Duo or Quad? Processors

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s0meguy

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I'm looking to buy a new pc, as my old one is failing. I'm trying to make a choice regarding my new processor, but there's so many options. Should I just get a Duo, 3 ghz? Or does the ghz count not really matter, get a 2,5 ghz? Or a Quad?

If anyone here has been following the trends, do you think that the next generation games will be made for Quads and up? What I'm basically asking is, is it worth buying one now?

What about AMD processors?

Also I don't see anything about the dual core processors being 64-bit at the store, does this go without saying these days? If I buy a 64-bit processor these days, they can run both 64-bit and 32-bit applications right?
 
Most computer architectures nowadays are 64-bit, however various components and Peripherals will still only have 32-bit drivers. This has meant that a number of computers ship with 32-bit OS's installed for compatibility reasons.

Slowly 64-bit is becoming more and more supported (only recently my laptops firmware was updated to unlock the 64-bit capacity for use, it's just having an operating system installed that supports it with drivers that will use it to its full potential)

64-bit OS's can run 32-bit applications, however 32-bit OS's can't run 64-bit applications (at this time).

As for Core 2 Duo and Core 2 Quad, the architecture runs like it's multiple CPU's, this grants in compatible operating systems and there software the advantage of processing multiple things at the same time rather than dealing with an asynchronous "idle loop" means of execution.

Obviously there are teething problems with both 64-bit and multicore systems in regards to older incompatible software, however as time progresses on, new software is develop to replace the old, or at the very least updated.

I doubt you'll find a Core 2 Quad that's only 32-bit, I think they all ship as 64-bit architecture.

Obviously Core 2 Duo's are old hat now with the Core 2 Quads coming out, however enough have shipped to keep them at least supported and they cost less than the Core 2 Quad's.

As for Intel Vs AMD, well take a look at pages like this:
http://www.tomshardware.com/2007/12/19/amd_phenom_athlon_64_x2/
Currently new AMD processors are suffering teething problems and apparently aren't up to par with Intel's Core 2 Quad currently. I'm sure it will be resolved eventually though.
 
s0meguy said:
What about AMD processors?

Also I don't see anything about the dual core processors being 64-bit at the store, does this go without saying these days? If I buy a 64-bit processor these days, they can run both 64-bit and 32-bit applications right?
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Most dual core are 64 bit ready today but read the label before you buy to be certain. Which type of processor is really up to your own needs. What do you need your PC to do for you? Always go with the most throughput as well as fastest front side-buss. SDRAM is always very helpful on the motherboard so be certain to check for the optimum capacity of the MOBO to match your processor. I've always liked AMD and have one, a 64-FX dual core now installed in my PC along with an ASUS A8V Delux MOBO with 6 GIGS of SDRAM. Dual or Quad doesn't really matter today.
 
Stryder said:
As for Core 2 Duo and Core 2 Quad, the architecture runs like it's multiple CPU's, this grants in compatible operating systems and there software the advantage of processing multiple things at the same time rather than dealing with an asynchronous "idle loop" means of execution.
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I notice an error in my phrasing in that quote but none the less, Multicores allow multiple "idle loops" to be used at the same time rather than just one.

An Idle loop is just a very simple execution script, It basically says While the processor is Idle, Loop this, should there be something to execute it appends itself to the loop process, the more things that need executing on a Single Core system the longer the list of Executable processes builds up Asynchronously.

Think of it like being in a bank and only one Teller is working, everybody would queue up in a line when they get there or are ready to see the teller. This can cause a long waiting period and occasionally problems should somebody who's a prerequisite be bumped out of the queue and has to go to the back of the line. (Oh we all love the old blue screens)

Multicore and Hyperthreading pretty much allows for more Tellers to open up to deal with the load, and also deals with the requisitioning if someone should get bumped.
 
Thanks for all the help. I also want to buy a logitech G15 keyboard, but I recall reading something a while back that a new version is about to come out, G16. Anybody know something about that?
 
s0meguy said:
Thanks for all the help. I also want to buy a logitech G15 keyboard, but I recall reading something a while back that a new version is about to come out, G16. Anybody know something about that?
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Shit, now i hear the rumors. I just bought one. I haven't heard anything, and google turns out nada.
 
I have just brought a Quad core and it was only about the same price you would pay for the very fastest dual core. It is a very impressive processor, I can do almost anything i.e virus scan, burn DVD and surf the net without an real lag. I have upgraded my comp many times over the years and never noticed a great diff, but I do with this system.
 
alexb123 said:
I have just brought a Quad core and it was only about the same price you would pay for the very fastest dual core. It is a very impressive processor, I can do almost anything i.e virus scan, burn DVD and surf the net without an real lag. I have upgraded my comp many times over the years and never noticed a great diff, but I do with this system.
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Any recommendations ?
 
In my opinion the better choice would be a Duo at 3 GHz rather than a Quad at 2.4 GHz. There aren't many programs (or games) out there that will utilize more than 2 cores, and many won't even utilize 2. Plus the Quad cores run 1066 MHz FSB, the Dual cores use 1333 MHz.

All the Core2 processors are based on the x64 architecture, they support both 32 and 64 bit.

AMD is running a little behind right now. All the computers I've built have been AMD systems, but my latest one was an Intel build. The Core2 lineup is simply better than the AMD stuff right now. They overclock nicely too. The E6850 can easily be pushed from the stock 3 GHz to 3.6-3.8 GHz with only a $30 investment into a better air cooler.
 
@ Xelios: no, games might not utilize more cores, but doesn't more cores mean the ability to process more data at the same time, so it lets you run more applications more smoothly?
 
s0meguy said:
@ Xelios: no, games might not utilize more cores, but doesn't more cores mean the ability to process more data at the same time, so it lets you run more applications more smoothly?
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Just how many Apps are being run by anyone at one time? I only have 6 or 8at one time myself and my single core worked just fine with that many. So now do you think people are going to have 30 apps running at the same time? What's the purpose then if no one uses that many Apps?
 
Challenger I'm in the UK so things are very diff here. But I brought mine from an American company called CyberPower. They give you a very good choice on all the components and in the UK there PC have won a number of awards. I personally have a Q6600.

As for the 64 But debate my last computer brought 3/4 years ago was 64 Bit and it gave me a lot of problems for almost no benefit (it was ahead of its time by a long way). So on buy again I went for 32 Bit for the easy life, although I am sure things are much better these days. If you were going for 4 GB ram then you would have to have 64 Bit so unless you want all this ram I would go for 32 Bit.
 
64-bit isn't just designed for higher amounts of RAM, basically it doubles the throughput of your devices (If of course they are 64-bit compatible) This leads to a faster computer all round, as long as the computer can deal with processing that information, which is also where the multicore systems come into play.
 
Stryder said:
64-bit isn't just designed for higher amounts of RAM, basically it doubles the throughput of your devices (If of course they are 64-bit compatible) This leads to a faster computer all round, as long as the computer can deal with processing that information, which is also where the multicore systems come into play.
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I disagree because I have a 64 bit AMD dual core and with it I have a ASUS MOBO with 6 GIGS of SDRAM onboard and it works perfectly. ;)
 
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