Is there any point in NOT going dual core right now?

[Imyourzero]

OK, here's the deal. I've got an aging (by our standards) 3400+/1GB/X800XT system that is going to receive an upgrade shortly. I have been really impressed by the longevity of this system, because as long as I don't max out the AA/AF settings in today's games I can run just about everything smoothly at 1600x1200 (haven't tried Oblivion though). This includes COD2, Far Cry, Doom3, Prey, and to a lesser extent, F.E.A.R. and Condemned.

Now...I am tempted to go with a 4000+ single core CPU and pair it with 2GB of RAM and either a 7900GT or maybe an X1900XT. But I see that times have changed in a BIG way since my last upgrade when everybody had 3200+/3400+ CPUs because now everyone is going with Opterons (which I know nothing about) and X2s. A few months ago, I considered going to the 4400+ X2 but I held off because my system was still doing fine and everyone was plagued by problems with their dual core chips and games (the whole "set affinity" thing). It was then that I decided to hold off until those problems were ironed out, and I fell out of the loop until now.

So, my question is, have the dual core gaming problems been totally resolved? I assume so, since so many of you have X2/Opty systems, but I want to be 100% sure before I take the plunge. I sort of hate to go with a single core CPU now since dual core is obviously the future and more games will be written to take advantage of them, but my network admin job (and school again in about 5 weeks) will not grant me the time to be fighting with my system at home just to get it running trouble-free. I want something that will be fast and stable with as few headaches as possible. I'm trusting you guys to help me, so any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

 

[BassBomb]

problems are resolved, but currently things arent totally for dual core, in terms of games, sure they help but not so much yet...

my total reccomendation is to wait one or two months (conroe is at the door) then see what the waters look like.. because with conroe you should be able to get comparable performance to X2/opty for a good price

 

[Imyourzero]

I totally appreciate that recommendation, but you're asking me to wait one or two months. Waiting X number of months is always the safe thing to do, because there is always something "just around the corner."

My point is, sure I could wait for Conroe, but during that time I'm sure there will be more announcements of new tech and price cuts that will make everyone want to wait that much longer.

Conroe and AM2 are certainly very interesting, don't get me wrong. But with new technology comes new bugs that need to be ironed out (as we saw the X2 CPUs, VIA mobo chipsets from back in the day, you name it). So let's just say that I do wait for Conroe...I'm just worried that after it comes out and people start jumping onto it, there might be issues and the last thing I want is to have issues regardless of the performance. I mean I make a decent living and I can always upgrade again a few months down the road. The only reason I've kept this system this long is because it has performed so well on the newer stuff.

So, let me rephrase my question: if I was going to order parts for a new system right now, would I be better off going with a single core 4000+ or FX-?? beast, or an X2 3800+/4400+/Opteron system?

 

[hans007]

you relaly probably should wait for conroe.

there isn't going to be an all new architecture for either side.

if you are going to buy a system now, and you already have 939, i 'd recommend a 3800+ X2 by far over the 4000 single core. it would cost more though, but definitely worth it.


dual core is just a smoother experience especially if you haev a process lock your system will still be useable. even on my pentium D 820, i can feel that dual core does something, compared to a faster single core (i used to also have a athlon 64 3000 which is faster single core)

 

[Imyourzero]

OK. Maybe I will wait for Conroe since that's the consensus so far. If you guys really think it'll be worth it then I can wait a bit longer...I just don't want to be waiting forever.

And my system right now is not S939...it's a S754 3400+. Pretty amazing to me that it still kicks a good deal of ass, but I agree that I'd probably feel a significant difference even the slowest of the dual core CPUs.

 

[stardrek]

Personally I would get a dual core. It will only be more and more utilized in the near future and gives you a little something now for basic tasks. I think that you are correct in saying there will always be something better, but alot of the time it is usally just a higher clock speed on the proc or fsb or something with the RAM. With conroe around the corner the playing field changes. Conroe is not just a clock jump or allowing for faster RAM, although it does have those things, it is a new approch from Intel on computing/retrieving data that is already sitting in the cache and RAM. It is a large enough architecture change to warrent waiting a few weeks.

 

[CP5670]

The affinity thing is still a major problem in my opinion. Games from the last two years or so are generally fine as long as you install the AMD driver and MS hotfix, but older ones often still have issues. There was an AMD program released recently that some people say fixes this for good, but it hasn't done anything for me. That being said, it is usually possible (although a hassle) to get around these problems in some way or another.

If you're mainly looking for gaming performance though, just go heavy on the video card; the $325 X1900XT on Newegg is a great choice. You will get much more value for your money with that than any processor upgrade.

In any case, I think it definitely makes sense to wait for Conroe at this point. The current rumor is that they should be released in less than a week.

 

[Imyourzero]

OK, well I was digging up info on Conroe & AM2 as you guys were replying to my thread and I am beginning to realize the big deal about Conroe. It does look very promising. Even if I didn't want to wait for Conroe, it would be stupid to buy anything from AMD before the major price cuts happen unless you just have money blowing out of your bunghole or are the most impatient SOB on earth. I mean people are selling 3800's on the forums for $230-$250 and in a few weeks you will probably be able to buy a new one for ~$150.

CP5670, I agree wholeheartedly that a video card will give me more gaming bang for the buck. Heck, if my motherboard accepted PCI-e cards, I'd likely notice a big increase by just doubling my RAM and getting an X1900XT or even 7900GT.

