Originally posted by: Arcadio
Originally posted by: zsdersw
There is no such thing as a "true quad-core", because there is no "false quad-core". A CPU is either quad-core or not. I suppose you could consider a dual-core CPU to be a "false quad-core", because it doesn't have 4 cores in one package, but that perfectly illustrates the fallacy of using the term "true" to describe Intel's current quad-core CPUs.
I say "true" quad-core because I've heard the statement that current quad-cores are just two dual-core processors joined together, which doesn't sound so impressive.
BTW, I'm a programmer but I know a few things about hardware. However, I'm not familiar with all the new hardware that's available out there and what's the best for me. I'm planning to build a pc with the latest technology at a reasonably price (around $400 or less for the CPU). I want something that will run fast and will not become obsolete too quickly (if that is possible in this field).
I will do a lot of encoding and CPU intensive tasks, although those tasks might no be multi-threaded. However, I will be doing a lot of multitasking.
Do you think a dual-core would be a better choice? Should I wait a couple of months? I really want to take advantage of new technological developments...
The magic 8-ball sez ... maybe
Do you have a total budget, software or system preference?
Adobe Premiere will encode in parallel across four cores. The MainConcept encoder as well. Others, I am not so certain they truly run in parallel (i.e., may be running as a 'balanced load' across four cores).
Mutli-tasking = mucho ram = 64-bit OS
There are a multitude of single-socket "1p" motherboards that will accept either an Intel or AMD processor which has ""four cores"". These include mATX and ATX form factors. Quality stable boards start at $100.
There are also double-socket "2p" motherboards that will accept 2 processors (for a potential of '8-core' parallel processing). Your choices are more limited and include
Tyan System Boards and Supermicro
AMD and
Intel
Prices start at $250 to "Get the fk outa here!"
You typically may run a '2p' motherboard with a single processor and expand to the second cpu socket when practical or necessary for 8 cores.
Do you need 'goodies' such as RAID (separate card?), RAM drive, eSATA, Firewire, bunches of USB ...? Does onboard video work for you? Any monster gaming involved?
edit: couldn't spell 'parallel'