If I recall correctly, the first generation of quad core CPUs from Intel were actually two dual core CPUs joined together. That was a while ago, and I'm afraid I haven't been keeping up with the latest developments. Are 'true' quad core CPUs now available from Intel? If so, how do I identify such a CPU (something in the name or model number?)

If not, will these CPUs be appearing in consumer PCs the near future?

Thanks for your help.

they aren't, but Nehalem will introduce them
(i thought this would be a thunderman post )

Yes, it sounds very thunderman-ish. Maybe he'll post here about double cheeseburgers.

Yeah, "TRUE" Quads will be expensive because of higher probably of fabrication errors in which one or more cores are produced below specs.

Built into the price of all electronic compoents is the recovery costs of components that fail to meet specification and cannot be sold. Thus, the production cost for each viable component (the CPU in this case) is increased, which in turn increases the sale price.

what does it matter, as long as it has 4 cores, then its the same. obviously the "true quads"(phenom) cant even come close to the double cheeseburger design of intel.

I'm not a regular here so I don't know anything about Nehalem or thunderman. I don't even know what a "double cheeseberger" means with respect to CPU design.

Nonetheless, I believe I have my answer: For the foreseeable future, whenever Intel calls one of its consumer CPUs "quad core" what they mean is two dual core CPUs joined together.

Thanks.

What they Mean is a CPU with 4 Cores.
Hence the Term, "Quad-Core".

Actually no you dont have your answer. The foreseeable future is Nehlam and that is what one may call a true quad core. So, in effect you had the answer, but misinterpreted it. Alas, nehlam is native quad core (true). Just to clear things up. I would expect them to be reasonably priced in mid to late 2009, but could be wrong. Hope this helps!

Best,

3Ball

I agree with nman. What difference does it make? Not saying it doesn't, necessarily, but does it? I can think of some things that might differ, but not matter, for all practical intents and purposes (e.g. heat, performance /watt, bandwidth constraints).

It doesn't really make a difference, the current performance leading quad-cores are the two dual-cores put together, so just get one of them really.

Thread like this always makes me lmao.

"True" Quad-core lol ... just like if one of the core wasn't truly there. Doesn't benchmarks show that he's very present and doing his job ?

lol that was exactly what i was thinking! i was HOPING it'll be a thunderman post so he can make fun of the core2cheeseburgers but sadly i was disappointed... -sad- maybe thunderman is busy on his new Core2Qua....i mean, AMD 9850 B.E setup

My car isnt a true 4X4 its really just two, two wheel drive axles put together in one car.......err... that makes it 4 wheel drive no?

AMD are the only company currently offering a Native Quad Core, Intel use a Double cheeseburger method of sticking two Dual Cores Together. There is a big difference because not only does the Phenom have an Onboard Memory controller....The Cores are all on one die. What does this matter you may say? The Intel will not be able to use those Four cores to their full potential because of the Bandwidth Limitations. Multi-core software is not in abundance yet...The Phenom's design will shine when the Mult-tasking workload gets heavier. AMD have also pleased the overclockers by introducing the 9850 Black edition...there's just not any reason to buy Intel fake Quads. Intel themselves realize that their current Quads have limitations....why else would they be introducing Nehalem? Nehalem is too little to late though and lets not forget AMD will be moving onto the 45nm which will make the new Phenoms more energy efficient and Performance should increase dramatically.

If you want a Quad then buy a Phenom....It's a fantastic CPU and has been applauded by the Tech community.

AMD4Life!!