Intel Core I7 Reviews And Forecasting

[zicogja421]

Well, now that Intel has released the new Core i7 processors (920, 940, and 965: http://www.intel.com/products/desktop/proc...s_body+dt_core), I'm curious to hear your forecasts, or predictions, for the future of the processors. For example:

 

1. Should people who are currently preparing to build new computers consider buying the new x58 / LGA 1366 motherboards (which are not compatible with any older processors) now or should they wait? And why? What if they are gamers?

 

2. When do you think prices for these new processors and motherboards will start to decrease?

 

3. What are the implications of the increased crossfire/SLI capabilities (e.g., tri-SLI, Quadfire)?

 

4. Considering that these are quad-core processors, how will they compare with dual core processors over time?

 

Any insight, commentary, or questions appreciated. Thanks.

[The Smith]

Hi Zico,

 

1. i7 has no performance increase in games, compared to the previous generation. Just read the review here.

 

2. I just read a thread in this forum a few minutes ago thta says the i7 920 will be on sale for 150 on black friday. See here.

 

3. Since the X58 can do crossfire and SLI, you don't have to limit yourself to only one possibility like previous chipsets. (Except Skulltrail)

 

4.Over time, more and more applications will be using that number of threads, so the dual-cores will not perform as better as quad-cores. However, for now, many applications are still not made for using quad-cores so they are still better with a faster dual-core.

 

Hope this helps

[Krieg1337]

I would suggest NOT getting a Core I7 yet, they are only the 45nm version.

The 32nm Core I7's are coming out next summer, they will be faster and have more overclock possibilites, I think they will also run cooler.

[ccokeman]

If you always wait for the next best thing you will always be waiting! I also guarantee something newer will be out the week after you plunk down your hard earned money.

[Krieg1337]

If you always wait for the next best thing you will always be waiting! I also guarantee something newer will be out the week after you plunk down your hard earned money.

 

 

Yea well why waste around $250 for an X58 and at least $300 for an I7 and get NO performance increase? that's called wasting money.

[Magel]

I would suggest NOT getting a Core I7 yet, they are only the 45nm version.

The 32nm Core I7's are coming out next summer, they will be faster and have more overclock possibilites, I think they will also run cooler.

 

Yes the LGA 1156 is in the works. My guess is that this will cater to the low end market and will sell along side the LGA 1366. Well probably see a 32nm 1366 chip as wel. Just wouldn't make sense to replace a brand new socket within a year.. Correct me if I'm wrong

[Krieg1337]

Yes the LGA 1156 is in the works. My guess is that this will cater to the low end market and will sell along side the LGA 1366. Well probably see a 32nm 1366 chip as wel. Just wouldn't make sense to replace a brand new socket within a year.. Correct me if I'm wrong

 

You are, they will replace the 45nm Core I7's with 32nm in the summer of 2009, if that is what you meant.

Its best to just keep the computer you have now and change in the summer where you will see some performance increase.

Q9450 is pretty much as good as all the I7's if you look in reviews, maybe gets 1 less FPS, is it really worth spending so much money to get 1 more FPS in games?

You would have to spend at least $550 for motherboard and I7, and then you still need DDR3 which is at least $180, I think you have to go with triple channel not sure though.

Don't waste your money on I7 now, not worth it yet IMO.

Edited November 27, 2008 by Darkfuneral1337

[ekiM]

Here's the bottom line;

 

If you use your computer as a workstation, i7 is a godsend

 

If you're a gamer on a budget, stay away from i7..for now

[Krieg1337]

Here's the bottom line;

 

If you use your computer as a workstation, i7 is a godsend

 

If you're a gamer on a budget, stay away from i7..for now

 

That correct

[ccokeman]

Yea well why waste around $250 for an X58 and at least $300 for an I7 and get NO performance increase? that's called wasting money.

 

 

Not necessarily. It depends on what you want to do with the computer. Gaming? The performance will only get better as more multi threaded games come out that can take advantage of the multiple cores and SMt.

[zicogja421]

Thanks for the replies so far. As far as my situation goes, I am a gamer, but I would also like to do some things like video editing and possibly sound editing. I also like, or need, to have several applications open while gaming, such as AIM, Yahoo Messenger, Xfire, winamp, a browser, Ventrilo. Ideally, if I get a new computer (an upgrade from my 2003's Dell Dimension 4550 P4 2.4 GHz), then I will not have to worry about lagging my system when multiple applications are running (up to an extent, of course). Does quad-core offer an advantage over dual core in this kind of situation (running several applications)?

 

I am trying to save money until June (right after I graduate college), which is when I plan to start buying parts, so I will have to wait and see how the i7 stacks up then. I would like to build my own computer, something that will last for a while (at least 4 years, in terms of being able to at least run most 'new' games, not necessarily at high-res with high FPS either... just to have a processor that can run them). I am particularly concerned about the new motherboard 1366 socket, which seems to be compatible only with the new processors. I figure a motherboard like this (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128366) will leave me with much room to expand (for example, I could eventually upgrade to a better i7 processor, install more RAM, and buy additional and/or better video cards). Do my plans seem misguided? lol. Thanks.

Edited November 27, 2008 by zicogja421

[Magel]

You are, they will replace the 45nm Core I7's with 32nm in the summer of 2009, if that is what you meant.

Its best to just keep the computer you have now and change in the summer where you will see some performance increase.

Q9450 is pretty much as good as all the I7's if you look in reviews, maybe gets 1 less FPS, is it really worth spending so much money to get 1 more FPS in games?

You would have to spend at least $550 for motherboard and I7, and then you still need DDR3 which is at least $180, I think you have to go with triple channel not sure though.

Don't waste your money on I7 now, not worth it yet IMO.

 

Yea I meant an Core i7 1366 32nm version . I sold my CD2 rig before the x58 platform was released and before all the reviews from a gamers prospective were out. Dumb on my part but Ive got no choice but to make the move now. Would be double dumb of me to go back to CD2 . Prices for the Core i7 are coming down quickly. My favorite e-tailer has dropped the Price of the Core i7 Extreme has dropped the price over $300 Au over the last couple of weeks. Ive also seen drops of over $600! Check out this link Price Spy Australia.