Dual Core make sense?

[Paracelsus]

I am in the final planning stages for my system.

I initialy opted for a nano-ITX but due to their cost I am going to settle on a regular mini-ITX with the 1.6 Intel Atom. The VIAs pack more juice, and are smaller but I think I have figured out a way to mount the larger board.

What I am wondering: Does it make sense to use a Dual Core? Intel came out with a Intel Atom 1.6 Dual Core version just a few euros more expensive. Will I benefit from this=

I recall reading a thread on Hyperthreading and how facilitation of this feature relies on the compiler used to assemble the source code of the application. Now, even if CF itself does not benefit from the 2nd core, will the OS automatically run other applications on the "less" loaded core, or will CD just run all associated functions (music playback, satnav, plugins, visualizations, etc.) on a single core? Even if that is the case, will other background applications (such as NetStumbler or other stuff) use the other core?

Are there ways to start a application, forcing it to a different core?

Any good / bad experiences with the Intel Atom boards?

[loginfailed]

I have two D945GCLF boards. One for the carPC and one as a file server/media center to play downloaded divx movies on my plasma TV.

These are super reliable boards in my experience. I bet the dual-core is even better, but I bought mine before the dual cores were out.

[assault]

Get a dual core. CF utilizes multicore technology and so does windows. With more and more High Definition media becoming available you will need dual core power to make effective use of it. If you are not worried about being able to play HD media then I still suggest it for future proofing and overhead.

[AnandP83]

If you're in a car I am not too sure you need to be too worried about HD quality video - it's not like the cabin of your car is a theater experience anyways. However, I too agree that Dual Core is your best bet for future, more CPU intensive, releases. I have a feeling that when the built in noise cancellation is finally made, CPU power might help.

[Jan]

While I will agree about HD video, I can say that the cabin of a car can convey a theatre type experience audibly.

I've used dual core processors in my car for hte past 3 years.

Currently, I have a celeron 1.8 in the car and I can tell the difference between it an my Dual Core (mobile 1.83).

If Centrafuse can actually utilize those two cores is beyond me. I have not heard anything that would lead me to beleive this.

[Paracelsus]

Originally Posted by Jan

If Centrafuse can actually utilize those two cores is beyond me. I have not heard anything that would lead me to beleive this.

I think in some thread it was mentioned that CF currently does not employ dualcore, as it does not do "multithreading" (or hyperthreading)?

But according to the statement this could be implemented in the future as it just relies on the compiler used to compile the binary from the sourcecode, not the source code itself.

Does anyone know how Windows employs dual cores natively? When you run twu applications, will they automatically run on core A and core B respectively?

[assault]

You're all wrong :p

CPU Hyperthreading

.Net 2 utilizes DualCore/Multicore technology and therefore so does CF.

I have CF running right in front of me right now on my laptop and it is DEFINATELY using both cores for CF. Even processor levels on both cores which both evenly go up when CF starts doing more CPU intensive work.

[David]

this is true, once we switched to .NET 2.0 it uses this technology...

david