Dual Processor vs Dual Core

[reallyfull]

Hi,

I'm interested in attending some large LANs soon and the rules usually state we are only allowed to bring one PC. Attendees are allowed to run any type of game server we choose to separate from what the LAN hosts are running. But obviously it has to be on the same PC we are going to game with. Now what I'm wondering is would I be better off with a dual processor rig or a dual core rig for the task. The server would probably see about 30 players max. I just don't want any lag (or choppiness) on either end (me playing or the people on the server). Also would 2GB or RAM be enough (I will be playing mostly newer games)? If not what would you recommend? Any other comments and tips are welcome.

Thanks!

 

[locutus12]

dual core compared to 2 x single equivalent cores will win every time, as for the ram if your running under VISTA feel free to go for 4 gig, if under XP stick with 2 gig, its memory controller does some very funny things when you go above it such as reclaiming memory in use and leaving fragmented threads lying around, it generally becomes rather inefficient.

 

[myocardia]

Originally posted by: locutus12
if under XP stick with 2 gig, its memory controller does some very funny things when you go above it such as reclaiming memory in use and leaving fragmented threads lying around, it generally becomes rather inefficient.

No it doesn't. It's when you try to go above 3GB that you start having problems. And if going with a 2P system (2 processor) is alright, why not a 2P with 2 dual cores? BTW, you do realize that a dual-core is two processors, just the same as a dual single core system, right? They'll perform the same. Just make sure you have two hard drives, and two copies of the game, so they can run independently of each other.

 

[reallyfull]

Originally posted by: myocardia
No it doesn't. It's when you try to go above 3GB that you start having problems. And if going with a 2P system (2 processor) is alright, why not a 2P with 2 dual cores? BTW, you do realize that a dual-core is two processors, just the same as a dual single core system, right? They'll perform the same. Just make sure you have two hard drives, and two copies of the game, so they can run independently of each other.

Well, say I get a high end dual core processor. Do you think it would run what I need without any hiccups?

 

[DaveSimmons]

If money is no object, get an intel quad core. For solo gaming 2-3 of the cores will sit idle, but when you're playing and serving it's 2 cores for you, 2 for the server.

 

[reallyfull]

Originally posted by: DaveSimmons
If money is no object, get an intel quad core. For solo gaming 2-3 of the cores will sit idle, but when you're playing and serving it's 2 cores for you, 2 for the server.

It would be in the $500.00 range (for the CPU) as far as price goes.

 

[Ruptga]

Dave did say if money is no object. Anyway, quadcore should be overkill, the way Core 2 OCs you could probably be ok with an e4300 at about 3.0-3.2Ghz. But, since you're a gamer you'd probably prefer to have a 6600 for its cache (or you could wait a quarter and get a 6320 which will be priced as a 6300 but have 4MB of cache).