PhII x2 555 @ 3.7GHz vs PhII x4 965 @ 3.6-4.0GHz?

[angry hampster]

I've currently got a Phenom II 555BE that I'm running around 3.7GHz and it's very stable and runs cool. This processor will not unlock extra cores with any remote sense of stability. With my new camera, I've noticed some slowdowns in Lightroom and Photoshop due to the increased file size. Newegg's got a $20 off promo right now with the 965BE, putting it at $119 w/free ship.

Questions:
1. How much of a real-world difference will I see at stock speeds when using Photoshop CS5 and Lightroom 3?
2. I read on a few reviews that the Phenom II series basically hits a wall at 4.0GHz using x64-based systems. Is this still true?
3. Would an extra 4GB of RAM be a better use of my money at this time, and then wait for price drops on Thubans?

Thanks in advance!


Also, motherboard is a Gigabyte 785G-USB3. Hard drives are a Western Digital blue 320GB (OS/apps) and blue 1TB (media/photos).

 

[superccs]

Might as well get the x6 if you are bothering

Anyone of them will get to 3.8Ghz easy.

The BE have the most options as far as OCing but they will not get you any more potential.... my 1055t gets to 4.0 with turbo and regularly runs at 3.4 with a 243FSB speed (cnq on everything stock volts).

 

[Elixer]

Yeah, I have to agree, Photoshop CS5 and Lightroom 3 love more cores and more RAM (depending on what you are actually doing of course).

I would hold off buying a new CPU at this point, unless you really need it now, and use this setup for work, in that case, time is money, so you need more cores over more RAM.

It might just be better to get a whole new system, instead of throwing $$$ into a old system.

 

[fffblackmage]

Your current system uses DDR3? If that's the case, you could easily buy more ram, like a 2x4GB kit, and later on, move the kit to a new platform, like BD or SB/IB.

 

[angry hampster]

Your current system uses DDR3? If that's the case, you could easily buy more ram, like a 2x4GB kit, and later on, move the kit to a new platform, like BD or SB/IB.

This is what I am considering for the time being. With new CPUs coming out this year from both companies, I'm curious what will happen to prices of the current generation. A hex core AMD would make me perfectly satisfied.

 

[Skott]

Your current system uses DDR3? If that's the case, you could easily buy more ram, like a 2x4GB kit, and later on, move the kit to a new platform, like BD or SB/IB.

This is probably your safest bet. Especially if BD releases in June as originally announced. They also say early Summer too so I'm thinking last week of June or thereabouts. Only talking a Month or so.

 

[exar333]

This is probably your safest bet. Especially if BD releases in June as originally announced. They also say early Summer too so I'm thinking last week of June or thereabouts. Only talking a Month or so.

Not anymore....

Looking like September or possibly later based on recent rumors (not confirmed yet).