« previous next »
Pages:  [1] 2 »  All   Go Down

Author Topic: Quad core versus Dual core  (Read 24691 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline bigpook

  • Thread Starter
  • Posts: 1723
Quad core versus Dual core
« on: Mon, 13 April 2009, 13:46:01 »
I have a 2.8G AMD X2 and was swapping out video cards. Maybe I bounced the case, I don't really know, but one of the heatsink retaining clips broke off of the mount.

That kind of chapped me as it is my main box. I was in a rush so I used some thermal adhesive to "glue" the heatsink to the CPU.

So its "all better" now. But I got to thinking and was pondering if I should take the time to just swap out the mobo/cpu and ram. I was thinking of going with a phenom II or maybe even an intel chip.

So I guess my question is if you were going to upgrade would you go with a AMD quad core or some Intel version. I am leaning towards the phenom 920 as it seems to be the best bang for the buck.

I like AMD if that matters and have been to Tomshardware and Anandtech to get an idea of price and performance.

What do you guys think?
Logged
HHKB Pro 2 : Unicomp Spacesaver : IBM Model M : DasIII    

Offline ch_123

  • * Exalted Elder
  • Posts: 5860
Quad core versus Dual core
« Reply #1 on: Mon, 13 April 2009, 13:49:42 »
For one, in about a week's time, AMD is set to release the 3.2GHz 955. If you're interested in overclocking, it's supposed to be capable of 4GHz+ without water cooling. If you're not, it will probably push down the price of the 920.

As for Quad Core vs. Dual Core, depends on what you do. Some people say that a faster dual core is better for games, but I personally think that it's best to get the Quad Core for future proofing. It's also probably better for non gaming tasks.
Logged

Offline iMav

  • geekhack creator/founder
  • Location: Valley City, ND
  • "Τα εργαλεία σας είναι σημαντικά."
Quad core versus Dual core
« Reply #2 on: Mon, 13 April 2009, 13:49:42 »
I've been on the Intel the last couple of years (used to be a BIG AMD fan) simply due to the fact that they have really stepped it up in price/performance.  

I've got a quad core Intel as my main VM server (with 8GB) and it is a major workhorse.  Not sure if I would need quad-core for my primary workstation though.
Logged

Offline lam47

  • Posts: 688
Quad core versus Dual core
« Reply #3 on: Mon, 13 April 2009, 13:50:59 »
I would have a look on Guru3d at some benchmarks too.

A lot will depend on what you want to do with it. Quad vs Dual makes pretty much no difference in games. Also AMD vs Intel makes no difference in games over 1680 x whatever resolutions. At these high resolutions the FPS is GPU bound.

If you do a lot of work, rendering whatever on your PC then a Quad is the way to go for sure.
The Phenom 2 chips I think are very good but then the Intel q6600 is still an amazing chip for the money.
I would not go for an I7 just yet as they are expensive and I have heard of a lot having problems.
I personally want to upgrade my AMD 6000+ to a quad Phenom II soon.

Good luck whatever you go for.

Laurie.
Logged
Keyboards. Happy Hacking pro 2 x2. One white one black. IBM model M US layout. SGI silicone Graphics with rubber dampened ALPS. IBM model F. ALPS apple board, I forget what it is. And some more I forget what I have.

Typewriters. Olivetti Valentine. Imperial Good Companion Model T. Olympia SM3

Offline bigpook

  • Thread Starter
  • Posts: 1723
Quad core versus Dual core
« Reply #4 on: Mon, 13 April 2009, 13:54:03 »
It seems like a quad core would be overkill. And just to make you guys laugh a bit, its not like I really do all that much. I don't game on PC's (anymore), I have no interest in overclocking either. My world is through a web browser, and email of course. I don't do anything that really requires a powerful CPU. But the price/performance is acceptable and I always like a "faster machine".
Logged
HHKB Pro 2 : Unicomp Spacesaver : IBM Model M : DasIII    

Offline lam47

  • Posts: 688
Quad core versus Dual core
« Reply #5 on: Mon, 13 April 2009, 13:59:28 »
Pink netbook ;)
Logged
Keyboards. Happy Hacking pro 2 x2. One white one black. IBM model M US layout. SGI silicone Graphics with rubber dampened ALPS. IBM model F. ALPS apple board, I forget what it is. And some more I forget what I have.

