Intel Quad Core or Duo?

Question

Ok, so I have seen a lot of questions asking about the differences between the two, and people always say get the Duo because many games don't yet take advantage of the Quad technology. What I don't get, is that even if they don't, won't games still run great on the Quad. Stats would be much appreciated, AND DO NOT TELL ME TO GET THE DUO JUST BECAUSE OF THE MONEY, MONEY IS NOT AN ISSUE!!! (Also, I have a little scenario, please answer this too.)

3G of RAM
GeForce 8800
500G of Hard Drive space
Windows Vista

With these stats would the Quad Core or the Core Duo be better?

Also, one last thing, when will games take advantage of the Quad if they don't now?

Answer 1

Games will work fine on either. There are games and apps coming that will take advantage of 4 cores, so it wouldn't hurt to get a quad if you want. Just be prepared to deal with the increased heat load and fan noise-- The quads pump out in excess of 130W of heat, whereas a Core 2 Duo puts out 65W at the very most.



Just a side note: 3GB of RAM means you will be running it in crippled Single-Channel mode. Get 4GB in two sticks to run dual-channel, and install Service Pack 1 on Vista-- SP1 will recognize all 4GBs if you are running Vista 32-bit.

Answer 2

For the time being, the best advantages of both quad or dual core processors is seen in server operations, business, graphics and scientific endeavors, or when multiple high CPU usage programs are run at the same time. Otherwise, the operating system, other software and the end user are the primary limiting factors. Other than for "bragging rights" and ego soothing, the average home user will not realize or even recognize much of an advantage in using Quad over Dual processors any time in the near future.



For now, the Vista operating system decides when or whether another processor is actually needed to handle the load unless the user directly intercedes and assigns other processors to be used by specific programs. Unless a person is working on several projects at one time that requires a lot of CPU usage, the additional processors will be idle for the most part. Thus, the quad versus dual waste of money argument applies; at least at the moment.



Depending on the cpu's core clock speeds and the actual games being played, a single core processor may actually give somewhat better performance with some games than either a dual or quad processor system. Most current games are written for use in a single processor system. This is rapidly changing however. A few of the new generation games are taking advantage of or are planning on taking better advantage of multi-processor systems. Game code and other software authors will write more for dual and quad processors as those processors become more prevalent among average users. The new first-person-shooter games seem to be leading the trend where more photo-realistic, cinematic 3D displays are in greater demand.



Meanwhile, if money is not an issue, then go ahead and invest in the most awesome computer system and periphreals that you can afford. The code writers will eventually catch up. Investing in Quad may be overkill for now, but you will be ahead of the upgrade game that is played by the software companies and the hardware manufacturers. You are correct that Quad-core CPUs should still run your games.



Since the 32-bit version of Vista is limited to 4 GBs of physical memory of which only 3.12 GBs is actually available for use, 3 GBs should be adequate for awhile. Those limits are built into the 32-bit system architecture. You might consider a 64-bit system. With a 64-bit system that memory limit goes up to about 128 GBs. However, much as with a quad core systems, software remains something of a limiting factor to consider when switching to 64-bit. Therefore, get the best quality and fastest RAM that your system and wallet can handle.



With the GeForce 8800, choose either the "GT", "GTX" or "Ultra" versions for best game performance. Go with a Crossfire or SLI (depending on your system) dual video cards setup if money permits or consider the newer GeForce 9800 series.



For the Hard Disk Drive, consider including one or more of the Wester Digital Raptor drives (10,000 rpm versus 7,200 rpm) for speedier HDD access times.



Whatever you decide is best for you, happy computing.

Answer 3

Either one really.I like Core 2 Duos better than than Quads because they have higher multipliers which means they can overclock better....Quads are good if you are a big multi tasker and have like 6 programs open all the time.



Some games do take advantage of quads but for right now its a minority.I played Crysis both on a quad and E8500 core 2 duo...didnt notice any difference.

Answer 4

enable me 2d what C-guy mentioned. For fairly lots each and every recreation and alertness out now, and for virtually all of video games and applications over a minimum of the subsequent 2 years, having a twin-middle as against a quad-middle will make virtually no difference in customary applications. besides the undeniable fact that, having a swifter CPU will make a extensive difference. 3GB as against 4GB will make virtually no difference, enormously in case you install a 32-bit working gadget. interior the case you gave, the quad-middle is larger in all respects. 4 cores are unlikely to ever be worse than 2. and 2.66GHz is often going to be extra suitable than 2.0GHz (until eventually the twin-middle is from a much extra moderen line, yet it particularly is uncertain, and Intel's oldest quad cores - Kentsfield - are no longer distinctive adequate from the maximum recent twin cores - Wolfdale - to outweigh the clock speed difference). replace: The Q6700 runs at 2.66GHz, so as which will make the quad middle a swifter CPU than the twin middle on an identical speed. besides the undeniable fact that, it won't make all that lots difference for 2 motives. First, maximum application available right this moment and for here couple of years won't be able to take benefit of extra suitable than 2 cores o.k.. 2d, those 4 cores are sharing an identical FSB and reminiscence, and which will start to be the limiting element.

Answer 5

games have started to take advantage of multi-cores, e.g crysis can use quad well. however you will not need quad core for gaming for a while. Future proof your system with it and if you wanna do photo editing or games design stuff then its also better for quad. :D

Answer 6

If I were you I would go with the quad. Games will be up to speed with in a year I'd say. However, I would go with 4GB of Ram to compliment the processing power.

Answer 7

Either processer would be good but obviosly the quad would be better and for your scenario then i would recomend the quad.



Good Luck!

Answer 8

Go quad, the duo will be worthless soon enough.