Considering how much power even the two BD modules in the FX-4100 suck down, you might be waiting awhile. Unless PD and the 7xxx GPU make huge improvements over BD a 35W two module Trinity would have to be clocked so low that it would get soundly beaten by even SB.
Well, hope you are right. But Bulldozer/Trinity has a long way to go to match CPU performance with Intel. I mean they arent even close to Llano IPC, much less Ivy Bridge. My main hope for trinity is that it will have improved graphics maybe up to the level of a 5670. If the graphics was improved to something like that level I could perhaps accept inferior CPU performance.
And I must say so far I am not overly impressed with Ivy Bridge. No real clockspeed improvements, small IPC improvements, and where is the power savings from the die shrink and the new transistor architecture? The only major improvement is the IGP.
I suppose if IB could improve the the level of Llano in the IGP department and Trinity could further improve the IGP without sacrificing CPU performance, both could be attractive based on your needs: IB with better CPU performance and an OK IGP, or Trinity with better IGP and so/so CPU performance.
At 4 x 2.1 GHz you're not gaining much any more over a 3+ GHz dual core. I still think 2 core + HT is the sweet spot for regular laptops. Although, if given for free, having the other 2 cores in reserve wouldn't hurt..
Of course, but faster single threaded performance always improves everything, whereas faster multi thread performance only improves certain things and multitasking.
I thought the 2 core/ 4 thread was the sweet spot too. I've owned one for 1 1/2 years now. Core i7 (arrandale). I definitely wish I had 2 more cores and picked up the clarks version..despite the huge clock difference. Especially for the work I do.
You know about turbo modes though, right? There are quad core CPUs that match the SC/DC clock speeds of dedicated dual core CPUs. As Anand has said throughout his CPU reviews these last years, there is no trade off between more cores and SC/DC performance anymore.
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22 Comments
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blueeyesm - Tuesday, December 13, 2011 - link
there's gonna be Star Wars quips popping up soon. :)KamikaZeeFu - Tuesday, December 13, 2011 - link
These aren't the Quads you are looking for...GenSozo - Tuesday, December 13, 2011 - link
Many Bothans died to bring us this information.Dr0id - Tuesday, December 13, 2011 - link
That's not a moon, it's a wafer!fic2 - Tuesday, December 13, 2011 - link
Come to the quad side Luke...darckhart - Tuesday, December 13, 2011 - link
there's no 35W parts...IT'S A TRAP!
Hulk - Tuesday, December 13, 2011 - link
I've got a bad feeling about this...Denithor - Wednesday, December 14, 2011 - link
I know.Pirks - Wednesday, December 14, 2011 - link
I used to look for 35W quads like you, then I took an arrow in the knee.Demon-Xanth - Tuesday, December 13, 2011 - link
From what I've been able to dig up, it seems only the 3612 is likely the only 35W .Beenthere - Tuesday, December 13, 2011 - link
Trinity will offer more for less and use less power so that's where my money is going.MrTeal - Tuesday, December 13, 2011 - link
Considering how much power even the two BD modules in the FX-4100 suck down, you might be waiting awhile. Unless PD and the 7xxx GPU make huge improvements over BD a 35W two module Trinity would have to be clocked so low that it would get soundly beaten by even SB.Beenthere - Tuesday, December 13, 2011 - link
I'll take that bet ! :)frozentundra123456 - Tuesday, December 13, 2011 - link
Well, hope you are right. But Bulldozer/Trinity has a long way to go to match CPU performance with Intel. I mean they arent even close to Llano IPC, much less Ivy Bridge. My main hope for trinity is that it will have improved graphics maybe up to the level of a 5670. If the graphics was improved to something like that level I could perhaps accept inferior CPU performance.And I must say so far I am not overly impressed with Ivy Bridge. No real clockspeed improvements, small IPC improvements, and where is the power savings from the die shrink and the new transistor architecture? The only major improvement is the IGP.
I suppose if IB could improve the the level of Llano in the IGP department and Trinity could further improve the IGP without sacrificing CPU performance, both could be attractive based on your needs: IB with better CPU performance and an OK IGP, or Trinity with better IGP and so/so CPU performance.
extide - Tuesday, January 24, 2012 - link
What do you mean where is the power savings? They are delivering the same or better performance with lower TDP.MrSpadge - Tuesday, December 13, 2011 - link
At 4 x 2.1 GHz you're not gaining much any more over a 3+ GHz dual core. I still think 2 core + HT is the sweet spot for regular laptops. Although, if given for free, having the other 2 cores in reserve wouldn't hurt..MrS
Iketh - Tuesday, December 13, 2011 - link
different people use different programs.............................piroroadkill - Wednesday, December 14, 2011 - link
Of course, but faster single threaded performance always improves everything, whereas faster multi thread performance only improves certain things and multitasking.mlkmade - Tuesday, December 13, 2011 - link
I thought the 2 core/ 4 thread was the sweet spot too. I've owned one for 1 1/2 years now. Core i7 (arrandale). I definitely wish I had 2 more cores and picked up the clarks version..despite the huge clock difference. Especially for the work I do.But hindsight is a b.
Death666Angel - Wednesday, December 14, 2011 - link
You know about turbo modes though, right? There are quad core CPUs that match the SC/DC clock speeds of dedicated dual core CPUs. As Anand has said throughout his CPU reviews these last years, there is no trade off between more cores and SC/DC performance anymore.dcollins - Tuesday, December 13, 2011 - link
Maybe Apple secured exclusive rights to the 35W quad core for an upgraded Macbook air?Black1969ta - Tuesday, December 13, 2011 - link
So does this make these CPU's the Higgs Boson CPU's