The fact is though, that I'm not only concerned with game performance but system/Windows performance as a whole. I know that an X2 CPU paired with 2GB and a newer gfx card would deliver both compared to my current system, but if Conroe is really this close to hitting the streets then it sounds like it would be an even greater leap in overall performance. If not, I can always go with an X2 or a fast single core...but Conroe is sounding pretty sweet. Anything that makes AT foam at the mouth this much has to be worth waiting for!

I just can't believe that Conroe is going to be as affordable as it is. With such a drastic change in CPU architecture I'm surprised Intel isn't starting these at $400-$500 and going up from there.

Maybe it's time for me to return to Intel anyway. I've been going back and forth for my last few systems (P3 866 -> T-Bird 1.33 -> P4 2.53 -> A64 3400+ -> Conroe??)

 

[Imyourzero]

Wow, I just looked up the Asus and DFI motherboards that were recommended for Conroe...are all Conroe motherboards gonna be $250+? :shocked:

 

[hans007]

the boards that are available now, are all 975x boards thats why.

they are all expensive. when the 965 chipsets come out, they wil be $100-120 as those are mainstream.

conroe i think wont generally be available until mid august. but its probably worth the wait.

 

[Imyourzero]

Gotcha.

I think what I might do is go ahead with a dual core system for general use, and then keep an older single processor system around for older games that may have trouble with DC processors. I think I'll definitely go with a dual core system for my main rig since it will help so much with day to day tasks such as encoding and general Windows usage.

As for waiting for Conroe...I have no idea how the whole supply and demand thing will work, so there might be a shortage of them for a while, but that's OK as it will give us more time to work the kinks out. Maybe I'll do an inexpensive 3800+ system after the price drops and then move to Conroe closer to Christmas.

Right now I'd really like to upgrade this 2001FP to a 2405fpw, since that would make a huge difference in how I use my computer. Then I'll just have to build a system that can run games at acceptable levels on it, lol...

Argh...so many options, as always. I truly appreciate the insight you all have provided, though.

 

[BassBomb]

yea conroes out in a week or so, but the boards will take longer hence me saying 1 month....

 

[Cooler]

There is no reason not to go dual core as stated above and soon single core systems will only be for lowend comps.

 

[aka1nas]

Most likely, the desirable Conroe models (IE the E6600 and other chips that offer the best bang-for-the-buck) will be a bit hard to find at suggested retail price, so expect some inital price gouging. Either way, it should have the same downward effect on AMD pricing so an discounted 939 X2 may still be the way to go for you. That way you could put more money towards extra RAM and a faster card and see a bigger performance increase for the money.

 

[Imyourzero]

Originally posted by: Cooler
There is no reason not to go dual core as stated above and soon single core systems will only be for lowend comps.

That's the feeling I'm getting. Man, these are exciting times! Expensive, but exciting!

 

[TanisHalfElven]

if your gonna upgrade then get a s939 X2 now or after the price cuts.
if your gonna build a new PC wait for conroe. single core is old. don't get it.

 

[Imyourzero]

Originally posted by: tanishalfelven
if your gonna upgrade then get a s939 X2 now or after the price cuts.
if your gonna build a new PC wait for conroe. single core is old. don't get it.

Well...upgrade, build new PC, same thing for me really. I had planned on keeping my case, hard & optical drives, monitor and speakers, but that's about it. CPU, mobo, RAM, and gfx card are getting an update, away from S754 and AGP.

Now I'm actually considering a 7950. Please, someone shake me violently and tell me that a 7900GT will do for now...

 

[Bobthelost]

Originally posted by: Imyourzero

Originally posted by: tanishalfelven
if your gonna upgrade then get a s939 X2 now or after the price cuts.
if your gonna build a new PC wait for conroe. single core is old. don't get it.

Well...upgrade, build new PC, same thing for me really. I had planned on keeping my case, hard & optical drives, monitor and speakers, but that's about it. CPU, mobo, RAM, and gfx card are getting an update, away from S754 and AGP.

Now I'm actually considering a 7950. Please, someone shake me violently and tell me that a 7900GT will do for now...

Graphics cards are like crack, you never have enough (and keeping the damned squirrels away from them is a nightmare).

Get a 7900GT and be happy, then overvolt it and laugh like a maniac.

 

[akshayt]

AS of now, dual core won't give you any performance boost in gaming, if you are only doing one thing at a time, I mean even if it gives better performance, it won't even bbe noticeable to the eye. Right?

 

[lopri]

Performance-wise, I'm perfectly happy with my 3GHz Opteron 146. My interest in dual-core Opties/Conroes has been more to do with my 'inner geek-iness', tbh.

 

[FelixDeCat]

Originally posted by: lopri
Performance-wise, I'm perfectly happy with my 3GHz Opteron 146. My interest in dual-core Opties/Conroes has been more to do with my 'inner geek-iness', tbh.

Exactly. Im happy with my P4 for current applications, but I sure wouldnt build a brand new single core system at this time.

 

[keldog7]

Dual core gaming is a bit of a non-issue, as far as I'm concerned. For most of the stuff out there, dual core wont really speed much up at all. So, until you start hearing otherwise (i.e. "Elder Scrolls 5:NewBLIVIONs Revenge runs 80% faster with a dual core!!"), there's no real reason to upgrade yet. Waiting another 6-12 months will just make anything you buy that much better or cheaper.

-A