Keep the single core or go dual core?

[m21s]

Not moving to intel obviously because I have too much invested now into AMD and I am still happy.

Question being...Will I notice much of an improvement moving to a dual core processor coming from my single core FX-55?

If I was to move it would be in the range of the 4600+ which is at 2.4.

If the price cuts are what everyone is saying I could easily sell my FX-55 and pick up a 4600+ for the same price.

Will I notice a "real world" difference?

I game alot, and will encode the ocational video. Other than that daily usage..internet ect...

I have never used a dual core before, so I have no experience in how they perform.

Thanks

 

[stevty2889]

Dual core won't be much of a differance in gaming, but a lot of video encoding programs are SMP aware, and the dual core will make a huge differance there.

 

[PascalT]

Would X2 make a big difference in Photoshop heavy work you think? I'm on a 3000+ winchester right now.

 

[orangat]

Look at the photoshop benchmarks. Depending upon the filters, the performance improvement can be dramatic.

 

[Blazkowicz]

Photoshop is multithreaded so would definitely perform better on a dual core processor.

 

[theprodigalrebel]

Originally posted by: m21s

If the price cuts are what everyone is saying I could easily sell my FX-55 and pick up a 4600+ for the same price.

Then by all means sir, do it!

 

[George Powell]

As I've said before going dual core was the best CPU upgrade I've ever made. I went from a Clawhammer 4000+ to a 4400+, well worth it.

 

[mhahnheuser]

The only way one could remotely justify going from FX 55 to X2 5000+ is if you're making a living from software that benefits directly through multi threading. If you can't jump at least 1 tech step with an FX 55 rig, i'd ask whether it was worth building in the first place? Wait for AMD's 4X4 platforms and by that stage there might be more software that can use multi cores and you'll get a double whammy. Crikey Intel's long term plan is for 32 cores, just imaginge what you could run with that. If you're sitting on an X2 proc at the moment then we're still some time away before we get the promised and eagerly sought dual core advantage. And 64 bit's hardly been touched either. That is why we bought 64 bit/dual core procs in the first place? Wasn't it? tell me if i'm wrong.
Personally I alternate my graphics card and platform in about 9 month cycles. That way i can sell my old stuff off at a good price, i have fixed the niggles and the purchaser gets a stable & fast pc and i get a new toy to tinker with. A win allround, i like that.

Oh, and don't forget, a 64 bit CPU will run a 64 bit OS while 32 bit CPU won't, but a single 64 bit will still run a multi threaded app and how many multi threaded apps do you know that will tax a FX 55? Your answer is probably the same as mine, none.

 

[imported_jasonnovak]

I was wondering the same thing, I came across this review. It compares an X2 3800+ and one overclocked to 4600+ speeds (what I plan to do) to a single core 3800+

review link

 

[mhahnheuser]

Originally posted by: jasonnovak
I was wondering the same thing, I came across this review. It compares an X2 3800+ and one overclocked to 4600+ speeds (what I plan to do) to a single core 3800+

review link

Good read jasonnovak. I'd recommend it to all who drop into this thread. Just thought i'd like to add the last bit of the conclusion with which i really agree,

"Consumers also need to take into account that the surrounding ecosystem for the socket 939 architecture is thriving. The X2 3800+ is an excellent part in so many ways, that no user would be disappointed with the money they have spent on it."

 

[BaldAvenger]

I am planning to upgrade to an X2, up from my 3500. Just like the OP I have too much invested in my current AMD box to justify the switch to C2D. I plan on staying with my current 939 setup (with X2) for awhile yet...

 

[George Powell]

That article was a good read.

And It clearly indicates that going for dual core as a new build is well worth it.

Another conclusion that can be made is that there is not much point in going to an X2 unless you make use of multithreaded applications.