Will an AMD X2 3800 help me when running these programs?

[dohyun]

I want to make sure there is a difference If I got a dual Core as opposed to a single core.

I want to run these programs simutaneously:

Adobe Illustrator
Winamp
Aim
5-10 tabs firefox
Word
Photoshop (occasionally)

AND maybe TV Tuner/DVD viewing if the CPU can handle that. (Will have a second monitor)

From reading previous threads, the X2 seems like it would help only if I was doing video editing programs that use HT technology.
I think most of the programs I am running are not using HT technology.

Help? Sidenote ( what is a good mobo to get under 100 dollars )

 

[AkumaX]

I found this on google: http://www.denniskarlsson.com/smp/

I think it would help. I also suggest getting a 2nd hard drive when doing heavy file-processing in photoshop or illustrator. Things should balance out to provide a very smooth experience

 

[Leper Messiah]

Yes. I run all of that right now and no lag (well, not winamp, but I stream music from the interweb).

Good mobo for under a hundred, No SLi? Epox has some nice ones for cheap.

 

[potato28]

AkumaX has a point with the second HDD, but yes you would benefit from the X2. A good mobo for under $100 is a Epox, i dont know the exact name, but someone will post a linky to it.

 

[Skott]

If you are trying to do more than one at the same time then the answer generally speaking is yes. How much kinda also depends if the products in question actually support the X2 from the start. If it does then you'll get even more benefit from it. Right now there arent alot of programs that directly get the support. Many feel later on programers will tweak their software to take more advantage of the dual core chips. Thats why you'll hear the words 'future proofing' when it comes to getting dual core chips.

Some people are waiting though until dual core actually becomes more mainstream especially for gaming. Considering the industry is expected to see quad core chips around 2007/8 I would say its safe to assume developers and programers will make their software and games take more advantage of the multi-core chips sooner rather than later although it'll take them time to do so. I think late 2006 will be a pivotal year that decides the raging debate of single vs dual core processors. Thats just my own personal opinion though.