Final thoughts
It's evident that multi-core CPU architecture is the way to go for both Intel and AMD. When evaluated with software that's multi-threaded, dual-core CPUs simply fly, Intel introduced its Pentium dual-core range in May of this year and it's taken seven months for a faster processor to topple the Extreme Edition 840 off its perch. The Intel Pentium Extreme Edition 955, then, adds in a faster core speed allied to a faster FSB. Other improvements come in the form of a smaller manufacturing process and more L2 cache than has been seen on any consumer-level CPU to date; 4 MB, split over into 2MB over each core. Think of it as a pumped-up E.E. '840 and you won't be far off the mark.There's further hardware bonuses in the form of Intel's Virtualisation Technology, which, we're sure, will proliferate through the company's entire LGA775 range in due time. Enthusiasts will be happy to know that a 4GHz clock speed should be a given with the reference cooler, and heavy-duty cooling should see a stable 5GHz become a distinct possibility. Intel's focus on multi-core CPUs dictates that the E.E 955 simply adds in more oomph to its dual-core line, enough to make it, on balance, at least as good as AMD's impressive Athlon 64 X2 4800+. The benchmarks show that multi-threaded applications obviously gain from the use of multi-core CPUs, but just as important is the extra smoothness when multitasking with single-threaded apps.
Being critical, the Intel Extreme Edition runs a little hotter than we'd like and should have shipped with a default clock speed of at least 3.73GHz, giving better out-of-the-box performance. The days of performance, single-core CPUs are numbered, even for gamers, with the likes of ATI and NVIDIA investing in multi-CPU driver support that makes better use of the parallel power on tap. The Intel Extreme Edition 955 is a mighty fast, overclockable CPU that's out of the reach for most punters. Official release date for the E.E 955 is slated for mid-January 2006 along with cheaper models that will undoubtedly cut core speed and features (Hyper-Threading) with each model a rung down the pricing ladder. What'll be interesting to note is how quickly Intel is able to release slower, cheaper models into the retail domain. A 3GHz dual-core CPU for £200 sounds just about right. Will you oblige, Intel?
