Dual or quad-core?

Croatia (Hrvatska)
January 26, 2008 2:19pm CST
Which one is better? Dual or quad-core processors in desktop PCs? Which brands are more reliable when buying processors and other components like graphics cards? And is it even worth spending money on PCs instead of buying a console?
5 responses
retrac1324
@retrac1324 (227)
• United States
28 Jan 08
Quad Core is NOT 2x the speed of Dual Core Quad Core only has twice as many cores, that does mean it is faster, but not necessarily by 2x. The thing is nearly all computer applications must be written specifically optimized for quad core in order to obtain the full benefit. At the moment a majority of applications are not specifically written to utilize four cores, that means it does not reach its potential currently, but it will still be faster than dual core as the os the load will be balanced somewhat.
bikespot
@bikespot (483)
• Canada
28 Jan 08
True , thats why at the moment quad core probably isn't worth buying.
retrac1324
@retrac1324 (227)
• United States
28 Jan 08
Well it might be worth it if your buying a computer now, since eventually everything will be updated. You don't want to buy a computer now and get stuck with older technology.
BranimirCro
@BranimirCro (36)
• Croatia (Hrvatska)
30 Jan 08
so, basically, its better to wait for a few months/years so the price will drop and when the new software becomes optimized for quad go for it, and hope that they wont start selling eight cored processors next... but the problem is, i am stuck with a single core CPU
bikespot
@bikespot (483)
• Canada
26 Jan 08
Quad core is 2x as many processors. So Quad core should be 2x faster than dual core. Then there is the extreme core which is really expensive. Starting at just over 1000$ which is crazy. I think i might just buy AMD quad core processor for my next computer.
BranimirCro
@BranimirCro (36)
• Croatia (Hrvatska)
26 Jan 08
maybe even 2x better processor, but on the other hand maybe even 2x expensive processor. and those extreme cores arent crazy, those are INSANE!!! i can buy a great desktop PC for less than 1000$... i dont know if anyone uses that type of processor (maybe for servers, LANs and something like that)... what do u think about dual core graphics cards? they cant make it smaller so they are increasing the number
bikespot
@bikespot (483)
• Canada
28 Jan 08
I really dont know much about graphic cards. I have seen some that are 500$. I dont play video games so i dont know much on that.
jarves
@jarves (814)
• Philippines
30 Jan 08
You should go for the Quad core. As the name implies, you will have four times the processing power. So your computer is very fast. It is also more energy efficient than that of a Dual Core.
sumeetpal
@sumeetpal (52)
• India
4 Feb 08
quad core is best as there are 8 processors and with ht tech. they becomes 16 processors
chillymullet
@chillymullet (181)
• United States
26 Jan 08
Dual or quad core? hmmmmmmm thats easy Dual Add me as a friend!
BranimirCro
@BranimirCro (36)
• Croatia (Hrvatska)
26 Jan 08
dual core? why dual core? i think i would prefer quad core instead