Dual Core Processing Help

[xeodragon]

Hey, as some of you know, I was planning on building a budget computer soon, but i've started seeing all this hype about dual-core processing (now advertised in futureshop flyer i got today). Do you think it's really worth it to go dual core now? I'm on a budget already, and i'm not sure i can shell out a couple more hundred for a dual core processor (i live in canada, so it's alot more expensive). If AMD is releasing that DC proc for $350, than it'd probably be around 500 here, and my budget is like less than 1500. here's my current build... Hopefully there'll be a price drop in August and i can save abit more money on this computer. also, how long do u think this will last me? Thanks for all the help!

AMD Athlon 64 3000+ (Venice)
EPoX EP-9NPA+Ultra
BFG GeForce 6600 GT OC 128MB PCI-E
Corsair ValueSelect 1GB (2 x 512MB)
WD Caviar SE 80GB 3.5" SATA
Antec Sonata (380W PSU)

$1150 (Canadian Dollars)

 

[fishmonger12]

inevitable question:

watcha doing with this rig?

assuming it's gaming, dual core isn't worth your time or money right now, seeing as the intel dual cores in your price range are terrible at gaming and the amd's are too expensive for your budget. your board is 100% upgradable to a better vid card, more ram, and a dual core processor, so i would just wait until games became multithreaded to upgrade to dual core.

 

[furballi]

Your setup looks fine. Don't get scam into the DC bandwagon.

 

[xeodragon]

it's going to be used for work/school and games. i dont do any image editing, coding, or anything like that. i want my comp to be a solid computer that's going to last me a couple of years.

 

[xeodragon]

Originally posted by: fishmonger12
inevitable question:

watcha doing with this rig?

assuming it's gaming, dual core isn't worth your time or money right now, seeing as the intel dual cores in your price range are terrible at gaming and the amd's are too expensive for your budget. your board is 100% upgradable to a better vid card, more ram, and a dual core processor, so i would just wait until games became multithreaded to upgrade to dual core.

hey fishmonger, how do u know my board can support a dual core processor?

 

[imported_Kensai]

It's based upon the nForce 4 series of chipset which support S939 dual-core CPUs.

 

[Vegito]

Originally posted by: furballi
Your setup looks fine. Don't get scam into the DC bandwagon.

how are dc scams ? dc are similar to dual proc, except package into 1.. granted there are some restriction but basically for multithreaded apps..

the rig looks good for now.. but dc cost a lot, its not really worth the price till it comes down a lot.

 

[Hacp]

I've had a dual core for about a week and all I can say Is that I feel dissapointed. I don't multitask as much as I thought I did.

 

[d2arcturus]

Originally posted by: furballi
Don't get scam into the DC bandwagon.

Pfft, they got me already, can't wait for the new rig! :laugh:

 

[furballi]

Post back about your experience with the DC CPU. I suspect that it may not be much better than the previous post.

 

[Budmantom]

Originally posted by: Hacp
I've had a dual core for about a week and all I can say Is that I feel dissapointed. I don't multitask as much as I thought I did.

Specs?

 

[keeleysam]

I :heart: my 4400+.

 

[designit]

Well, if you are upgrading why not go for dual core? pay $200 and you are on top. another word why upgrade to something that has been around for more than a year?
the beuaty of dual core is multitasking. if you are playing game and at the same time want to download or decode cd/dvd, it will take you a lot less time, as much as 30-45 minutes less. single tasking is old, multitasking is today's.
for 3d multitasking intel 820 D at 2.8 GHZ is you best bit, since the most expensive AMD dual core cant' beat it. 820D is about $225, but you need a 945 or 955 mobo for it about $180. Intel is cheapest dual core, AMD will have too reduce price.
Here is the deal if you are an AMD devoter, buy 939 mobo and least expensive 64 for it and then jump to AMD dual later when the price drops. AMD dual will take 939 socket but you have to buy expensive mobo for intel's D.
Both AMD and Intel have good dual core CPU's. intel runs hotter so you have to adjust your cooling system. Overclocking intel is not feasible because of cooling problem.
But intel is cheaper.
If you are not multitasking, AMD is your best bit.
But if you are multitasking and want a budget dual, intel is the way to go. no need to overclock intel since it runs at 2.8 and fast enough. see the annadtech review on dual cores before you decide which way to buy.

 

[xeodragon]

well this will be a totally new computer, quite an upgrade from my current one. i guess i'll go AMD A64, then go DC once it goes mainstream.

 

[SectorZero]

Your current rig seems perfectly fine for all the things you say you're gonna do with your new "budget" rig.

My question is, why do you feel you need a new computer?

 

[Hacp]

6800GT
x2 4200 Oced to 2.64 GHZ
1GB Twinmos WIndound UTT
Dfi Lan party Ultra-d

I coulda saved a buncha cash if I went with a Venice/6600GT/and chaintech Ultra. GRAK.

 

[xeodragon]

Originally posted by: SectorZero
Your current rig seems perfectly fine for all the things you say you're gonna do with your new "budget" rig.

My question is, why do you feel you need a new computer?

oh, my current computer is a dell: 800mhz, 128mb ram, 16mb video card, 30gb hard drive. it's lasted me about 3 years. now i think it's time to get a new one