What Did I Miss???

[DKlein]

I've been away from the forums and general technology advances for a couple years. What has come since?

Last I knew, the 6800 series was tops, 64-bit processors were coming into their own, and I think nForce4 was the top chipset.

I think dual core was just getting going, too. Or at least being talked about. I see we're on to quad core now?

I'm lost. What's all the new technology, what's good? AMD still on top in terms of performance or did Intel take back some ground?

I need to put together a new computer in three days, give me help!

 

[blackrod]

blackrod believes that intel is back on top with the core 2 duo (dual core, 64bit) line of processors. blackrod also believes that the top graphics card at the moment would be the 8800gtx and the 8800gts. unfortunately blackrod is not that up to date on motherboards.

 

[Aluvus]

Most all processors currently in production from AMD and Intel are 64-bit. Software to take advantage of that is gradually materializing; Windows Vista (January 30, 2007) will do a fair amount to push that forward.

Dual core processors are becoming increasingly common, though single-core chips still occupy a good portion of the market. Quad-core parts have hit the server and high-end desktop space, and will be filtering down to us peasants in the coming months.

Intel's Core microarchitecture, embodied in Core 2 Duo desktop and laptop parts, Core 2 Extreme desktop parts, and certain Xeons (Woodcrest and quad-core Clovertown), has positioned Intel as the performance leader in basically all segments.

nVidia still makes the best chipsets for AMD motherboards. Intel still dominates chipsets for Intel motherboards, although nVidia's recent stuff is making waves.

Oh, and AMD bought ATI. nVidia bought ULi. And my shift key wept.