Will a single core A64 4000+ 2.4G with one meg cache play games better than an X2 3800?

[Oyeve]

Hi all, I got a great deal on a single core A64 4000+ 2.4G s939 chip. In my main system I currently have an AMD X2 3800+. Strictly for gaming, is the single core a better option?

 

[Gusty987]

There's really not enough games yet that can take advantage of dual-core.

 

[bob4432]

between those two cpus and your gpu, i don't think you will notice it, sorry. plus i think the hal is different if you installed xp w/ a dc, but could be worng. backup your data and when you do it let us know

i know a lot of people state that a dc is no benefit in gaming, but when i have ran the performance monitor and gamed for a round or 2 in bf2, both cores were getting used pretty hard, it was not like 90/10, more like 60/40

dual core was very similar to my p4 w/ ht when gaming, at least in bf2...

 

[n7]

Even if there is a small advantage with the 4000+, it's too minimal to sacrifice dual core for that IMO...

 

[Oyeve]

I'll run some benches on the same system with both chips. If there is no markable benefit then I will swap out my second game system that is running a single core A64 3200. Its very hard to find a faster X2 S939 nowadays. I want to keep my main system alive without spending a fortune. My ATI X1950XTX is still a kickass card but is being held down my the cpu. I should have grabbed an X2 4800+ when I had the chance.

 

[Operandi]

Originally posted by: n7
Even if there is a small advantage with the 4000+, it's too minimal to sacrifice dual core for that IMO...

Not only that but you'll take a huge hit when games start taking advantage of multi-core systems.

 

[f4phantom2500]

overclock maybe? idk how good your board is at it.

 

[Khyron320]

Supreme commander takes advantage of 2 cores. If you play online you can already find games titled "3vs3 DUEL CORES ONLY". The game is unplayable without duel core in multiplayer.

 

[betasub]

Originally posted by: f4phantom2500
overclock maybe? idk how good your board is at it.

Either way, gaming on Socket939: Opteron FTW.

 

[Oyeve]

Originally posted by: betasub

Either way, gaming on Socket939: Opteron FTW.

I know, but dont want to spend hundreds on a chip. Got the 4000+ for 50 bucks so I may just replace the 3200 in my other rig and continue to use the X2 3800 + in my main rig until I either find an X2 4800+ or just wait a while and get new mobo, mem, cpu. I think I can still squeeze some decent gaming for a bit.

 

[bob4432]

Originally posted by: Oyeve
My ATI X1950XTX is still a kickass card but is being held down my the cpu. I should have grabbed an X2 4800+ when I had the chance.

why do you think your gpu is being held back w/ your cpu? what game? what resolution? why not o/c the 3800? i am able to get 2.5GHz out of my 3800 x2 @ stock V that is 12+hrs prime95 stable, and this is pretty close to the norm - 2.3-2.4GHz @ stock is nearly guaranteed.

usually the cpu only becomes a bottlneck @ low resolutions - 1280x1024 or lower.

i really don't think your x2 3800 or the 4000 will be the bottleneck in a system, the extra cache doesn't really make that much of a difference.

and for an opteron, sure you may be able to get a bit more o/c, but performance is nearly the same as a regular a64. w/ my opty 144 i was able to get 2.5GHz stock, the x2 3800 @ 2.5GHz too, so a 700MHz o/c on one and a 500MHz o/c on the other, with the second adding a extra core

i think you are splitting hairs and don't think the small MHz differnces are going to add up to much, but that is just mho

 

[corfe83]

Besides Supreme Command (which I'm currently obsessed with I might add), Bethesda's Oblivion also takes advantage of dual cores, and I've read nvidia graphics card drivers (and possibly ATI's as well) also takes advantage of dual cores (to the extent that it can - I'm not sure what % performance benefit, but I got the impression it's not a HUGE performance improvement).

I'd say the dual cores is definitely better - besides, it'll make your multitasking that much more pleasant.

 

[natto fire]

Originally posted by: Khyron320
Supreme commander takes advantage of 2 cores. If you play online you can already find games titled "3vs3 DUEL CORES ONLY". The game is unplayable without duel core in multiplayer.

What are the cores dueling over, cache, love, money?

Sorry, a simple typo I know, but I love to be a jerk about written English. Anyhow, as Kyron said, Supreme Commander is the major game that sticks out it my mind. It is pretty much unplayable on my Venice @2.2 with 2 GB of RAM and a 7900GS. By no means a bad system, but that game just eats CPUs alive.

Have you tried overclocking the dual core at all?

 

[Oyeve]

Originally posted by: Captain Howdy
Sorry, a simple typo I know, but I love to be a jerk about written English. Anyhow, as Kyron said, Supreme Commander is the major game that sticks out it my mind. It is pretty much unplayable on my Venice @2.2 with 2 GB of RAM and a 7900GS. By no means a bad system, but that game just eats CPUs alive.

Have you tried overclocking the dual core at all?

I have gotten it to 2.4 stable. I play (if supported) @ 1680x1050 with everything maxxed, FEAR, Oblivion, Prey, NWN2, Q4 all run great, but the newer games, like Rainbow 6 las vegas choke, and I have to drop down some eye candy. That and Testdrive Unlimited seem to be the games that are showing slowdown. Those were the last 2 games I have purchased recently. Im spoiled since I got the 20.1 WS LCD, dont want to start playing at lower res. Thats why I asked about a single core and dual core game performance. I figure if the game is not optimized for dual core then 1 single core at a higher clock speed would be better, just for gaming.

 

[bob4432]

at the resolution listed, your gpu is going to be the issue in rb6:vegas - http://www.anandtech.com/video/showdoc.aspx?i=2953&p=11

with my rig in sig i can't even play it @ 1024x768....

 

[Oyeve]

Originally posted by: bob4432
at the resolution listed, your gpu is going to be the issue in rb6:vegas - http://www.anandtech.com/video/showdoc.aspx?i=2953&p=11

with my rig in sig i can't even play it @ 1024x768....

Damn, ATI need some new DX10 cards SOON! The X1950XTX is their highest card!