visual-c++cpumulticoreintel

Is an Intel i7 (4 cores, 8 HT-based logical cores) better than an Intel Core 2 Quad for VisualC++ development?


I have to make a recommendation to management regarding whether or not we should spend the extra money to purchase new computers with Intel i7 CPUs (i7 950s) or whether we should buy Intel Core 2 Quad processors (Q9550s or something equivalent.)

Our main task are Microsoft Visual C++ development, thus we are aiming to ensure the best compile and link times for our money.

The i7 systems are $600 more each than the Intel Core 2 Quad systems. The GHz of the CPUs is basically equivalent.

Is that extra money justified in terms of additional compilation/link performance?


Solution

  • I'm going to go for the trite answer and just say "Yes!!!!!"

    Pretty sure this is too late for the OP, but for anyone else reading this... don't think that that $600 will be wasted (and it should be getting smaller as time goes by as well), the core i7 will own the Core 2 Quad. I've had both and have seen my compile times drop from about 27 min to 11 min.

    Core i7 all the way!