where are the dual core applications?

[dubstar]

i'm about to invest a tiny tiny bit on a dual core laptop. i am wondering if i really need to, or if i should get an older (read: cheaper) laptop.

i understand if a program makes threads it will process the requests faster but where is the huge list of dual core optimized software?? i googles to no avail.

 

[Sazar]

Dual is the better way to go.

Even if not all apps take advantage of multi-threading, the actual product is still smoother and feels a lot more efficient for day to day apps.

And there are more and more apps that take advantage of the multi-threading capabilities.

 

[LeeJend]

Now that is weird.

There are multithread development systems and benchmarks available but no hits on anyone bragging about having multithread software or being able to use dual CPUs.

http://www.amdcompare.com/ecosystem/en-us/amd64/default.aspx

On the other hand I'm doing an avi to dvd conversion right now and really wish I had a dual CPU. My internet is choking because of the conversion.

 

[Sazar]

Quake 4 shows visible improvement in performance on dual-core v/s single core and there are some authoring apps out there (professional) which are multi-threaded.

I would expect, with the ps3 and xb360 both being multi-core, gaming at least will see more multi-threading introduced.

 

[kcnychief]

Another thing to keep in mind dubstar, is that while there might not be alot now, there is bound to be some in the future. I think since you seem to be concerned with cost, I would weigh the pros/cons of the purchase, and then match it to the difference in price. Then, make the best decision that works out for YOU

 

[Grandmaster]

Dual core should go mainstream this year, so I'd expect more dual core optimized apps to come out.

 

[dubstar]

is there a reason to choose, lets say, a 1.86 dual core over a 3ghz single core HT?

-thanks for the quick replies, by the way.


-- wondering if i should wait for 64bit dual core..

 

[Sazar]

is there a reason to choose, lets say, a 1.86 dual core over a 3ghz single core HT?

3ghz implies a p4.

For a notebook a p4 is not the recommended route to go.

It's hotter and performance is the same or less. Plus, battery life sucks compared to a p-M based config.

-thanks for the quick replies, by the way.


-- wondering if i should wait for 64bit dual core..

Merom is round the corner, I would probably wait if possible. Price will likely be a little higher.