Typewriters. Olivetti Valentine. Imperial Good Companion Model T. Olympia SM3

Offline bigpook

  • Thread Starter
  • Posts: 1723
Quad core versus Dual core
« Reply #6 on: Mon, 13 April 2009, 14:00:47 »
Quote from: lam47;28644
Pink netbook ;)


Yeah, I was waiting for that. : )
Logged
HHKB Pro 2 : Unicomp Spacesaver : IBM Model M : DasIII    

Offline wheel83

  • Posts: 189
Quad core versus Dual core
« Reply #7 on: Mon, 13 April 2009, 14:01:38 »
i have a 6600 and its great.
Logged
I <3 BS

Offline bigpook

  • Thread Starter
  • Posts: 1723
Quad core versus Dual core
« Reply #8 on: Mon, 13 April 2009, 14:03:46 »
From what I am reading there are not a whole lot of applications that really take advantage of quad core as of yet, but that is expected to change.

Aside from the high-end intel chips the mid-range isn't really priced so bad.
Logged
HHKB Pro 2 : Unicomp Spacesaver : IBM Model M : DasIII    

Offline lam47

  • Posts: 688
Quad core versus Dual core
« Reply #9 on: Mon, 13 April 2009, 14:07:43 »
6600 I think is still regarded as the best chip for the money.
It would mean going over to the dark side though.
Logged
Keyboards. Happy Hacking pro 2 x2. One white one black. IBM model M US layout. SGI silicone Graphics with rubber dampened ALPS. IBM model F. ALPS apple board, I forget what it is. And some more I forget what I have.

Typewriters. Olivetti Valentine. Imperial Good Companion Model T. Olympia SM3

Offline bigpook

  • Thread Starter
  • Posts: 1723
Quad core versus Dual core
« Reply #10 on: Mon, 13 April 2009, 14:17:23 »
Quote from: lam47;28648
6600 I think is still regarded as the best chip for the money.
It would mean going over to the dark side though.


I have read good things about the 6600 also.
I like AMD for the price/performance but have no issues with an Intel processor. I use them years ago and they worked fine.
I need to price out the kit for the 6600 and see what an Intel solution adds up too.

Usually, Intel costs a bit more versus AMD. Generally speaking, available CPU's are overkill for what most people use them for anyways.
Aside from wanting something to overclock, or the latest games, and whatever passes for power-hungry applications.

On the server side I guess its more of a question of load that dictates hardware needs. But the desktop...
Logged
HHKB Pro 2 : Unicomp Spacesaver : IBM Model M : DasIII    

Offline itlnstln

  • Posts: 7048
Quad core versus Dual core
« Reply #11 on: Mon, 13 April 2009, 14:23:32 »
Quote from: bigpook;28652
On the server side I guess its more of a question of load that dictates hardware needs. But the desktop...


...it's all about the size of your e-pen*s...  err...  needs.
Logged

Offline bigpook

  • Thread Starter
  • Posts: 1723
Quad core versus Dual core
« Reply #12 on: Mon, 13 April 2009, 14:24:39 »
Quote from: itlnstln;28654
...it's all about the size of your e-pen*s...  err...  needs.

Kind of like driving to the grocery store in a Bugatti.....hey, its still a car right?

But to be fair the cost of upgrading isn't so prohibitive nowadays. You can get 4G of ram for like 60 dollars, which is unbelievable to me. Decent mobo's can be had for under 100  too.
Not like years ago, yeah baby. I remember paying 125 dollars for 1Meg of memory. And at the time thought that was a great price. Now get off my lawn! : ) damn kids.
Logged
HHKB Pro 2 : Unicomp Spacesaver : IBM Model M : DasIII    

Offline itlnstln

  • Posts: 7048
Quad core versus Dual core
« Reply #13 on: Mon, 13 April 2009, 14:29:32 »
Quote from: bigpook;28655
Kind of like driving to the grocery store in a Bugatti.....hey, its still a car right?


