CPU-Z's Q1 2025 validation data indicates a new trend in CPU core count preferences among PC users. Eight-core processors now account for 24.7% of all validations, a significant increase of 32.6% compared to previous data. In contrast, six-core processors have declined to 22.5% of validations, down ...
Intel’s decision to limit consumer CPUs to quad core in the 2010s really impacted core count growth.
Computing is definitely much more reliable and user friendly these days. Even building desktops is simpler.
One big difference is that it much more important to update BIOS/UEFI. I remember BIOS updates being much rarer back in the day.
Had to do this for the first time EVER (outside of initial setup) not too long ago due to that Intel overheating thing