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Processor queries

~D~

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Associate
Joined
20 Jan 2007
Posts
352
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.
 
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.
 
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)
 
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