Exactly.  1001 HP?  Hey, groceries are heavy, especially since I would be buying all canned food since I spent all my money on the car.
Logged

Offline bigpook

  • Thread Starter
  • Posts: 1723
Quad core versus Dual core
« Reply #14 on: Mon, 13 April 2009, 14:33:37 »
Quote from: itlnstln;28657
Exactly.  1001 HP?  Hey, groceries are heavy, especially since I would be buying all canned food since I spent all my money on the car.


For the price of a Bugatti I am thinking that canned food might be feline related. But hey, the car is mighty fine.
Cat chow, its whats for dinner!
Logged
HHKB Pro 2 : Unicomp Spacesaver : IBM Model M : DasIII    

Offline itlnstln

  • Posts: 7048
Quad core versus Dual core
« Reply #15 on: Mon, 13 April 2009, 14:43:48 »
Quote from: bigpook;28660
For the price of a Bugatti I am thinking that canned food might be feline related. But hey, the car is mighty fine.
Cat chow, its whats for dinner!


Either that, or 40 lb. bags of dog food.  Pour some in a bowl with some milk...  MMMM, MMMM...  Meat Chex.
Logged

Offline FKSSR

  • Posts: 529
Quad core versus Dual core
« Reply #16 on: Mon, 13 April 2009, 14:51:21 »
If I were you, I woudn't go for quad.  It doesn't sound like it would be worth it.

I will be building a new computer sometime this year, and I am even thinking of going dual core, since the only intensive thing I do with a computer is gaming (though I don't get too much of that in right now).  I may start doing small music recording, but it wouldn't even be very intensive.

So, I think quad is really only for people doing a lot of non-gaming, intensive work or people really worried about future-proofing.
Logged
Add me on Steam | Twitter

Offline bigpook

  • Thread Starter
  • Posts: 1723
Quad core versus Dual core
« Reply #17 on: Mon, 13 April 2009, 14:59:06 »
Quote from: FKSSR;28663
If I were you, I woudn't go for quad.  It doesn't sound like it would be worth it.

I will be building a new computer sometime this year, and I am even thinking of going dual core, since the only intensive thing I do with a computer is gaming (though I don't get too much of that in right now).  I may start doing small music recording, but it wouldn't even be very intensive.

So, I think quad is really only for people doing a lot of non-gaming, intensive work or people really worried about future-proofing.


But the cost isn't that far out of whack.
phenom II 920 @ 189

AMD X2 6400 @ 169

I haven't looked at the Intel pricing yet but its probably in the same ball park. If I stick with AMD there is a 20 dollar up-cost to going with quad versus dual. Thats a pretty small difference.
Logged
HHKB Pro 2 : Unicomp Spacesaver : IBM Model M : DasIII    

Offline bigpook

  • Thread Starter
  • Posts: 1723
Quad core versus Dual core
« Reply #18 on: Mon, 13 April 2009, 15:14:33 »
Quote from: ripster;28666
Intel Quad core all the way.   If you EVER think you may do some video editing (have kids), photoshop(take pictures), or just even have an ipod (handbrake) you will be amazed at the difference.

Then overclock that sucker.  I've got a Q6600 running at 3.6Ghz on air.  

$215
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115017

- Ripster

Nice, but this link says the phenom is a little better, its also a bit cheaper

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/phenom-ii-940,2114-24.html

Granted, thats for the 940

Here are some other numbers, I have no idea how they cooked them up though

http://www.cpubenchmark.net/common_cpus.html
Logged
HHKB Pro 2 : Unicomp Spacesaver : IBM Model M : DasIII    

Offline itlnstln

  • Posts: 7048
Quad core versus Dual core
« Reply #19 on: Mon, 13 April 2009, 15:23:58 »
I have a Quad-Core at work, and I absolutely love it.  I have a Dell Precision T5400 with a Xeon E5405 and 4 GB RAM.  It absolutely flies, and the only time I have been able to even come close to stressing it is doing some very complex data analysis using Excel 2007 (which can use mulitple cores/threads, FTW).  Most of the time, though, I can let something run in the background while I work on other things.  Like posting on GeekHack. :)
Logged

