Dual Core or Quad Core

I’ve been asked a lot of questions about the new Intel Wolfdale and Intel Yorkfield processors. Basically the questions are boiling down to whether one should get a dual core processor or a quad core processor. Here are a few rules of thumb to help you answer the question. It’s simple one you think about how you will be using your computer.

Wolfdale – Dual Core CPU– E8xxx

- best for most PC games for the next 1-2 years
- more cost effective route if planning to upgrade CPU in next 2ish years
- most software today is optimized for dual core

Yorkdield – Quad Core CPU – Q9xxx

- best for extreme multitasking
- more “futureproof” if not planning to upgrade in next 2ish years
- best for video encoding and audio encoding
- future software will be optimized for quad core

There are only 2 reasons I see for getting a Yorkfield over a Wolfdale. The first one is if you do lots of video encoding. The second is if you don’t plan on upgrading your CPU for 4 or more years.

If your looking for a gaming CPU go with the Wolfdale. Chances are you’ll be upgrading your CPU in a couple years anyway. So save your money now and then get a quad core when you upgrade.

Written by admin on January 24th, 2008 with no comments.
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