2 questions for computer gurus

[GinzaDog]

I am going to build a new computer soon.

1. Is the dual core CPU worth the extra money for gaming? I see how the hypertransport works, but if I am only running the one application (a game) will I see any speed improvement with a dual core over a standard CPU.

2. I plan to run dual 512MB video cards, but if for money reasons I downgrade, is there an advantage to running two 256MB cards over just a single 512?

Thanks for any help.

[-{DFA}-Brak710]

Re: 2 questions for computer gurus

Over all number one...) WRONG FORUM! But Im not to mad.

1.) You wouln't notice much unless the game is built to support dual procs or dual cores. Don't hold off if your buying a new PC to make sure it has it, but don't worry about upgrading, its not really needed right yet.

2.) One 512MB still has more Memory space than two 256MBs. With SLI both cards need to have the same exact data in thier memory. Likewise, two 512MBs only have 512MB of "working" memory capacity. When people buy SLI they arn't looking for 2 sets of memory, but two GPUs to analyze and render the data.

PM me if you need more help.

[sackynut]

Re: 2 questions for computer gurus

I am going to build a new computer soon.

1. Is the dual core CPU worth the extra money for gaming? I see how the hypertransport works, but if I am only running the one application (a game) will I see any speed improvement with a dual core over a standard CPU.

2. I plan to run dual 512MB video cards, but if for money reasons I downgrade, is there an advantage to running two 256MB cards over just a single 512?

Thanks for any help.

1. For gaming: if your took the money you WOULD spend on a dual core and spent it on a single core your gaming performance would be much better. Yes, it could run the programs in the background at the same time if you have a lot of background processes. But if you dont have many background processes, I would go single core.

2. If you have enough ram, running two 256mb cards will be better than a single 512 card, but the 512 card is still close.

[imported_K_Shizzle]

Re: 2 questions for computer gurus

Running two 256 video cards is like dual channel ram. It is faster than a single 512 stick since they can communicate between each other.

[WiredEvolution]

Re: 2 questions for computer gurus

I am going to build a new computer soon.

1. Is the dual core CPU worth the extra money for gaming? I see how the hypertransport works, but if I am only running the one application (a game) will I see any speed improvement with a dual core over a standard CPU.

2. I plan to run dual 512MB video cards, but if for money reasons I downgrade, is there an advantage to running two 256MB cards over just a single 512?

Thanks for any help.

1.) There are a number of serious bugs in BF2 caused by dual/mutli-core CPUs. This is a combination of windows and BF2 code. There are workarounds and exceptions, but I would seriouslly recommend staying single-core -especially if you are building a gaming rig. The next generation of computer games may take advantage of multi-core systems (think Unreal 2007). After that (with the advent of Windows Vista) we should see most developers writing code for multi-core systems by default.

Best performance for the price: Opteron 146. It overclocks to anywhere between 2500 and 3000mhz on air (3xxx on water); outperforming the FX 55 and 57 processors: for around £140. FYI: AMD processors are having prices cut soon if rumours are to be believed, maybe that can work to your advantage.

Opteron146 on Ebay (I am not endorsing or recommending this seller, or Ebay... it's just an example).

If you do consider an X2 (the only viable dual-core platform... Intel dual-core suck) then I can personally recommend the AMD X2 3800. The upcoming price-drop makes it an even better bargain and most 3800s overclock well. The 3800 'only' has 512k per core, but the 512k cores overclock better than the 1mb cores. That's important to remember; as your extra Mhz is more important (in games, applications) than the 1mb core you find on the more expensive 4400 and 4800 models.

Most 3800's will OC to at least 2400 on stock air, and OC to 2600+ on better air. I use a Zalman to maintain a stable 2500. 2600 doesnt offer much difference in games so I stay at a nice and cool 2501.

As you probably know: AMD is the choice for anyone wishing to build a new system with very few exceptions (usually professional, corporate or academic applications).

2.) Regarding your choice of graphics cards: 2 x 256mb cards will generally perform faster than a single 512mb card. But they will draw more power, create more heat and a little more noise. Depending on your mobo, cooling and case I'd advise purchasing a single 512 card and just sell/update as and when you feel the need. Currently 2x6800 Ultras or 2x7800 GTs seem to be the 'sweet spot' (price/performance ratio). The 1900 XTX is currently the fastest card available. The upcoming 7900 GTX is gonna whoop it but rumour has it that the 7900GTX is delayed. I'm an nvidia fan myself so I'm reluctant to admit: the 1900 XTX is your best 512mb option if you want best performance.

Depends on your budget though (what is your budget?)... single GTX and GT cards kick BF2 ass @1600x1200 (max settings + 2xAA) on my system (below).


