Dual Core CPUs and Multi-Threaded Apps

[superkdogg]

Since we know that the first dual core chips will not be able to run as fast as current top-of-the-line models, and we know that modern programs are almost always coded for single threads, how do we think the initial DC chips will perform?

I'm guessing lackluster at first, until software catches up (certain apps that are already known to like hyperthreading should excel right away, obviously). However, once most applications are able to be multithreaded (inevitable IMHO) these dual cores could be the biggest thing since the first Pentiums. I'm drooling at the fact that by '06 I could have a dual-Opteron-like system for only the price of a new CPU! How fabulous is that?!?

 

[Duvie]

Lackluster is what most here may claim since it is so gaming based and we know not much is available to take advantage of that now...

Also since multitasking seems to be SO HARD A CONCEPT for most around here to grasp it will be hard to test and prove at least better multtasking capabilities even if the games dont speed up with 2 cpus....

I think the strength will be in the multimedia apps and they coul be nice, but it remains to be seen where the spee of the amd64's will come out at....dual 1.8ghz chips sould beat the top FX55 out in encoding and rendering apps which most are smp aware and used well in dual cpu config workstations....

If they clock them to like 1.4ghz it will be a dog for sure...it may not win any benchmarks and certainly get crushed by any non smp ware app....I think for that reason I bet they will be higher like 1.8ghz to start....I also think the desktops wont arrive as early so we should see possibly a 4200+ (2.6ghz) and a FX57 by the time that arrives and that will make the need for definitely higher speed dual cores....