Core i7: Should you upgrade?

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As reported by various websites, Intel’s next generation of cpus, Core i7, which was known by its codename, Nehalem for a long time, is expected to launch in November, just a few weeks away from now. Of course, all computer enthusiasts are looking forward to this launch, because it’s going to bring a performance boost to the desktop, similar to when Core launched in July 2006. The Core i7 line-up will bring major performance improvement in nearly all applications.

What does Core i7 brings to the table?

• The memory controller is on the processor, not in a separate chip, so the memory is directly connected to the processor. This is known as an Integrated Memory Controller, or IMC.
• The memory controller supports three channels of memory, and each channel can support one or two DDR3 DIMMs. This means that motherboards for the Core i7 have three or six DIMM slots instead of two or four, and that DIMMs should be installed in sets of three, not two.
• Only DDR3 will be supported.
• Core i7 is a single-die device: all four cores, the memory controller, and all cache are on a single die.
• Core i7 has an on-die shared 8MB L3 cache.
• Core i7 cores re-implement Hyper-threading. Each of the four cores can process two threads simultaneously, so the processor appears to the OS as eight CPUs.
• The FSB is replaced by a QuickPath interface.

What should you expect from Core i7?
Performance wise, clock for clock, Nehalem is faster than Penryn by:

• 20-40% in media encoding; It benefits from Hyperthreading and the IMC.
• An average of 20-50% overall; Which comes mainly from the IMC and Hyperthreading in heavily multi-threading applications
• -5% to +10% in video games; The L2 cache is smaller on Nehalem and some games heavily depend on it.

When it comes to power consumption, Nehalem clock for clock with Penryn, will consume about 10W more while idle and 15W more under load. A reasonable increase when you consider the performance that it brings to the table.

What about prices?
Well, that’s my main concern. Core i7 will be sold with the new X58 chipset and together will be coupled with a new socket, LGA1366.

Here’s what you going to need:

• Core i7 cpu, the cheapest starting at $284 and it will most likely be higher at launch, probably around $300
• A new motherboard, with an X58 chipset. Expect to spend at least $200, with $250-$300 being prices that you’ll see.
• 3 sticks of DDR3 RAM. The cheapest dual-channel DDR3 1066MHz or 1333MHz kit that I can find goes for $70, so expect to spend at least $100 for a triple channel kit and even more if you plan on buying performance RAM.

So, all together, if you try to keep the cost to a minimum, you’re talking about spending at least $600-$700 to upgrade to a Core i7 platform. Performance comes with a price.

Should you buy one?

If you do media encoding, work with multiple applications at the same time or use applications that can take advantage of eight threads, go for it, you’ll see a huge performance increase.

On the flip side, if you’re a gamer, it’s not worth your money right now. You won’t see a noticeable performance increase. You are most probably better off upgrading your video card instead if you want better performance and higher FPS.

What’s your take on this? Are you going to upgrade to Core i7?
If yes, when will you upgrade?
If no, why not?