AMD's first affordable dual-core processor released...

[Key Keeper]

Originally posted by FlyingPenguin
No catch. I've already seen it done at the AMD Tech tour. They swapped out both processors in a dual CPU 939 server mobo and turned it into a 4 processor system - took all of 8 minutes. Instant 50 - 70% performance improvement across 6 different benchmarks.

Any 939 mobo whose manufacturer is a Member of AMD's Tech Partners (and most are) will support dual core CPUs with nothing more than a BIOS update at most.

There is NOTHING ELSE to do. Standard Windows XP supports dual core out of the box. No drivers, no special apps, no re-boot after the initial power up for the redetection of the 2nd core, not even the need to re-activate Windows (changing the CPU alone is not enough to trigger the change of hardware trip for activation).

Dual core will be a no-brainer next year for sure once the prices settle down.

As for gaming, who couldn't use a 50 - 70% performance improvement? It's not all about the vid card. I could stick a Radeon x800 in an Athlon 2200 and an Athlon 3200 rig and I guarantee you that you'll prefer to play on the 3200.

I was refering to the fact that games today couldnt use the extra core. There would have to be a major performance increase I agree. As for the vid cards, the newest games out right now seem to be harder on a vid card than a processor.

[DoPeY5007]

Originally posted by Key Keeper
I was refering to the fact that games today couldnt use the extra core. There would have to be a major performance increase I agree. As for the vid cards, the newest games out right now seem to be harder on a vid card than a processor.

yeah, but with dual-core, you can run two copies of the game

[blackhawk]

this'll probably be my last upgrade for my atx mb, will have to say g'bye to agp and ddr next year but the dual core will be after xmas in the 'dark' cold winter