Are duel core processors worth buying yet?

Question

I am not planning to buy a new system for a few years, but I was wondering if duel core processor systems were worth buying yet. I ask this because I am assuming that software will need to be written for the duel core processors to actually get the max usage out of them (i guess a similar case would be someone that wanted to play system resource hog computer games so he bought a duel processor system, the games were not written to worth with 2 processors so the usage is not optimal).

Anyway I'm asking because the prices on these systems are dropping and they are actually starting to look half way decent, so I ask my question again do you think duel core processors are worth buying yet?

Answer 1

Absolutely, in fact single core is basically dead unless you are talking about low end budget models. Remember, you never have just one program running at a time, you probably have at least 30, so having multiple core is a help even if a single program isn't designed to take advantage of both cores.

Answer 2

Currently, dual core processors are worth purchasing. The difference is noticeable in some fields in comparison with Pentium IV HT, or Celeron processors.

As for the video game dilemna, all that the user has to do is turn "off" a core, and run the game.

All in all, dual core is versatile, and is the reason why they are worth purchasing. Though, at this stage, dual core should be the standard de uno of computers.

Answer 3

As far as I know, duel-core processors are only useful if you are running multiple applications at once. Keep in mind that this could include all the backgroud applications running in Windows. To my understanding, however, not considering background programs, a duel-core processor will not increase the speed of a single program. Still, I don't think it could hurt to buy one, as all the other processors don't seem to be getting much faster anyways; for the last few years, it has seemed like they've hit the ceiling at around 3 Ghz.

Answer 4

Personally I have a dual core and I love it. I've never had any problems running any games and most games I have run better on my computer than my friends who has very similar specs but a single core chip. Even though games are not optomized for dual core yet most newer games will run better on the dual core. One core will handle video processes and the other will do audio. When I run oblivion one core runs at around 70% and the other at 20%.
For the future dual core is definatly the way to go. New games like crysis and unreal tournament 2007 are going to be multithreaded, meaning they will be optomized for dual or even quad core computers.

Answer 5

Don't count on it. With vista(microsofts new os) coming out in januarry 30th computers are going to become more pricy because vista need pretty good specs to run at full capabilities. It's built for dualcore, can use flash hardrives, uses thumbnail drives as added ram, great graphics, good secutity. Speed + security = Buy in Januarry

Answer 6

you can bet that having a dual core will be almost neccessary within the next year. the prices will be dropping dramatically over the next few month so it's up to you if you want to wait to save some bucks.

Answer 7

The people that I know that have bought them say they are great, im planning on buying one in a few weeks

Answer 8

YES!!

intel dual cores are the best thing yet

Answer 9

If you're planning to use Windows Vista, then it's worth it. Vista will allocate the task of your pc, and it is made for it, go super multi-tasking! otherwise, I don't think it's worth it....

Answer 10

nope to expensive wait a while