Intel core 2 due vs. core 2 quad

So i've been looking to build my next unit and are just wondering if anyone has opinions on the subject. I mean obviously the quad can handle more and is faster but is it such a significant difference over the duo's of the same speed?

thoughts?
Brad

 

personally, i would take a core 2 duo. 4 cores is too much, and old games do NOT like it!

 

Yeah thats what I have been reading. The question I really have though is this: My current system I built in march 2004. I typically keep my systems that long if not longer. I'm not one of those guys that needs a new system year after year. I can always upgrade the hell out of the periferals, memory ect., but the cpu I generally leave as is till I decide to build a new one. Im currently running a pentium d 2.83 ghz processor, which was almost top of the line back then. So in 3 years when I still have the new system I am going to build will I regret not putting in that quad? I know it's not an easy question to answer but that was really the question I was looking for feedback for. I dont' do any gaming on my system. My pc's are more of media centers. I work alot with music software such as pro tools. So I dont need compatability with games per say but I want the fastest most reliable processor that in 4 years will still be able to handle whatever I throw at it.

Brad

 

Hi
Greenday, I would like to see the article or hear of the experience that prompted you to say that older games do not like muti-core processors...
I'm curious because I've been reading alot about them in preparation to purchase one and have read nothing at all about older games not "liking" them or not running well etc..
Thanks

 

I can't give you documentation, only hearsay, but yes, multi-core cpus do give some older games troubles. Not only that, they also give some new games troubles as well. It's simply fair to say they give many games troubles.

There are utilities in which you can make a game profile so that only a specific core is used for a game. I know for some games, such a utility is required - assuming you don't want to go in and set the affinity every time you play the game. Luckily, I have a single-core cpu and don't need to be bothered with that - I play a lot of games.

IMHO, it's a shame that cpus had to be developed with discreet cores that the software has to deal with. If Intel/AMD had developed chips that were multi-core but presented themselves to the software as a single core, we wouldn't be having this discussion. It seems that the concept of "hardware abstraction" got thrown out the window with this one.

 

Get the quad! There is nothing you can throw it to make it sweat. Intel just slashed prices on July 22. The Q6600 is between $266- 320ish.

This chip is a major multi- tasker. If you get a quad make sure you use a full tower case with good air flow so it can breath. All the folks I see running this chip are using Tuniq Tower, Thermalright Ultra-120 Extreme, Enzotech to keep them cool.

This chip paired with this board will accommodate the new 45nm processors coming in 2008 and it has two slots for DDR3 memory so you will not have to buy a mobo for a while. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128048

 

This article has some good price listings.

http://www.informationweek.com:80/news/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=201200377

 

if you are not gaming, defintly defintly get the core 2 duo. i mean definatly. multi-cores is almost exclusivly for games, save for some intensive 3D work, but really, get the core 2 duo. im currently running a 2500+, upgrading to a dual core AMD.

 

I just upgraded my CPU from an e6600 OC'd @ 3.3 (stable in ortho) for a Q6600 GO @ 3.4 on air <Antec NINE Hundred>. EVGA 680i T1 / EVGA 8800GTS 640 OC'd to 650/1040. If your into heavy gaming and want to be covered for a bit on processor speed Q is the way to go. I got my Q for $29x.xx shipped from ClubIT.com. E was nice, but was able to do a trade-up type deal on my cpu and it only cost me 40.00 out of pocket (side deal; not thru ClubIT). Couldn't pass that one up.