Not so long ago we tested the first dual-core processors from Intel. The micro-processor giant implied that the CPUs with dual-core architecture will little by little oust the single-core solutions from the main market into the inexpensive product segment. However, as our test session results showed, it is a way too early to speak about competitive consumer potential of the dual-core solutions compared with the predecessors (for details please check out our article called Intel Pentium Extreme Edition 840 Dual-Core CPU Review). The dual-core CPUs failed to reveal their actual performance potential in most applications, because these applications should first of all support multi-threading in order for dual-core technology to really show its advantages. Unfortunately, there are still very few applications with multi-threading support, which makes the advantages of dual-core architectures in the desktop fields quite doubtful.

But, do not get upset too quickly. It is still too early to say farewell to single-core solutions. They will continue their peaceful coexistence with the dual-core rivals for quite a while. In particular, if you were not excited about the Smithfield based processors, Intel is proud to offer you another announcement. Today, on May 26, 2005, they are rolling out Pentium 4 670 CPU based on the Prescott-2M core.