With Windows 7 and DirectX 11 soon to become the new mass produced operating system, I wonder if multi-core engines will finally become the default installation.
From what I understand, its been designed from the ground up to be a multi-core operating system, from an application perspective I mean.
Windows has been multi-core friendly since at least Windows XP, but Windows 7 w/DirectX 11 is suppose to be easier to program applications/games to take advantage of multi-core computers.
Not sure how this might translate into chess engines though, since the most of the multi-core programming stuff (in Windows 7 with DirectX 11) is more about allowing graphic intensive games to take advantage of multicore processors.
Any thoughts?
Another item I was wondering about is…
Will multi-core capable chess engines ever become the default installation, or will companies keep charging a premium for that ability?
I think it will eventually, but they’re not rushing to do it. Chessmaster and Zappa! Mexico are leading the way with not having to pay extra for multi-core processing, but Chessbase seems intent on squeezing more cash from multi-core capable engines.
Its certainly getting to the point where multi-core engines should be considered the minimum requirement for chess engines. -In my own humble opinion anyay.
Back in the day, it certainly took more programming finess to use multi core, or even multi CPU (before duel core/quad core chips), but nowadays, I think it would be considered fair to say most programmers are adept in, or at least familiar with, multi-core programming now.
I’m studying computer networking, and in my studies, its just expected for me to be versed in the latest developments in the industry, and its no different in programming.
Before you get in a debate about how it isn’t ethical to charge more for multi-core engines, answer this question… 
Do multi-core engines improve a chess computers computing abilities?
If it does, do you really need it?
Personally, I liked Windows Vista better! 
So far, it seems that Rybka and Chessbase are the only two major players still charging for multi-core versions, and it may be that market forces end up changing the game more than anything else.
Right now, its neck and neck between Rybka 3.0 (commercial engine), and Stockfish (freeware engine). So charging more for a multi-core engine might finally be a relic of the past. Maybe not this year, but certainly sooner than later.
For a very long time, using end game table bases was a way to increase a chess programs strength, but its getting to the point where its statistically insignificant. (As an open source/freeware engine, Stockfish can’t use namilov tablebases).
Rybka 4.0 is suppose to be released soon. I guess we’ll find out if the deep version is included with the package.
Just to let you know, Fritz 12 is out.
The Multiprocessor Version is 119.95.
That’s double the price on a normal Fritz. I am used to Fritz being only 59.99