While graphics cards experienced great sales in 2004, in 2005 makers of central processing units are likely to enjoy a huge amount of attention next year, as computer users are more than eager to see dual-core chips in action.

Recently conducted poll at X-bit labs web-site shows that approximately 61% of respondents expect dual-core microprocessors most of all in 2005. Only about 11% of surveyed wanted to see higher speed graphics cards above all and just nearly 8% desired further improvements in platform-related technologies. Other 7%, 6%, 5% and 2% of respondents voted for more sophisticated software, larger HDDs, new types of optical drives and some other types of improvements, respectively.

X-bit labs believes that tremendous interest towards dual-core chips is a result of the fact that nowadays computer users no longer seek for pure performance, but for more comfort of computing in highly-stressful environments, such as work of numerous applications at the same time. Additionally, users expect dual-core chips to demonstrate higher performance compared to single-core processors when software can take significant advantage of dual-core chips.

Dual-core microprocessors produced using 90nm process technology this year have excessive size of core, which is likely to prevent widespread availability of affordable dual-core chips in 2005. Still, dual and even quad-core processors are the way to go for the industry.

The X-bit labs poll has surveyed about 3.6 thousand of respondents among technology enthusiasts in mid-December, 2004.