[Vigo]

Second half of 2005 at the earliest (x86). So they probably won't be mainstream until 2006. And even by then they might not start replacing single core cpu's.

It should of course (theoretically) dramatically increase performance. I don't see it cutting down on costs over the next few years. New technologies aren't usually cheap.

The race is close and both AMD and Intel are proposing their first dual core chips starts H2 2005.

On intel's side, the first 3 cpus (x20, x30, x40) look like theyre based on the Prescott cores but renamed the Smithfield. The chips will have EM64T (AMD's x86-64 extension equivalent). So intel is finally making the break and pushing 64 bit chips and dual core tech at the same time. In my opinion this translates as: "They're finally catching up."

But because they're based off the prescott it'll be interesting to see if the first line makes a splash... prescotts run hot, and even though the dual core smithfield isn't supposed to get any hotter the first 3 chips only range from 2.8-3.2 ghz. They're taking a step back because of the slight screw up with Prescotts (which had a set back in future plans and never hit the proposed 4 ghz mark).

So like I said... it probably won't be until 2006 that dual core chips really take hold. Even if Windows XP 64 or its successor becomes available before then. People who want 64 bit extensions will probably opt for the cheaper, current AMD cores until dual core cpu's (in both/either AMD and Intel) reach their second branch in the family (next core codename).

Hopefully Dual Core's take root. Otherwise Intel will have to scrap its plans much like its flop with RAMBUS and the now, largely-unsupported Itanium 2. Since Intel will need a 64 bit chip and if dual core fails in general they'll have to create something else for 64 bit platforms.

On AMD's side the only highlight (or additional breaking news) I've heard so far on their dual core chips, is SSE3. I read in the inquire (I believe) the new dual core opterons and (rumored) the Toledo will implement SSE3. I also heard a rumor that the later Winchester revisions would include SSE3 as well... but don't have any sources on that, so dual core cpus may provide the last lacking intel-element in AMD chips.

I'm not concerned (or overly interested). The world won't switch over to 64 bit platforms in 2005, even though Intel is finally producing 64 bit chips for home desktops. And I'm betting that change over takes place before we're all using dual core chips (if it even takes root).

So for about the next 1-2 years it'll just make good reading material (for me).