CPU Question

from Sins Forums
I currently have an older PC with an Intel 2.6ghz processor (single core), 1 gig RAM, and an Nvidia 7600GT 256mb graphics card. I am purchasing a new PC that with have an Intel Core 2 Quad 2.4ghz processor, 4 gigs RAM, and an Nvidia 8500GT 256mb graphics card.

I understand that Sins runs on only one core. My question is, with all other things being equal (even though they will not be equal as stated above), would a quad core 2.4ghz processor work better than than a 2.6ghz single core processor? I have read on the forums that those with multi-core systems have Sins run on one core and everything else on another core. This is why I am asking whether anyone knows if a 2.4 that is only handling the game could run better than a 2.6 that is running the game and everything else.

Thanks for any answers.
technical
6,941 views 17 replies
Reply #1 from Sins Forums Top
Given your other specs, I'd guess that your current CPU is either a Pentium 4/D or a Celeron, rather than anything from the Core series. In that case, you can't compare purely on Ghz. The Core chips have a much better architecture and are more powerful even at lower speeds, even with the same number of cores. More cores will just let you do more stuff at once, as few programs or games will really use more than one core at any time on their own.

Personally, I'd say just get a Core 2 Duo, rather than wasting money on a Quad. It's still not really worth it unless you're doing things that do use multiple cores, like heavy video editing.
Reply #2 from Sins Forums Top
I'd double think that graphics card as well. If you're into gaming, you should look at something better. The 8500 is not a good gaming card.
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Reply #3 from Sins Forums Top
the graphics card is more important then the processor for most games, definitely get a better card if you can. what both of ^^^^ said.
Reply #4 from Sins Forums Top
Try and get an E8400 and a 9600GT or better for a gaming computer. Also, 2GB of RAM is probably sufficient unless you're going with a 64-bit OS.
Reply #5 from Sins Forums Top
as it seems now, no processor exists that can handle a large advent vs advent battle.

but i digress, the 8500 is a few generations behind, i'd look at the newer 9600. for that matter the low end 8800s are coming down in price. The Vid card is so hella important these days, just make sure you do all your homework before purchasing.

KP
Reply #6 from Sins Forums Top
He needs a new video card, his processor is decent and I'm sure it can OC to 3.0ghz if he is into OCing. However, most games today are gpu limited rather than cpu limited. So he would see a higher performance increase with going with a new video card.
Reply #7 from Sins Forums Top
Thanks for the input. I'm buying the computer from a guy at my school, so I am getting it rather cheap. The 8500 is not really what I am looking for either, but it is what comes with it. I will end up upgrading it soon.

The explanation of core chips was very helpful.
Reply #8 from Sins Forums Top
He needs a new video card, his processor is decent and I'm sure it can OC to 3.0ghz if he is into OCing
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How on earth can you tell that his processor is "decent" without even knowing its architecture?

As has been pointed out, architecture is important. A 5.0GHz P4 wouldn't be as good as a 3GHz Core 2 Duo, even ignoring the extra core of the duo!
Reply #9 from Sins Forums Top
I'm running a Core 2 Duo 1.86 ghz stock clock with a 7600 GT EVGA 256 mb card on XP Home (have Vista too, but haven't installed there). Runs great/looks great. What an awesome game.
Reply #10 from Sins Forums Top
Thanks for the input. I'm buying the computer from a guy at my school, so I am getting it rather cheap. The 8500 is not really what I am looking for either, but it is what comes with it. I will end up upgrading it soon.The explanation of core chips was very helpful.
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How cheap, exactly? A lot of times people compare it to, say, Dell, not realizing you can get equivalent or better hardware online.
Reply #11 from Sins Forums Top
How cheap, exactly? A lot of times people compare it to, say, Dell, not realizing you can get equivalent or better hardware online.
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I am getting an Intel Core 2 Quad 2.4ghz CPU, 4gb ddr2 dualchannel, 500gb hard drive, XFI Xtreme HD Audio 24bit sound card, Nvidia 8500GT 256MB GDDR3 Dedicated graphics card, HD 19in widescreen LCD, DVD/CD RW plus dual layer capabilities, TV Tuner, Wireless 54G USB Ant, and Windows Vista Home Premium for $1000.

I do plan on upgrading the graphics card on it though. I was looking at the 9600gt, but am currently browsing the 8800. As for the 8800 series, which would be better: 8800gt with 112 stream processors or 8800gts with 128 stream processors? I have read mixed results online.
Reply #12 from Sins Forums Top
Not a bad deal at all. It's not the setup I'd pick, but for that price who cares :p

The 8800GT and 9600GT have nearly identical performance, with the 8800GTS very slightly above it. If the difference isn't much, get the 8800GTS (make sure to get the new 512MB 65nm one, not the old one[s]), if it is just grab a 8800GT or 9600GT.
Reply #13 from Sins Forums Top
He needs a new video card, his processor is decent and I'm sure it can OC to 3.0ghz if he is into OCingHow on earth can you tell that his processor is "decent" without even knowing its architecture?As has been pointed out, architecture is important. A 5.0GHz P4 wouldn't be as good as a 3GHz Core 2 Duo, even ignoring the extra core of the duo!
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I mis-read, I thought he said he had a 2.4ghz core 2 duo. :P
Reply #14 from Sins Forums Top
The two cards I am looking at are identical in price. One is an 8800GT 512mb and the other is an 8800GTS 512mb. Both have a 256-bit memory interface, but the GTS has more stream processors and faster clock speed. You had mentioned to get the 65nm one, but I cannot see that information anywhere. I read an article that said that a GTS with 512mb and a 256-bit memory interface would be 65nm. Does anyone know if that is true?
Reply #15 from Sins Forums Top
The 320/786MB versions are the old 90nm ones. You don't want those, and if it comes down to one of these or the GT, pick the GT.

The 256/512 ones are the newer 65nm models. If it comes down to one of these or the GT, pick this one.
Reply #16 from Sins Forums Top
Carbon... Thanks for all of your help. I will be getting the GTS. The only problem that I can find is that newegg is out of stock for five days, but I suppose greater performance is worth waiting for.
Reply #17 from Sins Forums Top
Carbon... Thanks for all of your help. I will be getting the GTS. The only problem that I can find is that newegg is out of stock for five days, but I suppose greater performance is worth waiting for.
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No problem. And yes, it is very much worth the wait. You'll see a huge difference :)