Need some computer education.

Freiwillige · 03-28-11, 10:06 PM

I haven't built a gaming computer since single core processors were the only option.

So question one I noticed allot of dual, triple and quad core processors are quite low in MHz.

Last computer upgrade I did was an Athlon 64 4500+, This I understand

I am noticing that allot of computers now are lower like 2.8 but dual or more cores. What If a Sim I like is only single core designed?? Like SHIII does it mean it would be like running it on a single 2.8 and the other cores are idle?

Gerald · 03-28-11, 10:17 PM

Have you decided how many cores you want?, today, it is difficult to escape the less a two cores

Arclight · 03-28-11, 10:44 PM

Both Windows and DirectX (for games) will do some load-balancing to make sure more than 1 core is used, but yeah, applications that were made without multicore support do better with a fast core.

Basically, if you upgrade, never sacrifice core speed for more cores. At least not in a gaming rig. At this point a 3GHz dual seems to be the minimum for games anyway, so that's a speed I'd aim for.

(the Core2 chips easily overclock there, given you have a fast one to begin with. The i-series with the turbo boost feature reach it as well, but only on 1 or 2 cores: it shuts down the ones not being used and uses that leeway to boost the ones in use)

NeonSamurai · 03-29-11, 08:21 AM

One thing to keep in mind with dual/multi cores vs the older single cores, is even though older games will only run on one core, windows will move all the other stuff over to another core, so you do not have the os and other programs slowing things down.

the_tyrant · 03-29-11, 08:33 AM

tell me how much are you planning to spend, I'll help you find an optimal combination

Freiwillige · 03-29-11, 10:59 AM

well I am not going to have this computer all at once it is a long term piece by piece approach. Most parts will be purchased off craigslist or ebay.

Like example I found a gigabyte AM3 MB with a Phenom II Black X4 3.8 for $150. Its now sold as I wait for my tax returns

Gerald · 03-29-11, 11:16 AM

There are several occasions on the voyage, was so sure of that

Freiwillige · 03-29-11, 02:40 PM

I guess initially I will spend about $200 to $300

FIREWALL · 05-08-11, 07:58 PM

Sorry but, $200.00-$300.00 is upgrade money not, build a new money.

Do you have anything upto date in your present rig you can salvage ?

edit:

Sorry. Reread your post.

03-28-11, 10:06 PM	#1
Freiwillige The Old Man Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Phx. Az Posts: 1,458 Downloads: 24 Uploads: 0	Need some computer education. I haven't built a gaming computer since single core processors were the only option. So question one I noticed allot of dual, triple and quad core processors are quite low in MHz. Last computer upgrade I did was an Athlon 64 4500+, This I understand I am noticing that allot of computers now are lower like 2.8 but dual or more cores. What If a Sim I like is only single core designed?? Like SHIII does it mean it would be like running it on a single 2.8 and the other cores are idle?

03-28-11, 10:17 PM	#2
Gerald SUBSIM Newsman Join Date: May 2008 Location: Close to sea Posts: 24,254 Downloads: 553 Uploads: 0	Have you decided how many cores you want?, today, it is difficult to escape the less a two cores __________________ Nothing in life is to be feard,it is only to be understood. Marie Curie

03-28-11, 10:44 PM	#3
Arclight Navy Seal Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Land of windmills, tulips, wooden shoes and cheese. Lots of cheese. Posts: 8,467 Downloads: 53 Uploads: 10	Both Windows and DirectX (for games) will do some load-balancing to make sure more than 1 core is used, but yeah, applications that were made without multicore support do better with a fast core. Basically, if you upgrade, never sacrifice core speed for more cores. At least not in a gaming rig. At this point a 3GHz dual seems to be the minimum for games anyway, so that's a speed I'd aim for. (the Core2 chips easily overclock there, given you have a fast one to begin with. The i-series with the turbo boost feature reach it as well, but only on 1 or 2 cores: it shuts down the ones not being used and uses that leeway to boost the ones in use) __________________ Contritium praecedit superbia.

03-29-11, 08:21 AM	#4
NeonSamurai Ocean Warrior Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Socialist Republic of Kanadia Posts: 3,044 Downloads: 25 Uploads: 0	One thing to keep in mind with dual/multi cores vs the older single cores, is even though older games will only run on one core, windows will move all the other stuff over to another core, so you do not have the os and other programs slowing things down. __________________ SH3 Newbie Guide Links and other helpfull stuff

03-29-11, 11:16 AM	#7
Gerald SUBSIM Newsman Join Date: May 2008 Location: Close to sea Posts: 24,254 Downloads: 553 Uploads: 0	There are several occasions on the voyage, was so sure of that __________________ Nothing in life is to be feard,it is only to be understood. Marie Curie

03-29-11, 08:33 AM	#5
the_tyrant Admiral Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Canada Posts: 2,272 Downloads: 58 Uploads: 0	tell me how much are you planning to spend, I'll help you find an optimal combination

03-29-11, 10:59 AM	#6
Freiwillige The Old Man Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Phx. Az Posts: 1,458 Downloads: 24 Uploads: 0	well I am not going to have this computer all at once it is a long term piece by piece approach. Most parts will be purchased off craigslist or ebay. Like example I found a gigabyte AM3 MB with a Phenom II Black X4 3.8 for $150. Its now sold as I wait for my tax returns

03-29-11, 02:40 PM	#8
Freiwillige The Old Man Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Phx. Az Posts: 1,458 Downloads: 24 Uploads: 0	I guess initially I will spend about $200 to $300

05-08-11, 07:58 PM	#9
FIREWALL Eternal Patrol Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: CATALINA IS. SO . CAL USA Posts: 10,108 Downloads: 511 Uploads: 0	Sorry but, $200.00-$300.00 is upgrade money not, build a new money. Do you have anything upto date in your present rig you can salvage ? edit: Sorry. Reread your post. __________________ RIP FIREWALL I Play GWX. Silent Hunter Who ??? Last edited by FIREWALL; 06-14-11 at 06:50 PM.