I wouldn't say it is crazy fast compared to a quad core...

in fact, the only benefit i got moving from a Q9450 with 4x 2GB dimms to my current i7 machine is having 12gb.

since the system uses over 8.7GB now multiboxing.

load times are very similar, if negligible. Especially since HT needs to be disabled..... the only difference would be the integrated memory controller and new architecture, which is not so much faster than a normal quad.

those are just my observations as a user, i did not do benchmarks and such. waste of time imo... if I can't tell the damn difference then it is not worth it, whatever vantage says.

case in point,

wow runs faster with a single 4870 over dual 4870 x2 crossfired.

but vantage shat itself in the extreme presetting with smooth(!) benchies.

45nm quads are comparable, at most a couple fps behind. though I attribute that to the new architecture as a whole than the i7 itself.

but, if you are using a dual core or a phenom, good upgrade.

and about dell, needs 12GB ram, not 6, and that monitor is terribad. get the ultrasharp.

and for some reason....... i am curious about your bit with the i7 > 45nm quad + gpu....... i just stuck a ATI Radeon 7000 in my computer and crashed loading dalaran.... wtb videocard plox