Posted on 03/18/2010 11:15:56 AM PDT by Ernest_at_the_Beach
In May of 2005, both AMD and Intel delivered the world's first desktop dual-core CPU's, and since then, the processor technology and increase in performance from generation to generation has accelerated to mind-boggling levels. I'm not sure if it's a sickness, but when I look back to the landscape just two years ago, I can't help but feel a bit underwhelmed, because the newer models are so much more attractive.
It's true though. The acceleration of technology is incredible, and it's actually a bit hard to believe that just five years ago, we were all sporting single-core processors in our desktops. The first dual-core's came in May of 2005 as mentioned, and a mere year-and-a-half later, Intel launched the first desktop quad-core offering, the QX6700.
So if it only took a year-and-a-half to make the shift from a dual-core to a quad-core, how on earth has it taken another 4.3 years to finally see the industry's first six-core offering? The reason isn't due to the fact that it couldn't be done (I remember Intel talking about Octal-Cores at IDF 2007, and we still don't see those on the desktop side), but rather because they haven't been needed.
Just over two years ago, we took Intel's Skulltrail platform for a spin. For those who may not recall, Skulltrail was Intel's ultra-high-end solution for those who wanted the best in multi-tasking and the best in overall raw horsepower.
(Excerpt) Read more at techgage.com ...
fyi
Good article!
I’m sticking w/ my 486.
Try ripping a DVD into MP4 to put on your phone.
My last computer took all night to do one movie, my new laptop, i7 quad core, does it in 15 minutes.
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That's where AMD's Phenom X6 chips are going to be very interesting. Chances are good that X6 chips will carry a bit of a premium as well, but you can bet that they're going to be much more affordable than $999. Given AMD's current architecture, its X6 chips aren't going to compete that closely with Intel's Gulftown, but it's certainly going to be an option for those looking for a six-core at an easier-to-stomach price.
sick = illness? impaired? unhealthy?
I didn’t see an explanation...but that is the TITLE.
My 5 year old Dell Optiplex 3.4 GHz P4 with 4G of RAM, dual DVI video card, tv tuner card and XP PRO is basically goofing off when performing any tasks I give it. Even when I have the tv on, a TurboCad 3D design open and a browser window open, there is no noticeable performance drop. You can buy a Dell Optiplex GX280 on Ebay for ~$100 -$150.
“Sick” is the new slang for awesome, great, incredible, etc.
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Intel's Core i7-980X Extreme Edition - Ready for Sick Scores?
Thanks.
A Uniprocessor?....can’t be be worth much.
How long would you estimate that this beast would take?
Probably be limitted by how fast the DVD reader can get data to the CPU.
True but what applications require the dollars for a souped up multicore CPU? I loaded up my Dell with RAM, got a good video card and it works great! People complain about DVD rip times but I just ripped a DVD this past weekend and it only took a few minutes.
The Intel Core i7-980X shows that Intel continues to push the performance envelope, at least incrementally. Six cores processing twelve threads is a monumental achievement, but again software technology needs to catch up so users can properly utilize all the cores they paid for. Sure, buying an i7-980X will get you the fastest possible results now, but think of the processor as a hedge against future technological and software upgrades. Someday you will be able to utilize this processor fully, rather than “you will be able to use the full potential of this processor now.”
Try converting a full HD AVC video from a camera, down converting to 720p and putting it into a mkv file. You might schedule an overnight trip to occupy yourself.
I just ripped a 65 minute DVD this past weekend on my Dell Optiplex 3.4 GHz P4. I don't remember the exact times but believe it was no longer than 15 minutes.
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