are modern quads TRUE quads?

[3t3P]

weren't quads initially two linked dual cores?

Is that still the case?

 

[eddiew]

Yes - then no. Current quads are all single-die units with a shared L3 cache for all cores (unless I've been misinformed )

 

[ThomasTheTankEngine]

Yup, the core-2-duo's were technically multi-chip-modules. 2 dual core die's stuck together.

This isn't the case with the modern ones. They've got all the cores on the same die.

 

[Freddie1980]

I've never been able to understand why folk keep bring this up? What does it matter if the CPU uses two dual core dies to make a hybrid quad core?

 

[eddiew]

I've never been able to understand why folk keep bring this up? What does it matter if the CPU uses two dual core dies to make a hybrid quad core?

A fully merged unit has the benefit of sharing the L3 cache, which I don't think is possible between separate dies, and inter-CPU communication should be significantly faster when it's on the same piece of silicon. Pretty sure it ends up using less power too

 

[Rroff]

Power useage difference is marginal tho some benefit, the other 2 points actually have very little impact in real world useage. Always makes me laugh remember people putting the Q6600 down as not being a "true" quad core as it decimated the "true" quads it was up against in many cases and beat them by a moderate amount in most other cases.

 

[3t3P]

I was simply wondering how the architecture of current quads was different if at all

 

[g_tripwood]

I can't answer the question, but generally I prefer physical cores.

I.e. I'd have the i7-860 over a hyper threaded Dual for example

 

[HangTime]

The thing is the i7-860 has Hyperthreading as well so your statement is basically comparing a quadcore with hyperthreading against a dualcore with hyperthreading

A better comparison might be i5-750 (4 cores no HT) vs a dualcore with HT.

As an aside I think the i7-860 must be one of the most underrated cpus in years for non-overclockers, it is an absolute beast. Quadcore, HT, INSANE turbo mode (3.46ghz!!), runs on cheap mobos with cheap RAM etc. Never had one myself but I recommended a Dell based around one to my dad just over 18months ago, it just doesn't seem to have any weaknesses.