Offline CX23882

  • Posts: 174
Quad core versus Dual core
« Reply #20 on: Mon, 13 April 2009, 15:32:24 »
Some games are coming out that can take advantage of quad core CPUs. GTA IV runs very poorly on dual-core CPUs - I'm running a 2.8GHz Athlon 5400+ and it is borderline playable on minimum settings. I'd say that you absolutely must have a quad core if you're going to play GTA IV (regardless of whether it's a "bad port" or if it's making good use of cutting-edge hardware). Then at the other end of the scale there are games such as Crysis which are GPU bound.
Logged

Offline bigpook

  • Thread Starter
  • Posts: 1723
Quad core versus Dual core
« Reply #21 on: Mon, 13 April 2009, 15:35:29 »
Quote from: ripster;28673
Intel or AMD - whatever.    The point I was trying to make is go for the Quad - especially since both of these cost the same and overclock to 3.6G on air.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103471

- Ripster


Sorry, the pricing is the same for the 940 and the 6600. I was thinking of the 920 when I was typing. I agree on the quad versus dual as over time more applications will make use of 4 cores. Besides the pricing being good for quad cores.
I don't know if I have the ninja skills to overclock though. I was never much into doing that.
Logged
HHKB Pro 2 : Unicomp Spacesaver : IBM Model M : DasIII    

Offline itlnstln

  • Posts: 7048
Quad core versus Dual core
« Reply #22 on: Mon, 13 April 2009, 15:41:59 »
Quote from: bigpook;28679

I don't know if I have the ninja skills to overclock though. I was never much into doing that.


With processors as cheap as they are these days, I never really saw the benefit, especially since overclocking can reduce the life of your CPU.  Now, if you upgrade regularly, unlike me these days, this may not be an issue.  I always found that once you bought the components you needed to OC with (faster memory, tweakable motherboard, cooler), you could have bought a faster processor running at stock clock speeds safely.  When processors were more expensive in the early to mid-nineties, OCing made more sense.

Of course, this is all my opinion.
Logged

Offline FKSSR

  • Posts: 529
Quad core versus Dual core
« Reply #23 on: Mon, 13 April 2009, 15:44:23 »
Ah, I didn't know quad cores were so close to duals these days.  I guess I haven't kept up very well...

Thanks for that info!

I would go with a quad, in that case. :)
Logged
Add me on Steam | Twitter

Offline karlito

  • Posts: 157
    • http://altitudegame.com
Quad core versus Dual core
« Reply #24 on: Mon, 13 April 2009, 21:13:03 »
Quote from: bigpook;28642
It seems like a quad core would be overkill. And just to make you guys laugh a bit, its not like I really do all that much. I don't game on PC's (anymore), I have no interest in overclocking either. My world is through a web browser, and email of course. I don't do anything that really requires a powerful CPU. But the price/performance is acceptable and I always like a "faster machine".

I upgraded from an Athlon X2 3800+ to a Core 2 duo 3ghz and I only noticed a difference in game FPS.  My average day to day stuff (working in an IDE (eclipse)) i noticed no difference.  If you want a snappier system spend the money on more ram or go crazy and get an SSD.
Logged

Offline rdjack21

  • Posts: 896
Quad core versus Dual core
« Reply #25 on: Mon, 13 April 2009, 21:16:26 »
I've been thinking about this same thing for a bit now myself as well. But went and blew most of my upgrade money on a RealForce 87U so did something else. Newegg had one of the new OCz Vertex SSD's on sale so bought that instead. All I can say is WOW! What a difference! Much better upgrade for the type of work I do. I got the 30Gig version for $100. This simple upgrade will extend the life  of my current system considerably. And like you have a X2 but I have the 3.2Ghz version.
Logged
Keyboards
Topre Capacitive: Realforce 87U, Realforce 86U, HHKB Pro 2, Topre MD01B0, Topre HE0100, Sun Short Type, OEM NEO CS (x2), NISSHO Electronics KB106DE
Buckling Spring: IBM Model M Space Saver (1291472), Unicomp Customizer x 2
Cherry Brown: Filco FKBN87M/EB, Compaq MX11800
Black Alps: ABS M1
Not so great boards Rare Spring over dome OKI, Sun rack keyboard
Trackballs - Trackman Wheel (3), Trackman marble (2)
Keyboards I still want to get - Happy Hacking Keyboard Pro 2 the White version, Realforce 23U number pad in black and maybe white, μTRON ergo board with Topre switches.
Previously owned - [size=0]SiiG MiniTouch (White Alps), Scorpius M10 (Blue Cherry), IBM Model M13[/size]

