Dual Processor or Fast Processor

  • Thread starter Thread starter Adam
  • Start date Start date
A

Adam

I'm getting ready to build myself a new computer and I am
really drawn to the idea of having two processors. So my
question is should I buy 2 $300 processors of just dump
$600 on a really fast processor? What will give my
computer the most power? Two brains or one fast brain?

I pretty much use my PC for gaming, burning CDs, watching
movies, and surfing the internet. I will also be running
XP Professional.
 
Technically the dual CPU system is capable of more processing.

In real world usage though it is unlikely to help that much.
Most applications are not written to take advantage of multi processors.
The system basically sends some processes to one cpu and some to the others.
So the software is still executing on a single processor at whatever speed
it is running at.

eg. single threaded software can only run on one CPU so having 2 doesn't
really help it.

I would suggest getting a fast processor. The new hyperthreaded Intel CPU's
act like 2 processors and do increase performance

The dual cpu motherboard is usually more expensive too.

Do some hunting around the hardware comparison sites to see the differences.

http://www.anandtech.com/IT/showdoc.html?i=1606&p=5
http://www20.tomshardware.com/cpu/20021114/

Regards
Mark Dormer
 
Dual processors are nice, IF the programs can use them. Believe me, the
current CPUs are fast enough for games, and I doubt you're really going to
see any difference having a single processor or duals. What will make a
difference is spending the bucks on the best graphics card you can afford,
along with pumping up the RAM on the new system. If you build it and don't
like it, please send it to me. 8-)
 
Best of both: Get a high end Hyper Threaded P4. Comes with one phyiscal
processor and a second virtual processor. You will then have more money for
other components, like more RAM or a good video card.

Y.
 
I'm getting ready to build myself a new computer and I am
really drawn to the idea of having two processors.
Click to expand...

To the best of my knowledge the only piece of software that you are
likely to have on your computer that is capable of actually using a
dual processor computer is Photoshop.

Spend your money on an single processor system.
 
I agree with Yves. I would have made the same suggestion
with the caveat as Chris mentioned that you'll want to install
a high powered DX 9 video card with at least 128 MB RAM.


--
Cheers, Windows XP MVP Shell / User
Jimmy S. http://mvp.support.microsoft.com


Game FAQs: http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=FH;[LN];gms
Visit my Zone.com / Gaming Helpsite: http://nibblesnbits.tk or Call / Contact
MS Support at: http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=sz;en-us;top
My advice is donated "AS IS" without warranty; nor do I confer any rights.
_________________________________________________________

| Best of both: Get a high end Hyper Threaded P4. Comes with one phyiscal
| processor and a second virtual processor. You will then have more money for
| other components, like more RAM or a good video card.
|
| Y.
|
| | > I'm getting ready to build myself a new computer and I am
| > really drawn to the idea of having two processors. So my
| > question is should I buy 2 $300 processors of just dump
| > $600 on a really fast processor? What will give my
| > computer the most power? Two brains or one fast brain?
| >
| > I pretty much use my PC for gaming, burning CDs, watching
| > movies, and surfing the internet. I will also be running
| > XP Professional.
| >
|
|
 
Quake 3 is SMP aware if you like that game. =)

Joshua Smith
DirectInput Test Lab
Microsoft
 
Quake 3 is SMP aware if you like that game. =)
Click to expand...

What advantage is noticeable when playing it on a dual processor?

That's a serious question, because with the high frame rates and
performance of current 128 mb video cards, I'm a little confused over
what a dual processor would add to the gaming experience.
 
That would largely depend on the system. If you are running it on a dual
400Mhz P2 system there is probably a good deal of benefit. If you are
running on a dual 3.02Ghz system you will probably see no advantage at all.
As you pointed to the graphics area is probably the place to spend the money
if you are looking for a game system. The number of games that could use
dual processors and the benefit are almost certainly not justified in a game
system. Almost ever game you could play would benefit from a screaming fast
video card.

Joshua Smith
DirectInput Test Lab
Microsoft
 
Back
Top