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That TechReport quad-core comparison article is pretty nice, frankly. It includes a couple dual-core solutions in the mix for comparison, and did as much in x64 as it could.
Bottom line appeared to be that no ‘home user’ applications really NEEDED quad core now (in fact, even gaming generally did better on dual than quad systems, since they weren’t quad-enabled). However a Valve multicore particle test app that presages some of what they’re doing for the future did show clear benefit.
On the other hand, the Q6600 didn’t eat but 10-15 watts more than the dual-core solution….so from an HTPC standpoint, the power and heat aspect of adding the cores was practically nil. If the applications are ‘coming soon’ (yeah, like Valve’s ever met a release date for ANYTHING in their history as a company) it might not be a bad idea to go quad…except for the price premium.
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