Is there much point for quad cores?

[BlueMax]

There's a couple games that benefit from it.... but what's out there that really shows off or pushes quad-core that a dual-core can't do almost as well?

The near-$200 difference from a cheap Pent dual-core could sure buy a spiffy video card instead - if the Quad only really shines in a few circumstances.

[Emancipated]

Good to have and not need it than not to have it when you need it.

[McLaren__F1]

Not much games/apps supports quads yet. [dont quote me on this ] lol

[Evil Baby]

Well it depends on if you are doing any serious rendering, encoding, or scientific applications. If you are then you will see an improvement in quad vs dual.

However, for most applications and for most users that extra $200 would be better spend on more ram or video card upgrade.

[Emancipated]

Buy it now and enjoy the comfort of knowing you won't need to upgrade for quite long while yet.

Trying to keep your machine current with the "IT" games is a fool's errand.

[woof]

People said the same thing about dual cores when they first came out and now we can't live without them. Yeah, really not a lot of advantages for quad at the moment, but then if you're building a new system you may keep for several years it's more about preparing for the future.

[Evil Baby]

People said the same thing about dual cores when they first came out and now we can't live without them. Yeah, really not a lot of advantages for quad at the moment, but then if you're building a new system you may keep for several years it's more about preparing for the future.

I know lots of people and I would argue the large majority of computer users could easily survive without dual core cpu's.

[willy]

For typical users and gamers, stick with high core speed dual-core for better bang for the CPU bucks ...

Actually, I am still quite happy with my single-core CPU ...

[willy]

I know lots of people and I would argue the large majority of computer users could easily survive without dual core cpu's.

I have to agree with that ... I am actually interested to see how a general user utilize a single-core CPU ...

We need to understand that we (consumers) do not really ask for a dual-/quad-core CPU ... It's the CPU manufacturers that cannot produce a fast single-core CPU in the first place !!

[Emancipated]

I know lots of people and I would argue the large majority of computer users could easily survive without dual core cpu's.

This is a really moot point. How do you go about defining what someone can survive with or without? It's probably a difference between a 30 seconds boot to a 1 minute boot. If you can afford it, go for it. Get the C2D and then have to go through the hassle of finding someone to buy your old CPU when you want to upgrade. It's not advantageous for everyone.

If you're cash strapped and don't know how to pay next month's rent, then building a new computer is the least of your problems. Get QUAD or bust!

[Siefer999]

I know lots of people and I would argue the large majority of computer users could easily survive without dual core cpu's.

im still using my single core for my desktop

[fitbrit]

For HD decoding, the new ffdshow builds utilise all cores, I believe. This means that a quad core can be running with a very low load per CPU, and therefore run cooler, quieter etc. compared to a dual core CPU.

[Evil Baby]

This is a really moot point. How do you go about defining what someone can survive with or without? It's probably a difference between a 30 seconds boot to a 1 minute boot. If you can afford it, go for it. Get the C2D and then have to go through the hassle of finding someone to buy your old CPU when you want to upgrade. It's not advantageous for everyone.

If you're cash strapped and don't know how to pay next month's rent, then building a new computer is the least of your problems. Get QUAD or bust!

I'm not recommending people stay with single core, it was just in reply to the earlier post who stated we need dual core machines. I'm a heavy user by most standards but for home use I survive on my celeron laptop . Of course while I'm doing serious work I use the dual core machine.

Next setup I buy will clearly be a C2D or Quard Core from Intel unless AMD pulls something our of their behinds but the simple fact just about everybody I know uses a single core machine and is fine with it. My paretns, my g/f's parents, all of my moms friends who I've built machines for out of spare parts.

When most of the people in this world just need to browse the web, check email, play a java game or two and use office or even wordpad to write up a quick resume they don't need a dual core or quad core cpu. However, low end dual cores are so cheap it would be stupid not to go at least that way.

I know my parents would be happier with say a e2160 and 3 gigs of ram, rather then a Q6600 and 512-1 gig of ram. I'd also argue that my parents are more like the average computer user than I am.

[BlueMax]

AMD was supposed to be releasing "Tri-cores" by now... quad-core processors where one has failed and is disabled.

Maybe it was just a rumour....?



But $250 for a quad, or $100 for a nice dual-core plus a spiffy video card....

Heck, some of the decent dual-cores are only $70! I'd stick to dual unless you've got a rare app that really shows a big improvement from a quad.

Mac Pros don't have 8-core options for nothing... some apps can really, REALLY use 'em!

Sounds like I'm just not one of those guys. I do use music notation software as my heftiest program (and the occasional game) so a dual with 2GB is more than enough, I'm thinking.

Good to know, since I'm considering my upgrade options - and this time it'll be Intel-based. (I really want to try messing with OSx86!)

[Nuprapture]

I upgraded recently from a P4 3.0 HT to a Quad Core 6700.. I've never used a dual core desktop, but my brother has a core 2 duo laptop.
Speed-wise, the single core is out of the question.. the technology is older and even the ram and hard drives are slower. The newer technology with the SATA2 hard drives and the faster ram makes a huge difference.

Between the dual and quad core I notice a HUGE difference between the two when it comes to things like video encoding, certain renderings on photoshop, and even converting videos to go from avi to dvd. There are probably more things that will show a difference, but they`re beyond the scope of my usage.

It really depends on the user, but I definitely think that the quad core is more than worth if if you're planning to upgrade your system. Get the better processor and just wait till a video card or something goes on sale to get that too!