Intel Core 2 Duo

What do they mean by saying, "Intel has stated that the first version of Merom will be drop-in compatible with the current Core Duo platform, requiring at most a BIOS update. It will have the same thermal envelope and the same 667 MT/s bus rate" Does that mean all I need is a bios upgrade and then it will be like the Core 2 Duo?

 

Nope

They are saying that you need the Merom chip to be dropped in. And in order for it to work right, (which is what the BIOS is for) it needs a BIOS update for your computer to work with the procesor.

 

No. If you have a Core Duo processor now, a Core 2 Duo will fit the same socket and work in your computer, as long as you upgrade the BIOS. Core Duo and Core 2 Duo are different processors. The Core 2 is a new version, similar to Core 1. For the same clock speed, they are more efficent (faster), use less power, and create less heat. Upgrading your BIOS would do nothing if you have a Core 1 Duo processor.

 

I thought that I had read somewhere that in order to take advantage of 64 bit proccessing, a whole new motherboard would be required?

 

No, all that is required is a Core 2 Duo.

You're probably getting confused with the 'second wave' of Core 2 Duo which is due next year and that is essentially a whole platform refresh i.e currently we're on Napa the new platform is code-named Santa Rosa

 

O.K. so I am thinking real hard about buying an e1705 from Dell. You are saying that I'll be able to buy a core 2 duo when they and the bios update become available and I'll have a 64-bit computer?

This whole 64-bit issue is the whole reason I have been holding off, but it this is the case, I don't need to wait. Would you say this is a correct assumption? TIA!
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Edited for lack-of-spelling-ability.

 

You may want to search the forums for the answer to you specific question--I believe it was posted somewhere in here that yes the Merom was tested in an Inspiron and worked. I know a number of systems with Yonah are turning out to be Merom compatible--but double check and make sure before you buy. Remember, a lot of posting here is "hearsay" so make sure you have facts first!

 

Yes. Although I'm personally considering just waiting for Core 2 Duo to be available before I commit to a purchase.

Perhaps the sticky issue is if you buy now with the current Core Duo, and the Core 2 Duo comes out, how are you going to replace the old processor? I don't know if you can send your e1705 back to Dell and get it replaced (incurring costs probably) or you can just get hold of a Core 2 Duo and do the dirty work yourself, although that would invalidate the warranty. Unless of course you're not bothered about such things

 

If your going to buy a core 1 notebook, and then upgrade it to a core 2 cpu, dont get any extended warranties, they will be void if you change your processor.

 

No one knows the answer yet if Core Duo 2 will work or not. Although some have gotten it to work in some of the Dell Inspirons, these are Merom Samples

so id wait personally, unless you need it now

 

I have confirmed through 3 different Dell representatives that it will NOT void your warranty if you install a new CPU on the unit. However, Dell is not responsible for damage that occurs from the process of installing the CPU - so if you mess up while doing the work - or the CPU explodes inside of the unit, they are not responsible. However, the act of actually installing the CPU will not void your warranty and if everything works fine, Dell will honor your existing warranty with the new processor in place.

However, the 3 Dell Reps would not confirm whether or not the Memron would actually work in the e1705.

Just thought I'd let you guys know.

 

That and you have to evaluate if you really need 64bit right now. There aren't alot of 64-bit apps out there so it may be a moot point. Seems like it's going to be a while before 64 bit takes over. And isn't the point of 64 bit the ability to take more RAM? I wonder if these upgradable MBs can take the additional RAM that makes 64bit so sexeh.

I just orderd a duo-core that should be upgradable to 64 bit in the future, but I see no case for it now.

 

I think some of you are confused about what 64-bit is. Yes the new core 2 processors support 64-bit computing. But the currnet pentium 4's and pentium d's today also do. The thing that give you a 64-bit system is the OS, ie. Windows Vista. If you get a core 2, you have a processor that supports 64-bit computing, but your system isnt 64-bit untill you get a 64-bit OS. If you have vista and a 64-bit processor, then you have a 64-bit system. And its not only the RAM capabilities that a 64-bit system gives you, its the extra bandwith and such...i think that you have with 64-bit over 32-bit. Mabey someone with more knowlege about what 64-bit has the 32-bit dosent.

 

I was all ready to wait till winter and get a Core 2 Duo notebook as well, hoping to somewhat "future-proof" my purchase. However, I have come to realize that not only will it be at least a year or two before 64bit is fully required, but it will not be the only major change accompanying Vista. In addition, DirectX10 is on its way, which will require a whole new GPU, Hybrid Hard Drives are coming, which will require a whole new hard drive, as stated the Santa Rosas are coming not long after Merom, requiring a new motherboard, and the list goes on and on. Therefore, I have come to the conclusion that I am purchasing a new computer now, and that will last me at least for a couple of years, hopefully longer as a secondary computer. When I feel the time is right, sometime late next year, I will either purchase or build a new computer. Waiting for the Core 2 Duo will not ensure that you will be "future-proof" or ready for the next generation of computing. So if you need a new computer as I do, I would suggest go ahead and pull the trigger and just get it over with. You should be good for at least another two years with a nice E1705.

 

I recently read an article (I believe it was linked from this site actually) that made a very good comparision of 64bit vs. 32bit. It said that imagine your standard single-core 32bit processor today is a road wide enough for a bike. The benefit of a dual-core (Core Duo) is that it provides two roads, therefore two seperate bikes can travel at the same time. But what 64bit does is completely different. Instead of adding another road, it simply widens the road you have, making it wide enough for a car rather than just a bike. The benefit of the Core 2 Duo is that it provides two roads, each large enough for a car.

Here's the problem. As sheff said, a 64bit computer is just a 64bit computer, not a 64bit system. If you're still using 32bit Windows XP (as most do) you will see absolutely no benefits of a 64bit processor. Even if you have Vista x64 or even XP x64 (which you probably shouldn't have seeing as compatibility is aweful), if you're program isn't written in 64bit code, you're still not going to see any benefits. You'll need a 64bit OS, a 64bit CPU, and a 64bit application to be using 64bit technology. Currently, that is totally unnecessary, which is why you see much higher performance in Core Duo's than you do in AMD 64 bit or 64bit Pentium 4s.