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Intel Ships Dual-Core Chips
Torrey Clark writes "Intel seems to be the first to ship a batch of dual core x86 64-bit processors to OEMs.
Intel's first dual-core chip is the Intel Pentium Processor Extreme Edition 840. The new processor runs at 3.2 GHz, backs Intel's Hyper-Threading and is supported by the company's 955X Express chipsets, formerly code-named Glenwood.
Dell also announced that it would be one of the first PC makers to ship Intel's new dual core Pentium Extreme." Reader wyckedone adds "AMD is set to ship their dual core Opteron processor, designed for servers, next week."
Opteron is a server processor--this one seems to be for really rich gamers. AMD seems to be late on this one. They delivered sixty-four bits when the major OS couldn't support it, and now are late in giving end users dual cores.
Transcend Humanity. Please.
The jokes about the heat these puppies will pump out couldn't be more appropriate. An article at Tom's states that the Smithfield core has a thermal design power of 130W making it by far the hottest x86 CPU ever seen.
In contrast, AMD's dual core offering will offer no increase in TDP over their present single core designs.
When Dell buys processors from Intel, it is by the millions.
The reason Dell hasn't gone with AMD is A) AMD can't pump out the volume Dell needs if demand spiked. B) The chipsets supporting AMD processors are less stable and would cause higher inidicent rates which would cost Dell more in support. C) 80% of Dell's business is to business and an Intel platform is always a safe bet, if you want to keep your job. D) Intel most likely rebates Dell and helps market Dell for being an Intel only shop.