Processor queries

[~D~]

Hi, I'm planning to build a new computer sometime next year (around the Q1/2 period) but given that I have not been following technological advancements for a year or so now, I feel a bit out of touch, especially when considering what processor to choose.

As far as I can see (and have read), the situation is a follows. Intel have recently released their quad range, which are basically two core 2 CPU's welded together. The second generation of these chips ('Penryn') will be the same but will have 45nm transistors. Next year, Intel are releasing the 'Nehalem' chips, which will be designed from the ground up as quadcore chips.

AMD, having released dual core chips which were two singles welded together, will be releasing quadcores designed from the ground up (as well as a tri-core CPU before the quadcores are released).

Is the above correct or do I have an incorrect idea of the current CPU market? Also given that AMD are designing the quadcores from the ground up, will they be able to offer serious competition to the Intel quadcore range? As this negates the reason the X2's did not do well against the Core2Duo's.

The Nehalem chips, given how they will be designed, seem to offer big advancements compared to the Penryn chips, is this the right idea? And therefore, should I at least wait for the Nehalem to be released before I build my PC?

By all means correct me if I am wrong, I do not claim to have a good grasp on the market at the moment, I'm just looking for some advice.

Thank you for your time.

 

[jaykay]

Your pretty much right.
But most people agree that, building a chip from top to bottom as a quad core doesn't give much of an advantage.
AMDs new Quad core is right behind Intel's Penryn core. Only about 100mhz slower.
But as Intel's can be clocked to 4ghz on air in 45nm mode, AMD have quite a bit of a fight on them.
AMD's atm have been able to hit 3ghz with a very low v core. But atm that's all we have heard about them overclocking.

If i was you i would go for the Penryn approach. They are very fast at stock and if your into Overclocking then they will fly.

 

[DavidB]

UNfortunately the AMD quad cores dont seem to be performing brilliantly, however we wont really know untill there released.

The nehalem chips are when the big increase in performance is going to happen, some are supposed to be octocore with hyper threading, which could be fun...but there release is some time in 2009 ? Its a long way away if you want a computer now.

If anything wait for penryn (the new intel quad cores) to be released as there slightly better than the current intel quad cores. Personally ive opted for an overclocked E2140 as a stop gap processor untill penryns release, as its cheap as chips and offers good performance.

Unfortunately you can almost rule out AMD at the moment because they just dont seem to be competing (although all this could change fast).

 

[~D~]

Thank you for your responses.

I thought the Nehalem chips would be around by Q2 2008. If that is the case then I think I will opt for the Penryn if that is the best that will be around by Q2 2008.

How much of a difference will going to a 45nm Penryn be as opposed to the current batch of 65nm quadcores, as the new manufacturing process used to make the 45nm chips has been billed as the biggest advance in transistor technology in 40-or-so years.

 

[Yiuca]

Thank you for your responses.

I thought the Nehalem chips would be around by Q2 2008. If that is the case then I think I will opt for the Penryn if that is the best that will be around by Q2 2008.

How much of a difference will going to a 45nm Penryn be as opposed to the current batch of 65nm quadcores, as the new manufacturing process used to make the 45nm chips has been billed as the biggest advance in transistor technology in 40-or-so years.

SSE4.1 Instruction set has shown that programs (which are already adopting the instruction set) can encode videos much more efficiently hence faster, runs on less voltage so it runs cooler, so it has more overclocking potential aswell. I'd say for the most part that is mostly the benefits.

 

[~D~]

I think I will get the Q9550 chip (which is released in Jan-08), but get it a couple of months after to take advantage of any price drops.

Unless anyone else would advise me otherwise?

P.S. just as a note, I do plan to overclock this chip (though I shall have to read up on overclocking first ;p)