Hope all that helps, let us know how you get on, and maybe your budget?
Gary

[{KiA}-Shadowwave]

Re: 2 questions for computer gurus

multi core systems don't emprove gameplay. these games aren't aware of the multicore systems. they only make programs like photoshop work better, so its not worth the money.

[WickedSlammy]

Re: 2 questions for computer gurus

If youre looking at gettin a "cheap" dual core, dont do it. Dual core processors will be needed shortly but the lower end parts run rather slow and a mid/high end single core processor is better for gaming. Id go with atleast a +4400 toledo core AMD X2 if you want dual core or a +4000 san diego single core processor. Unless you can afford a FX chip then look at the new FX-60 which is dual core and has a slight lead over the single core FX-57. As for the video card questions, i read some of the replies and they are wrong. If you have 2 512mb cards then yes you have 1024mb of VIDEO MEMORY which is good for a game like BF2 since it can store data directly on the card instead of having to put it in system memory. Remember with games it goes, video card memory, system memory and finally paging file on the harddrive. You want to avoid harddrive paging at all costs as this is what causes stuttering. This is why setting the texture setting to HIGH on 1gig systems causes stuttering, it is using the paging file which is the slowest thing in your computer. If you had enough video memory you could store all the textures directly on the video card which is optimal. If you can afford 2 512mb cards then go for it, i advise you to go overkill as much as you can as that just means your computer will last longer before needing a upgrade.

[Grafisk]

Re: 2 questions for computer gurus

X2 is the way of the future, and I assume you won't be playing only BF2? It's a money quiestion, but if you don't plan on buying a new comp soon, I think you should choose the X2's.

And why do you even consider 512 MB of RAM? 1024 is almost (is already IMO) a minimum requirement for todays games.

[PsYcHo.KiLLa]

Re: 2 questions for computer gurus

I'm not going to repeat what they said, but I would say the same. (Just for verification puposes)

[WiredEvolution]

Re: 2 questions for computer gurus

If youre looking at gettin a "cheap" dual core, dont do it. Dual core processors will be needed shortly but the lower end parts run rather slow and a mid/high end single core processor is better for gaming. Id go with atleast a +4400 toledo core AMD X2

You're telling me my 3800@2500mhz 'x2 5000' is slow? 3800 X2 is currently a good and safe overclocker and at a damn fine price. As is the Opteron 146 route. Opteron 146 just wont be as good in Photoshop etc.

Hmm, but of course this all comes down to budget tho... so help us out and let us know what ur spending pls. :)

[Princess_Frosty]

Re: 2 questions for computer gurus

Dual core processors get a fairly nice performance increase for games that are specifically written to support dual core CPU's, most of which now a days are NOT. Quake 4 and something else can support dual core ATM and thats it!

This alone would not be enough of a reason not to get one, but they're really expensive as well.

For PRICE VS PERFORMANCE in games I cannot at this time recommend getting one. I got a 64 4000+ (which is at 2.7Ghz) if i had spent that much cash on dual core I could have got the worst dual core CPU, which runs single core games significantly slower.

In fact the average benchmark i saw for games put the very fastst dual core cpu at the same speed as my 64 4000+, yet it costs twice as much.

Spending 2x the price for the same performance in 99.999999% of games is simply not worth it.

wait a few years until the tech has matured adn is cheaper and all the games support it, then it will be worth getting.

[imported_Wreck]

Re: 2 questions for computer gurus

I'll put my dual core AMD Opteron 170 running at 2.8Ghz up against any single processor in gaming. All you need to do is set BF2's affinity to one of the processors and you are good to go. This dual core FX 60 seems to do fine in games. It's 200mhz slower than my processor:

[topdogger]

Re: 2 questions for computer gurus

Would this motherboard be a good one for opteron 146's? I thought I read somewhere it wouldn't be compatible but I'm not sure.

This would be for server/workstation/gaming station usage. I'm constantly running into CPU issues because of all the background proceses. I want the functionallity of dual cpu's but I have a low budget.

[Regent]

Re: 2 questions for computer gurus

Would this motherboard be a good one for opteron 146's? I thought I read somewhere it wouldn't be compatible but I'm not sure.

This would be for server/workstation/gaming station usage. I'm constantly running into CPU issues because of all the background proceses. I want the functionallity of dual cpu's but I have a low budget.

You might want to go make your own thread/

[Blak_Phoenix]

Re: 2 questions for computer gurus

If you are thinking of getting the 7800GTX 512MB vid card, dont either wait for the new 7900GT/X or get the x1900XTX, they have 512 MB of RAM, are cheaper AND will/do perform better than the 7800GTX 512MB.

Also, the FX-57 is still the best single core CPU for gaming (also the best over all for gaming), but the FX-60 is the way of the future and will help alot if you plan to listen to music while playing or be on TeamSpeak/X-Fire/MSN/or having ANY other program/process running in the background.