by**: IBM and Nintendo
- **Inception**: 2000
- **Discontinuation date**: 2007
- **Manufacturer**: IBM
- **Used by**: Nintendo GameCube, Triforce
- **Microarchitecture**: PowerPC 7xx
- **Clock frequency**: 486 MHz (base clock)
- **Instruction set**: PowerPC
- **Number of processor cores**: 1
- **Aliases**: IBM Gekko, ゲッコー
- **Instance of**: CPU model
- **Subclass of**: Central processing unit

## FAQs
### Q: What was the Gekko microprocessor used for?
A: The Gekko was primarily used as the CPU for the Nintendo GameCube and Triforce game systems, powering their gaming experiences.

### Q: Who designed the Gekko microprocessor?
A: The Gekko was designed by IBM and Nintendo, with IBM as the manufacturer.

### Q: What was the clock speed of the Gekko?
A: The Gekko had a base clock frequency of 486 MHz.

### Q: When was the Gekko discontinued?
A: The Gekko was discontinued in 2007.

### Q: What microarchitecture did the Gekko use?
A: The Gekko was based on the PowerPC 7xx microarchitecture.

## Why It Matters
The Gekko microprocessor played a crucial role in the gaming industry by powering the Nintendo GameCube and Triforce systems. Its design, based on the PowerPC architecture, allowed for efficient processing and contributed to the performance of games on these consoles. The Gekko was an example of collaboration between IBM and Nintendo, leveraging IBM's expertise in microprocessor design. Its discontinuation in 2007 marked the end of an era for these gaming systems, which had a significant impact on the gaming community. The Gekko's legacy lives on in the games and experiences it enabled, showcasing the advancements in gaming technology during its time.

## Notable For
- **PowerPC 7xx microarchitecture**: The Gekko was based on IBM's PowerPC 7xx microarchitecture, which was known for its efficiency and performance.
- **Collaboration between IBM and Nintendo**: The Gekko was a result of a partnership between IBM and Nintendo, combining IBM's technical expertise with Nintendo's gaming vision.
- **Used in Nintendo GameCube and Triforce**: The Gekko was the primary CPU for these systems, powering their gaming capabilities.
- **486 MHz base clock frequency**: The Gekko operated at a base clock frequency of 486 MHz, which was significant for its time.
- **Discontinued in 2007**: The Gekko's discontinuation in 2007 marked the end of an era for the Nintendo GameCube and Triforce systems.

## Body
### Overview
The Gekko is a microprocessor designed by IBM and Nintendo, serving as the central processing unit (CPU) for the Nintendo GameCube and Triforce game systems. It was based on the PowerPC 7xx microarchitecture and operated at a base clock frequency of 486 MHz. The Gekko was released in 2000 and discontinued in 2007.

### Design and Development
- **Designed by**: IBM and Nintendo
- **Manufacturer**: IBM
- **Microarchitecture**: PowerPC 7xx
- **Instruction set**: PowerPC
- **Number of processor cores**: 1

### Technical Specifications
- **Clock frequency**: 486 MHz (base clock)
- **Aliases**: IBM Gekko, ゲッコー
- **Instance of**: CPU model
- **Subclass of**: Central processing unit

### Usage and Impact
- **Used by**: Nintendo GameCube, Triforce
- **Inception**: 2000
- **Discontinuation date**: 2007

### Additional Information
- **Freebase ID**: /m/03qkp9g
- **Wikipedia title**: Gekko (processor)
- **Commons category**: Gekko (microprocessor)
- **Wikipedia languages**: commons, en, es, fr, hu, it, ja, ru, sv

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013