Dual Core Processors - why do so many people want them to game?

[bob4432]

i can't understand this, when you game you are not encoding or doing anything else, but i keep seeing noobs (atleast noobs around here) wanting a DC cpu for a gaming rig. Most games are not smp/smt aware. having used dual processor machines in the past, they only really shine when the software is able to utlilize both cpus, if not they are basically running on 1 processor per program.

i think a lot of peeps would be better off getting a nice o/cing m/b, good o/c ram, 3000Venice and a xp90 and o/c the cpu to 2.5+ than to go with a 4200 or 4400. plus you will save a couple hundred $$$$ in the process.

so is it for bragging rights or am i missing something?

 

[HN]

does it help in multitasking?

 

[ElFenix]

yeah, but if i did have a dual core processor i could game and encode at the same time


and i doubt your assumption is even all that true. usually i game in a window playing WoW or something similar, so i can use the internet and what not at the same time. also i'll game when waiting for newsleecher to do its thing.

 

[Lonyo]

Originally posted by: bob4432
i can't understand this, when you game you are not encoding or doing anything else, but i keep seeing noobs (atleast noobs around here) wanting a DC cpu for a gaming rig. Most games are not smp/smt aware. having used dual processor machines in the past, they only really shine when the software is able to utlilize both cpus, if not they are basically running on 1 processor per program.

i think a lot of peeps would be better off getting a nice o/cing m/b, good o/c ram, 3000Venice and a xp90 and o/c the cpu to 2.5+ than to go with a 4200 or 4400. plus you will save a couple hundred $$$$ in the process.

so is it for bragging rights or am i missing something?

That's because you can't game and do anything else without a dual core processor.
Just because what you are doing won't benefit from dual core doesn't mean that with dual core you will keep doing the same thing.

 

[Bateluer]

I have more than 100 posts and I want an X2 proc. While I do play a lot of games, thats not the sole reason for my computers.

Second, it will not be long before there is lots of SMP/SMT software available. You've got to remember that both AMD and Intel are pushing the muti-core chips.

Yes, your OC'ed Venice will cost less and perform better now, but as time goes on and more software gets optimized, the DC is going to continue to pull ahead.

 

[imported_Kensai]

I have more than 5000 posts and I want multiple X2s for my systems. It would give me better efficiency while multi-tasking. Currently, I would like to do more than just play one game at a time on my gaming rig, but alas it's not possible with a single core CPU. Well, it is, just not very effectively.

 

[Traire]

I usually play games in windowed mode too. And along with the game, I usually have a window in the corner running a TV application which will sometimes be recording the TV feed, depending on whats on, have an internet browser window open, and often have a couple other things, like word, excel, GK, WMP, etc running in the background...

Problem is I cant afford a new single core A64 upgrade, let alone an X2, so im stuck with my AXP and 9700pro.

 

[dainthomas]

Originally posted by: Bateluer
I have more than 100 posts and I want an X2 proc. While I do play a lot of games, thats not the sole reason for my computers.

Second, it will not be long before there is lots of SMP/SMT software available. You've got to remember that both AMD and Intel are pushing the muti-core chips.

Yes, your OC'ed Venice will cost less and perform better now, but as time goes on and more software gets optimized, the DC is going to continue to pull ahead.

That's why you get the Venice now, then pick up a 4800+ when it gets down to like $150. I never game and surf the internet anyway. I don't even know why you'd want to, or how it's possible. Encoding maybe, but I don't encode that much and the little I do can wait until I'm done. I'm DEFINITELY not going to drop $500 on a proc just to prove how big my e-wang is.

 

[DaveSimmons]

Sounds like MMORPGs, "burn and return" DVDs, and downloading are driving the dual-core gamer market.

I can imagine some funny ad campaigns for AMD, but the RIAA and MPAA would not be amused

 

[Elcs]

Originally posted by: Bateluer
I have more than 100 posts and I want an X2 proc. While I do play a lot of games, thats not the sole reason for my computers.

Second, it will not be long before there is lots of SMP/SMT software available. You've got to remember that both AMD and Intel are pushing the muti-core chips.

Yes, your OC'ed Venice will cost less and perform better now, but as time goes on and more software gets optimized, the DC is going to continue to pull ahead.

While we are using predominately single threaded apps, the second core will act as a buffer to absorb any overhead caused by IRC clients, Web Browsers, AV programs, Music Players and the like which many people will use on a gaming rig. Even on my Socket A single core system, I rarely shut down every window and non-essential program before jumping into a game and Im sure that costs me numerous frames.

With dual core, you can at the moment game without those problems and you also have to option of doing side-tasks whilst gaming on that PC such as encoding.

With dual core in the future, games will be able to use the second core to provide gaming horsepower.

AMD and Intel are pushing multiple core solutions. It is seen as the way forward.

 

[ryanv12]

Well, if anyone here is like me, they might only make big upgrades every 2 or 3 years. If you're in the market for a new CPU now and aren't a 6 month cycle upgrader, you should go dual core saying you can afford it. Why? we're on the brink of games and even graphics drivers (so nvidia claims) being able to take advantage of dual cores. We aren't going to see a faster single core architecture anymore, so why buy it if you can afford some of the future? As everyone else also says, it opens up new possibilities to computing that weren't there before. If you're archiving a huge folder, why wait to do anything else anymore? Even if all you do is really play games and aren't into heavy multitasking, if you are in the market for a new upgrade, dual core is the future, and as long as you can afford it (without compromising more important components), you might as well.

