Core 2 Duo or Quad core?

[Miskatonic]

I've read about the Quad core processors that AMD is planning on releasing in 07', and wanted to know if I bought a motherboard that was set up for dual core, would I have to buy a completely new motherboard when Quad cores come out?

It looks like at the moment (at least according to some of the articles I've read) that the Core 2 Duo is outperforming the high end AMD's right now. Does anyone have an idea on what the performance difference may be between the quad core and the Core 2 duo?

[blue60007]

Intel has quad-cores on the way as well. *Supposedly* (there's no official word AFAIK) that it will be compatible with Core 2 motherboards (BIOS update would be needed of course) since it will be essentially 2 Core 2 Duo's on one package (I think). If you are going to be upgrading to new technology as soon as it comes around it WILL cost you (even if that means a new motherboard).

I wouldn't worry about that now. If you're looking for a good option for a new build, Core 2 is definitely a good option to consider (keep in mind, word is it might be a couple weeks before Core 2's come about in mass quantities). Quad cores are still like 8 month away, so I doubt there are any performance results out yet. Time willl tell on that.

[Miskatonic]

I'm usually not one to worry about what is coming just down the road, but for my build I'd like to buy something that is going to have a decent lifespan. Of course technology is always becoming outdated, but if the quad core CPU's will work fine on dual core boards, that would be a huge relief. I'm sure I could always sell the dual core setup if that wasn't the case.

[blue60007]

Yes, I would agree a mobo that would be compatible with new CPUs in the future is a plus. I have heard quad core Intel's will be compatible with Core 2 Duo boards, but of course, I don't think anyone can say for sure since it's still a while away. I haven't heard anything on the AMD front.

[Miskatonic]

Cool. Technology just improves at such a quick rate that it is hard for guys like me to keep up with it all. I enjoy learning about it at the ground level, ie. how processors work and all that, but I'm not even close to being literate when it comes to computer theory and lingo. :D
It's a lot of fun though.

[jfk]

Personally, I wouldn't get too excited about quad cores yet. Dual cores aren't even fully utilized yet by the majority of people, let alone quad cores. I don't think building now with a dual core will make you outdated any time in the next 2-3 years. JMO.

[Miskatonic]

It looks like the new Asus motherboard P5B Deluxe/WiFi-AP is set up to handle future CPU's like the quad core. It is also ready to handle the Core 2 Duo right now, so once that gets tried out by the the PC community I'll have to check it out and see how it rates. Might be a winner.

[glc]

The P5B has one problem that will affect you - the P965 chipset no longer has IDE support. They have put a 3rd party IDE controller on the board, but it appears to have serious issues trying to boot from an IDE optical drive. There are no mainstream SATA opticals yet - a Plextor SATA DVD burner is over $100.

We are in a strange situation now - exciting new technology is being introduced, but the required support is very incomplete or has a lot of bugs. AMD is having problems with the AM2 platform too - the memory controller is just not right.

I have a customer that wants a new high end build. He doesn't really *need* an additional machine till next spring (office expansion and relocation) but he would *like* to improve over what he has. I think I have convinced him to wait till this winter. I enjoy building high end machines but I don't want to be a betatester either. Hopefully by this winter the bugs and issues with Core 2 Duo *and the supporting chipsets* will be worked out. I'm an Intel shop, so AMD is not really an option. I would reconsider AMD if they ever start manufacturing their own chipsets again, their processor architecture is every bit as good as Intel's.

[Miskatonic]

I really appreciate your input glc, I don't want to rush into this, that's for sure. I have a laptop that I use primarily that's only about a year old, so it does most of what I need. My desktop is setup with the ASUS A7N8X Deluxe revision 2.0 and a Barton 2500, so it isn't sluggish by any means but I definitely don't want to build my HTPC around it. Right now it is pretty much a glorified storage center with 2 300gb, and 2 120gb HD's. I can wait for winter, that's for sure. Right now I'm just waiting for a killer deal on a new Dell 24" LCD monitor. :D