Dual Core versus Quad Core

[lollybo]

Sorry for the n00b question, but should I buy an e6600 (which I Heard was a great overclocker and good for gaming) or should I buy a core 2 duo quad core?

I think the core 2 duo quad might futureproof me some, but then again it's new technology and the first generation, so it might not utilize it's full potential. Current benchmarks don't show a huge difference between 2 and 4 cores, but then again we said the same thing about 1 and 2 cores back in the day and now look what happened.

I just bought an abit ip35-E, I hope it turns out to be as good as the reviews.

 

[jonmcc33]

FYI, if it's quad core then it's a Core 2 Quad, not a Core 2 Duo Quad.

Unless you are going to benefit from 4 cores then you don't need to get that. Multimedia encoding is a prime example of something that would benefit. If you don't do any of that then you'd be wasting your money.

 

[myocardia]

Originally posted by: lollybo
I think the core 2 duo quad might futureproof me some, but then again it's new technology and the first generation, so it might not utilize it's full potential. Current benchmarks don't show a huge difference between 2 and 4 cores, but then again we said the same thing about 1 and 2 cores back in the day and now look what happened.

My take on dual vs quad cores is this: if you do much video encoding or editing, you'll love the quad. If you are a huge multitasker, you'll love the quad. If you aren't either of those, and plan on replacing your processor in the next 12-18 months, build this system with a dual-core.

But, if you're planning on using this system for the next 3-5 years, you're crazy not to spend the extra $100 over what an E6750 costs, since all games in the future will be benefitting from quads. I just have no idea how far into the future that point will be, which is why I ended up buying a quad myself.

 

[lollybo]

Will I need special RAM in order to fully utilize quad cores? I thought dual channel was optimized for dual cores. Is there anything else I need to fully utilize all cores?

EDIT: I read something about the Core 2 Quad on wikipedia, and it said it was inefficient because it was just two bridged core 2 Duo dies. It generates twice the heat and requires twice the power to run. If this is the case, wouldn't it be better just to buy a Core 2 Duo and overclock it?

 

[Boyo]

Your OS should recognize the Quad core just fine....just make sure you buy a Quad core mobo.....

 

[myocardia]

No, you won't need any special RAM, and no, dual-channel RAM has absolutely nothing to do with dual-cores. Dual-channel RAM is only to double the RAM's bandwidth, and was first used with Pentium 4's, which were single-cores. Whatever RAM you had planned on buying for a dual-core will work just as well with a quad-core. Boyo's right about the motherboard, though.

Of course, every P35-based motherboard I've seen so far works with quad-cores, and I would recommend getting a motherboard with a P35 chipset, whether you decide on a dual-core or a quad.