Intel to launch quad-core processors in Q4

[schmosef]

http://www.tgdaily.com/2006/07/19/intel_to_launch_quad_core_in_q4_2006/

[The PIT]

Shouldn't have to much trouble running programs on that.

[ZokesPro]

Soon we'll be saying stuff like, "You still have a single core CPU? Ha! you suck!".

[Admiral]

I already have 2 cores
Wonder what they'll use to cool a quad-core.

[Wombat]

Shouldn't have to much trouble running programs on that.

Actually, yeah they probably will. Doesn't look like they'll have enough memory bandwidth to feed them right.

[agallag]

I agree. I think I heard that Intel's first crack at quad-core will basically be two Core 2 Duos in one package. So each pair will have a separate cache, and they'll have to go through the FSB to talk to the other pair and to main memory. They're rumored to be working on something similar to Hyper Transport, as well as a true quad-core (with unified cache), but that's further down the road. This kind of quad core is no better than AMDs 4x4 (two sockets of dual core), and without hyper transport it will end up being slower.

[Mehen]

http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showthread.php?t=107092

I really don't think memory bandwidth has or will be much of an issue, the only place I have seen it EVER make a difference is in synthetic benchmarks.

[Wombat]

That's not quite true. It's especially an issue when you're going multi-processor/core.

[Gurm]

This strikes me as something that MS is going to have a REAL problem with. I'm surprised that they made the exception for running multiple cores on XP Home for 2-core or Hyperthreaded CPU's. I really don't see them losing one of the few reasons they have to force folks to buy Vista Pro without a huge fight.

In other words, either Intel has to half-ass the interface, or MS will make you run a $300 OS just to use the other 2 cores on your chip. LOL.

[agallag]

The rumors are that most software vendors will start pro-rating for multicore chips. For example, two cores costs 1.5X a single core. 4 cores is 2.5X. 8 cores is 3.5X. Each software vendor will have their own multiples of course.

So far, MS has said that they won't charge any extra for additional cores. We'll see how long that lasts.