A reason to upgrade X3 720 to X6 1055

[perdomot]

I've been considering upgrading my cpu and used the Anand bench function to see the differences between the cpus. I understand the benefits for encoding and archiving but some of the tests like the 3DSMax, Cinebench and POV tests I don't. What do these results mean to a regular user? In other words, where would my system benefit? Thanks.

 

[LoneNinja]

Define regular user? You've already looked at the benchmarks and have a good idea of what software benefits from extra cores. Games, word documents, internet browsing, music, movie watching, and a whole list of other things most people do will not benefit going from 3 to 6 cores. 3ds max is 3d software frequently used for game design and computer graphics in general, it's a rendering benchmark. Cinebench unless I'm mistaken is just another synthetic that shows general performance difference if you have software that will use all the cores, and I think POV is another render/video encode type test, not sure off the top of my head.

Basically most tasks won't use the 6 cores, if you know your not running software that can, you probably have no reason to upgrade.

 

[Sp12]

The X6 has the potential to be more relavent as games continue to scale across cores, for example, MW2 loves quads, and loves hexacores even more. Most games are fine on a dual/tri, but that will change over time.

More cores help raise minimum framerates too. I don't think it'd be worth it. You do get turbo though, which can help in non-threaded games. Unless you can get it for 50$ after the sale of your X3 I see no real reason unless you want more performance.

 

[BD231]

The X6 is awesome even for something as simple internet browsing. Not only are you effectively doubling you're multi-tasking ability but you're getting a chip that can run all six cores at 3.8 to 4ghz. Also consider the fact that all six cores can be used together on one process such as encoding apps and you again get twice the output of your x3.

People at times make it sound like running multiple threads is not that common due to lack of software optimization, but when you consider how many apps you can have running at the same time in windows all requiring cpu/multiple-cpu time you quickly realize the added cores are of obvious use.

Even something as simple as six web pages all running java apps is enough to show the benefits of an x6. For people who have on-board sound and like playing music with equalizer enhancements that suck up CPU cycles, or perhaps server software, file sharing and anti virus running in the background all while gaming; the x6 can walk all over the x3 in delivering a smooth experience.

I'd get a new video card if I were you (I'm on a 4850/PIIx3 @ 3.73ghz) and wait until the first AM3 Bulldozer hits q1 2011 I believe. This is my plan but I think a family member needs a computer so I might be forced to upgrade early in which case I'll jump on an x6 to at least keep up with the Core series.

If you do upgrade just sell off the x3 and make it cheap as possible with a 1055. No need to bother with the 1090, it's the added cores that net you the most gains not the mhz.

 

[perdomot]

Thanks for all the feedback. Aside from websurfing and youtube, I watch HD video and listen to music mostly with my PC. Not really a gamer but I have ordered an HD 5670 for next week as my 3 year old card needs a break and I want to take advantage of the lower power and eyefinity.

I have 8GB of ram so keeping more things running is an option and I guess a 6 core cpu would be handy. It would certainly improve my encoding speeds.