Dual-Cores - What Exactly Does It Mean?

[JuanT]

I don't mean the actual definition of dual-core CPUs, but what does it mean for us lowly users? There's a lot of insight in the latest article on the site, but give it to me straight and dumb.

Namely, is buying a new PC now a shot in the foot? We haven't been told if AMD will be re-using the 939 socket for their dual-cores have we?

Or that existing components will be compatible, so what should we make of this?

 

[ribbon13]

Toledo will be socket 939. ^^

 

[Stewby]

Pretty much, yes

 

[imported_Kensai]

I hear that Intel will string out a new chipset and socket to support their dual-cored beasties, while AMD will reinforce their S939 line with Toledo.

 

[Markfw]

Your chances of dual-core running on an existing 939 pin board are pretty good. (after a bios flash) But I wouldn;t expect them in desktop for a year, and the software to utilize it may be after that, so don;t rush to get a new cpu when they do come out (unless you know the software is available to use it)

 

[sharkeeper]

Your chances of dual-core running on an existing 939 pin board are pretty good. (after a bios flash)

Unless your board is <surprise!> Tyan!

 

[Markfw]

Originally posted by: sharkeeper

Your chances of dual-core running on an existing 939 pin board are pretty good. (after a bios flash)

Unless your board is <surprise!> Tyan!

The tyan board (mine) won;t take the new 940 pin dual-cores ????

 

[JuanT]

Well, I feel like rolling the dice and going for a socket 939 with the hope that in a year or three I can grab a cheapy dual-core and so forth.

 

[Cheesetogo]

When are games going to start taking advatage of dual cores?

 

[Googer]

In 2007 4th quarter you should see a lot of multi-threaded games.