Wait for gulftown? or i7 now?

[mrcrybaby]

I forgot to ask this. Do you guys think the gulftown release next year will push down i7 prices a little? Even mobo's perhaps?

~mrcrybaby

 

[daggs]

if you will wait for gulftown, then when gulftown will come out, something better will be preped to go out, so you will wait (human nature) thus you will never buy a computer.
bottom line, just buy it.

 

[masterasia]

I heard that Gulftown will start @ $999 for the 2.4 Ghz model. Do you have $999 to spare?

 

[masterasia]

I think he means wait for Gulftown so he can get a cheaper Nehalam. Not that he wants a Gulftown.

I actually think Intel will raise the prices on all current Nehalams and Lynnfields once the Gulftowns come out.

 

[geofelt]

I forgot to ask this. Do you guys think the gulftown release next year will push down i7 prices a little? Even mobo's perhaps?

~mrcrybaby

Short answer: No.

Gulftown will be built on a 32nm mfg process, that is good. It lets you pack 50% more circuitry in the same space. In theory, the 6 core gulftown should cost the same to produce as the current i7-920 type chips. They will sell it at the price that people are willing to pay. Initially, that price will be high. Those who value many cores should be pleased.

I was disappointed that no 4 core 32nm cpu's are forthcoming. I don't need 6 cores. I had expected that a 32nm 4 core cpu could overclock nicely.

The price of the current i7-920 will probably not change much, and the faster variants, like the 950 might get a reduced price. Today, if you can use many cores and hyperthreading, then the i7-920 or higher line is good. If a fast quad will do, then the P55 chipset cpu's will be cheaper.

Anandtech had a recent article on mobo prices and costs. There is not that much profit margin in the lower end of the X58 motherboards. I would expect price erosion only in the high end enthusiasts boards.