Intel Dual Core!

[W1zzard]

Intel Corporation today announced it has completed initial production runs of dual-core processors and provided further details about its multi-core plans to its customers, signaling the beginning of an era when PCs will have two or more "brains" inside.

Intel plans to deliver two separate dual-core products and dual-core-enabled chipsets for its Pentium processor-class families in the second quarter, including the Pentium processor Extreme Edition. The Intel Pentium Processor Extreme Edition will include Hyper-Threading Technology, providing the ability to process four software "threads" simultaneously.

"In addition to our products, we are investing heavily to further prepare the industry for the shift to multi-core computing platforms," said Robert Crooke, vice president, Desktop Platforms Group and general manager, Desktop Marketing and Strategic Planning, Intel. "We accelerated this effort with the introduction of Hyper-Threading Technology three years ago and we're extending it by building multi-core processors. Platforms based on Intel multi-core technology will provide the performance and responsiveness consumers and businesses need to get the most enjoyment and productivity from their applications."

These first dual-core desktop platforms reflect Intel's continued investment in silicon and platform innovation, manufacturing technology, capacity and industry enabling efforts that span the desktop, server, workstation and mobile market segments.

"As the leader in the extreme gaming, consumer and workstation markets, Dell plans to offer Intel's powerful dual-core processor technology on high-end systems," said John Medica, senior vice president, Dell Product Group. "No other companies make innovative technology more affordable to large groups of customers than Dell and Intel."

Dual- and multi-core products are designed by including two or more full CPU cores within a single processor enabling the simultaneous managing of activities. When combined with HT Technology, which allows a processor to present itself as two logical processors, the Pentium Processor Extreme Edition product can process four software threads simultaneously by more efficiently using resources that otherwise may sit idle.

Platforms based around Intel's dual-core Pentium Processor Extreme Edition are an ideal solution for PC computing and entertainment enthusiasts who crave computing power for audio, video, digital design and gaming tasks. The Pentium Processor Extreme Edition will be combined with a new chipset named the Intel 955X Express chipset, formerly codenamed "Glenwood," that includes features such as Intel High Definition Audio, PCI-Express and faster dual-channel DDR-2 memory. Intel will also couple its mainstream "Smithfield" processor with two new chipsets named the Intel 945G Express chipset and Intel 945P Express chipset, both previously code-named "Lakeport" in the second quarter of the year.

View at TechPowerUp Main Site

 

[wazzledoozle]

Isnt a true 64 bit CPU better than a dual core 32 bit? If they have to write all new software why not just take the big leap.... Or is Intel reluctant to look like they are copying AMD?

 

[15th Warlock]

Isnt a true 64 bit CPU better than a dual core 32 bit? If they have to write all new software why not just take the big leap.... Or is Intel reluctant to look like they are copying AMD?

This CPU does support 64 bit instructions, even prescott has the 64 bit extensions embeded into the core, but the function is dissabled (kinda like the first gen northwoods with HT support, but you cannot enable it) Don't ask me why Intel does that...
Anyway, IMO this dual core proc won't make a dent AMD's in dominance in PC gaming performance once they release their own dual core opterons, besides, haven't you read about the Cell processor? (eight "synergistic" processing cores working in conjunction with a single multi thread power control processor at 4+ Ghz!! ) it makes all x86 chips look like a thing of the past, (even with dual, quad or whatever cores you add ) so, IMHO, as far as new processor technology go, this announcement isn't such a big thing anyway...

P.S. Who else wonders why is Intel waiting for the release of a dual core dothan technology based proc with 64 bit support, enhanced SSEs and pumped up FSB??? They should have abandoned the Netburst thing like 2 years ago, adding more cores to it just increases the possibility of your PC instantly bursting into flames

 

[ati.bob]

This CPU does support 64 bit instructions, even prescott has the 64 bit extensions embeded into the core, but the function is dissabled (kinda like the first gen northwoods with HT support, but you cannot enable it) Don't ask me why Intel does that...
Anyway, IMO this dual core proc won't make a dent AMD's in dominance in PC gaming performance once they release their own dual core opterons, besides, haven't you read about the Cell processor? (eight "synergistic" processing cores working in conjunction with a single multi thread power control processor at 4+ Ghz!! ) it makes all x86 chips look like a thing of the past, (even with dual, quad or whatever cores you add ) so, IMHO, as far as new processor technology go, this announcement isn't such a big thing anyway...

P.S. Who else wonders why is Intel waiting for the release of a dual core dothan technology based proc with 64 bit support, enhanced SSEs and pumped up FSB??? They should have abandoned the Netburst thing like 2 years ago, adding more cores to it just increases the possibility of your PC instantly bursting into flames

About the Cell processor.. from what I heard, it is a collaborated work from IBM, Sony and Toshiba... they plan to incorporate the chip into the next-gen PlayStation (for Sony) sometime in 2006, use it in workstations (for IBM) later this year, and high end TV sets (for Toshiba)... from what I knew, these chips have twice the amount of transistors when compared to the top-of-the-line Intel P4 CPU... but it is still unclear that what OS will run with this chip.. but they difinately confirmed that it will run on Linux..

Well.. maybe it's time for Intel to leave the CPU throne.. or fire up their engineers to design a new chip..

 

[Deleted member 3]

X86-62 isn't true 64 bit, it's 32 bit with 64 bit extentions. AS for 64 bit or dual core, those are two totally different things. Dual core = SMP, which is better than doubling the bits when multitasking/threading.
Though if you ask me these CPU's will look pretty bad to n00bs when they see their favourite game benched on them since SMP is slower with games usually because most games don't support SMP.
On the other hand, this might force developers to start supporting SMP more, HTT should have done the same. Let's hope it works this time.

 

[Mussels]

64 bit allows things wit large memory usage to run much faster, dual cores is exactly the same as running a dual CPU system, and funnily, except for servers thats pretty much dead.

and before the Intel fanatics come in attacking me, dont worry, AMD will have a dual core FX or 64 out before the year, i beleive its in their roadmap.

 

[GoLLuM4444]

...these chips have twice the amount of transistors when compared to...

Twice the number and compared with.
Sorry I couldn't let that double offence go uncorrected.

 

[ati.bob]

oh... another grammatical error of mine.. sorry..