Six core processor

[ctaylo21]

Hey all,
I am finalizing my parts list for my first build (which I will post when I'm done so you can find any errors ) and one issue I'm having is deciding between a hex-core and quad-core processor. I want my build to be future-proof ,so should I definitely spend the extra $20 - $30 to upgrade from 4 to 6 cores? By the way, I'm looking at AMD processors.

6-core: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103851

4-core: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103727

I will post my full part list soon but I wanted to get input for this specific part first. As a quick side note, I am wanting to stay under $1000 for my build, and I need pretty much everything. Thanks in advance!

[RickyTick]

It really all depends on what you're using the computer for. If it's basic email, web surfing, music, facebook, and gaming, then the quad core should be plenty. There are very few computing tasks that utilize 4 cores, and even fewer that need 6. Of course that will probably change over the next few years, but it's a very slow progression.

[ctaylo21]

I am a CS major so I will be using it for somewhat heavy duty programming, and software like Windows Visual Studios. I know that very few things right now would be able to utilize all six cores, but if it would make my computer more "future-proof" than I would spend the extra money. So my question is basically should I go for a 3.4 Ghz quad core processor or a 2.8 ghz hex-core processor if I'm looking for something that won't go out of date quickly? If the technology really does develop slowly than perhaps I won't need a hex-core processor because by the time they are actually useful I would have needed to replace my whole computer anyway.

[Deneb]

Ctaylo21,

First off trying to build a future proof system is kind of a bad idea. Especially as a student, you’re better off getting an adequate system now and then replacing it every 2 to 3 years as needed. If you are building your own desktop system, you might consider doing what I am planning on doing. I plan on having two boxes. When it’s time for a faster computer, I’ll take the slower the two systems apart and upgrade it thereby letting me continue to work on the other computer. Once I have two tower systems with adequate power supplies I won’t have to upgrade the cases or the power supplies anymore for quite some time.

As far as processors go, I recommend you go to one of the Intel I7 CPUs. Be aware that the term I7 is really a made up name and you have to look specs of each processor carefully. I7 CPUs right now, excluding the six core Gulf town processor which is too expensive, are either Lynnfield or Bloomfield. I recommend a Lynnfield four core processor. The Lynnfield processor has two memory controllers so you can get four two GB sticks of RAM for a total of 8 GB. If you go with the Bloomfield I7 processor you will have three controllers so you’re probably going to end up with three two GB sticks of RAM for a total of six GB RAM. Assuming you are running Windows 7 64-bit, the more RAM you have the better because the additional RAM will help cache the hard drive.


Generally I find that clock for clock, AMD processors are about 40% slower than the current Intel processors.

For processors go check out Newegg and click on advanced search. Under “series” click on I7.

Intel Core i7-870 Lynnfield 2.93GHz 8MB L3 Cache LGA 1156 95W Quad-Core Processor BX80605I7870 $289.99
LGA 1156
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115213


GIGABYTE GA-P55M-UD2 LGA 1156 Intel P55 Micro ATX Intel Motherbard $104.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128405

Be aware that Intel is about to release its new line of CPUs code-named Sandy Bridge. These processes will be out by the end of the first quarter in 2011. Then Intel will do a die shrink of Sandy Bridge to Ivy Bridge by the end of 2011. Right now it would make vastly more sense to spend say $900 to build a nice desktop and then build another nice one for approximate the same money 15 months down the road with Ivy Bridge.

I know this is the first post I’ve done this forum, but I have written at some length on hardware technology over on the following board for the last 18 months or so under the handle of Aldebaran.

http://www.knowbrainer.com/pubforum/index.cfm?page=viewForumCategory&categoryId=12