Intel ships first dual-core chips

So it looks like Intel is actually delivering the goods on their two, two, two chips in one dual-core CPUs a little earlier than they even expected (and how often does that happen?). The last update was that we'd see them roll out by the summer, but they announced today they've actually just started shipping them already. The Intel Pentium Processor Extreme Edition 840 isn't exactly the catchiest name we've ever heard (they'd better hire some fresh blood in their naming department if they're planning on putting out those sexy multi-core chips in the next few years), but the 3.2 GHz chips sport two separate processing units that operate independently and promise to be all that and a bucket of chips. But you know how these things go — we'll have to see how much these things live up to the hype of "newer, faster, more expensive" (actually, we're pretty sure they'll live up to the more expensive part without too much trouble). AMD will be hot on Intel's heels, with plans to ship out their first dual-core microprocessors next week.

[Kramer @ Dec 19th 2005 1:23AM]

How much will it be? i wont to know! and do you need a new motherboard to use it?

[Kramer @ Dec 19th 2005 1:23AM]

OMFG screw this http://www.computers4sure.com/product.asp?productid=3280182&affid=10000483

$1,331.95

[narco @ Dec 19th 2005 1:23AM]

People in the bay area have had this technology for years. It's called LSD + Frisbee. They have an abundance of holographic discs, I don't see why this is so impressive.

Fishes,
narco.

[TheTspoT.org Voice @ Dec 19th 2005 1:23AM]

I'm waiting for Apple & IBM to release a dual core dual processor G5. now that would be an impressive story. This is a good place to start though.

http://www.thetspot.org

[reddsoda @ Dec 19th 2005 1:23AM]

Who really needs dual core for the desktop right now? Intel should be releasing it for servers first like AMD. I see some benefit with CAD or photoshop workstations but the big benefit currently will be on the server side.

[Matt @ Dec 19th 2005 1:23AM]

Agree with 4... 1, they do require mobos supporting socket 955, not the 915 and 925 chipsets they just finished stuffing down your throats.

[Mr.Clicky @ Dec 19th 2005 1:23AM]

Hell if it's that big you're going to need one hell of a freakin' fan too!

[boe @ Dec 19th 2005 1:23AM]

The specs on Toms Hardware review (not the final say but at least there is a review) don't show much benefit in gaming which is one of the main reasons many home users find a need for a faster processor. For most (not all) business users just about anything 2.4 or above is plenty fast.

I've purchased both AMD and Intel in the past but for my next home PC it will probably be some flavor of AMD for gaming.

[acidreflux @ Dec 19th 2005 1:23AM]

Another one of those, "just wait until the software is written" deals. Who ever wrote software en masse for HT? Anyways...I wonder who will roll em out first, Intel or IBM.

[dibbs, in search of self @ Dec 19th 2005 1:23AM]

am i right in thinking that AMD will actually be releasing a dual core 64 bit CPU, and that the intel one is 32 bit? i wonder which one i want!

[egarc @ Dec 19th 2005 1:23AM]

Here is a full review of the new chips.

http://www.anandtech.com/cpuchipsets/showdoc.aspx?i=2388

[reddsoda @ Dec 19th 2005 1:23AM]

#9, The Intel chips will be 64 bit as well. Though my own suspicion along with Anand's remarks make me believe the AMD product will be faster still.

Either way, this is the first CPU advancement that has gotten me excited in a long time. True multitasking sounds like it's finally here.

[Spyvie @ Dec 19th 2005 1:23AM]

Intel is using AMD's 64bit extentions for all the 6 and 8 series processors. AMD first demoed dual core chips 2 years ago. The AMD DCs can use existing chipsets, Intel needs a new MB.

Multithreding is not to be confused with multitasking. Applications must be written to take advantage of multiple processors, windows has always supported premptive mutitasking.

Multithreding is EXTREMELY important for those like myself who run Adobe Premier or Lightwave 3D, a little less so for Photoshop.

In short, this allows a budget workstation class PC.

The disk in the photo is a wafer, this is how they are fabricated, with multiple chips that are then cut apart.

[yup @ Dec 19th 2005 1:23AM]

#4 yup! I would have to agree, at $1,331.95 a piece, that is the EXACT same thing as not shipping...the "can't use it cause the motherboards aren't out yet" adds to the problem as well.

[sliu @ Dec 19th 2005 1:23AM]

So, is the guy in the picture holding one core or two?

[acidreflux @ Dec 19th 2005 1:23AM]

That circular disc the guy is holding IS the new Intel processor. I heard that Intel will spend the next 20 plus years just reducing the size to drag out the consumer profits. You ought to see the motherboards!