Quad Core Chip

[rfleming]

Hello all,
I am planning a new build coming up in March. I would like to be able to get about 3 years out of the computer for video gaming. My question is on the cpu. Is going quad core now worth it in the long run or should i stick with duel core? I am willing to pay the price of quad if it gets me an extra year out of my computer.

Thank you

[Mr.Ferrari]

With the *current* quad cores? In my opinion, unless you absolutely must build and have quad core NOW, I would say No.

The choice Quad Core at the moment is Intel's Q series. BUT, intel is bringing out a whole new platform with a heavily revised Quad Core sometime around late this summer. The new processors will be on a shrunk die (45nm) and have some pretty heavy tweaks. Not to mention DDR3 is coming out with intel too.

Up to you, if you do go quad core now, go with the Q6600.

Keep in mind though, only a handful of programs currently even benefit from Quad Cores.

[rfleming]

So if i want to even think quad cores I am better waiting till the mid to late summer?

[Mr.Ferrari]

Depends on whether or not you need it. If you have the kind of programs that will make use of it...like video editing/encoding or the such.

But yeah, you will probably get the most bang for your buck during that time period though.

If you need a computer now you could just build a basic Core 2 Duo setup, and upgrade to quad when necessary. Can't guarantee however if the new quad's will drop in, but rumors are they will.

All up to you.

EDIT: By the way launch dates aren't written in stone, the dual core versions of this new revision will launch around late this year, but the Quad cores im not so sure.

[rfleming]

Thanks for the information on it all, I was not sure on the whole quad core system. I think I will hold off for a bit and see. Thank you.

[glc]

The Q6600 is getting a substantial price reduction around the end of April.

http://www.behardware.com/html/news/cat2/page2.html