From what I've read, probably is worth the wait. However, what's far more intriguing (to me) is the new AMD Bulldozer line to be released sometime in the first quarter, cost point versus performance.
AMD to Start Production of Desktop "Bulldozer" Microprocessors in April.
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Advanced Micro Devices will start production of its code-named Zambezi central processing unit (CPU) based on the highly-anticipated Bulldozer micro-architecture in April, 2011. Initially AMD plans to release 8-core microprocessors for desktops, but later in the second quarter of next year the firm intends to launch six-core and quad-core chips based on Bulldozer micro-architecture.
The first engineering samples of Zambezi chips that will be available for AMD's partners for testing will be released already in December, 2010, about a month from now, sources familiar with AMD plans told X-bit labs. Production candidates should be ready by February and the initial production of the company's first desktop microprocessors powered by the long-awaited Bulldozer micro-architecture is scheduled to start in April next year. Probably, the launch of the chip will occur around the same timeframe.
The first Zambezi microprocessors to be launched are expected to be eight-core products with 95W and 125W thermal design power as well as 8MB L3 cache. Later in the second quarter of 2011 AMD, according to sources with knowledge of the company's roadmap, will release six-core chips with 8MB L3 cache and four-core products with 4MB cache. All of the processors will feature TurboCore 2.0 technology, dual-channel DDR3 memory controller with up to 1866MHz memory support and will be compatible with AM3+ mainboards.
Eight-core Zambezi/Orochi features four dual-core Bulldozer modules, each of which is believed to have 2MB of shared level-two cache, that will share 8MB L3 cache. In total, the whole chip will pack in whopping 16MB of SRAM, a 77% increase from the current six-core microprocessors that have 9MB of cache in total.
It is noteworthy that AMD's Zambezi microprocessors made using 32nm silicon-on-insulator process technology by Globalfoundries will be available earlier than the company's code-named Llano chips that combine current-generation x86 cores with current-generation DirectX 11 graphics engine on the same piece of silicon.
AMD Orochi design is the company's next-generation processor for high-end desktop (Zambezi) and server (Valencia) markets.
Thanks for the answers. I think I’m probably making it more difficult than it needs to be. I’m pretty much a typical home user but want top of the line for components not easily upgraded after the fact.
Second question - I don’t have the time to build my own unfortunately so what are your opinions on desktops offered by HP, Dell, Gateway etc. Are any ‘superior’ to another? My main concern is build quality and simplicity (minimal bloatware, no oem-specific drivers for video cards, appropriately sized power supply etc). I wouldn’t call tech support if my life depended on it so that isn’t a factor.
Thanks again.