Should I get a Dual Core Pocessor?

Question

I am currently running an AMD socket 939 Athlon 64 3800 (1.8 Ghz) processor. I am wondering if it would be worth me spending the money to get a Dual core processor, such as the AMD Athlon X2 (somewhere around 2.2-2.4 Ghz). I use my computer for both gaming and other applications. I like to multitask and often have IE w/ 3-4 tabs, Itunes, and Word all open at the same time (or a similar combo). Will I get a significant performance upgrade by going dual core? Thanks.

I do not want to get a new motherboard so that rules out the core 2 duo.

I just upgraded to 3 GB of memory

Answer 1

Hey Dude,

Depends. Some applications do not take advantage of the Dual Core processor. Others do.

Often, I find that it is not the processor that is the bottleneck, it is memory or hard drive speed. Take a look at what is happening in the Task Manager before deciding you need a dual core processor.

BTW, I have it. It came with my computer and I noticed a difference in word processing and desktop publishing.

Tom

Answer 2

Yes you should but not the Dual Cores, get the Core 2 Duos, there way faster and the best for multitasking, they make sure they use as least memory as possible so you can use it for something else. But if I were you I would wait a few months because Intel has recently created a Core 2 Quad, so its just a matter of time before they are up on the market shelves.

Answer 3

I would suggest that you do get a dual core processor judging from what you written. They are a bit pricey right now because they're the new and glitzy. Especially if you're a gamer they can really improve your performance
It's definately worth it! I went from a 3500 to an X2 3800 @ 2600mhz. Oh man, what a difference.

Much smoother in windows performance. Applications switch easier. Burning "home movies" and doing other tasks never bogs down my computer.

I play battlefield 2 a lot and going back into windows from the game used to make my system chug until windows got all it's resourses back. Now after playing it just closes and everythings back to normal immediately.

Answer 4

no get the 2 duol core processor it really cool