 

[furballi]

Spend a lot of $ now for the potential of future benefits is INSANE. I'd rather save my $ to build a new multi-core system when there is widespread acceptance of the format. Most people do not multi-task when playing games or encoding video. A DC CPU will still slow down the total processing time when it is multi-tasking, but not as much as a single core.

 

[Bona Fide]

Just wait until Q4...prices should be more acceptable by then. And I can 100% guarantee that by early '06, there will be multithreaded games out. The gaming industry is always the last to capitalize on new technology, except in certain scenarios, such as SLI, which was MADE for gaming.

 

[kleinwl]

Perhaps the DC is a better solution for multitasking and future games... but why now? The M2 socket is around the corner along with DDR2 which gives ram the higher bandwidth that dual core can take advantage of. I personally want to wait a year for the M2 and DDR2 before buying a dual core.

 

[remagavon]

Originally posted by: furballi
Spend a lot of $ now for the potential of future benefits is INSANE. I'd rather save my $ to build a new multi-core system when there is widespread acceptance of the format. Most people do not multi-task when playing games or encoding video. A DC CPU will still slow down the total processing time when it is multi-tasking, but not as much as a single core.

What are you talking about? Have you ever used an SMP system?

 

[Suspicious-Teach8788]

Multi-tasking is not playing WoW and alt tabbing into MS Word so your parents think you're working. Sure get the DC and you'll alt tab in 3 seconds as opposed to 5 seconds.

But honestly, multi-tasking is OVERRATED. People don't encode + play games at the same time not because they can't, but because they don't need to. You would encode overnight anyways. You won't get the same performance when you decode + play games EVEN with a dual core processor compared to if you just did 1 thing at a time.

I personally am going to get dual core because I don't upgrade ever 6months or every year. I need more like 3 - 4 years. I need to jump ship before it's too late. However, I point out I'm going 3800+ X2 and not something too expensive because it is the alternative to my 3700+ SD plan, and both are about the same price.

 

[furballi]

Have benchmarked a DC CPU with Prime95 and SuperPi at 1M digits. Also tested DVD ripping (10 to 12x) with SuperPi. There is at least a 19% hit in SuperPi when multi-tasking. DVD ripping time also increase with SuperPi running in the background.

 

[gsellis]

Dual Core for gaming? Either you are planning ahead or thinking with your e-penis.

I would not even consider using a dual to try gaming and rendering at the same time. My rendering engines use both processors and that would kill the gaming (I have a dual Xeon).

 

[DaveSimmons]

However, I point out I'm going 3800+ X2 and not something too expensive because it is the alternative to my 3700+ SD plan, and both are about the same price.

but then you're trading 3700+ speed for just 3200+ in games. The slower per-CPU speed hurts you right away and only _might_ help you someday (in games).

 

[Adul]

not so much to game for me as to multitask like no tomorrow

 

[bob4432]

perhaps i am just being to narrow visioned, as when i game i play fps so there is no way i would do anything else even with additional monitors. like DaveSimmons says, the new amd ad could go like this - "go dual core - > game & rip netflix dvds all at the same time!!"

or maybe it was because i use to be an early adopter then figured out that within a couple of months the prices will go down by ~30% if not more. no reason to be an early adopter and spend big $$$ when a new socket will be coming out in what 6-9mos?

does anybody have any idea when smp/smt games are even going to be mainstream?

i guess i will just hit the fs/ft forum and pick up all of your venices for pennies on the dollar when you guys all go dc... so i guess there is a benefit for me.

one more question, how can you play more than one game at time? are those game that slow and need that little attention?

 

[gsellis]

Originally posted by: Adul
not so much to game for me as to multitask like no tomorrow

Oh, and this be true. I have been known to print labels, burn multiple DVDs using the multiburner option, and play Spider Solitare while waiting

 

[Topweasel]

I have been building a machine for awhile and had my sights set on a 4400+ since it debutted. I game almost always while I am on my computer, the one downside is that i have to wait till i go to sleep to rip a dvd, start my tracker, hell i like the idea of folding but that is out of the question, and finally something as simple as alt tabbing out of BF so i could get the server info for a direct IP connect from X-Fire would make my machine crawl.

I have also been a feature boy since i was little, Just having the ability to use some functionality that i may never use to me is worth the performance, relibility, and quality hit i might recieve by going with it. In this case a 4400+ is only a minor decrease in speed then the 4000+ I was going to get and i get 2 of them (second core 1/4 the price of a 4000+).

edit: I said my machine would crash by alt tabbing out of BF2 this is not true it crawls horribly but as it stands my machine is on its 33rd day running non-stop (no resets power offs or even dropps in network connection).

Edit: I am refering to my AXP machine as i am still waiting for my 7800gtx to come in, and am awaiting the funds to get a 4400+.

 

[Griffinhart]

Well, with my X2 I can game without compromising performance.
I get improved response time in my General computer use.
I finish my Encoding jobs significantly faster and still play a game with no penalty if I want.
I'm good to go for when games start supporting multi-core systems.

All that for $250 to $270 more than what a single core processor would cost me. For me, that extra money was well worth the purchase. Who wouldn't want one if it were in your budget?

I personally wouldn't spend a grand on a Single or Dual Core processor, but at $620 I consider my Dual Core a bargain.

 

[Markfw]

Also, 2xF@H rocks ! as well as the best multitasking that can be had.