Offline bigpook

  • Thread Starter
  • Posts: 1723
Quad core versus Dual core
« Reply #26 on: Mon, 13 April 2009, 21:52:08 »
karlito and rdjack21

I didn't think of SSD.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227372

Are you using that as your system drive? I wonder if you could put them in a raid 0.

I could see using SSD as the system drive for fast boots and still use traditional drives for data.

I am using 4G of ram and to tell the truth thats quite a bit for what I am doing. I probably was ok at 2G. All things considered I suppose I/O off of the drive is the limiting factor.
Logged
HHKB Pro 2 : Unicomp Spacesaver : IBM Model M : DasIII    

Offline rdjack21

  • Posts: 896
Quad core versus Dual core
« Reply #27 on: Mon, 13 April 2009, 23:10:23 »
Quote from: bigpook;28729
karlito and rdjack21

I didn't think of SSD.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227372

Are you using that as your system drive? I wonder if you could put them in a raid 0.

I could see using SSD as the system drive for fast boots and still use traditional drives for data.

I am using 4G of ram and to tell the truth thats quite a bit for what I am doing. I probably was ok at 2G. All things considered I suppose I/O off of the drive is the limiting factor.


Don't get that one you want this one: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227393

If you want to know why this particular model read this
http://anandtech.com/storage/showdoc.aspx?i=3531
Then this update about the shipping version
http://www.anandtech.com/storage/showdoc.aspx?i=3535

And yes you use the SSD for Boot and applications then a Western Digital Raptor/VelociRaptor for the things you change allot then a big HD for the larger stable data (Media stuff)

As far as putting them in RAID0 Yes their are people doing that with hardware RAID and they scream. Software RAID works but it is not as fast.

Any ways it really made a difference in perceived system performance on my system and I am only using one of them. I don't run games on my system but I do run big applications like Eclipse and Netbeans and start up time for these big dynamic applications has significantly decreased.
Logged
Keyboards
Topre Capacitive: Realforce 87U, Realforce 86U, HHKB Pro 2, Topre MD01B0, Topre HE0100, Sun Short Type, OEM NEO CS (x2), NISSHO Electronics KB106DE
Buckling Spring: IBM Model M Space Saver (1291472), Unicomp Customizer x 2
Cherry Brown: Filco FKBN87M/EB, Compaq MX11800
Black Alps: ABS M1
Not so great boards Rare Spring over dome OKI, Sun rack keyboard
Trackballs - Trackman Wheel (3), Trackman marble (2)
Keyboards I still want to get - Happy Hacking Keyboard Pro 2 the White version, Realforce 23U number pad in black and maybe white, μTRON ergo board with Topre switches.
Previously owned - [size=0]SiiG MiniTouch (White Alps), Scorpius M10 (Blue Cherry), IBM Model M13[/size]

Offline bigpook

  • Thread Starter
  • Posts: 1723
Quad core versus Dual core
« Reply #28 on: Tue, 14 April 2009, 06:00:31 »
rdjack21

I need to check that out. I have some parts on order as is. The OS is running on a single disc right now, when I upgrade I will go to a raid 0 which should improve the speed.
Later on I can implement the SSD drives.
I am running linux so there is some reading that I will need to do. As always, there is probably something that will bite me if I don't do the due diligence.
Logged
HHKB Pro 2 : Unicomp Spacesaver : IBM Model M : DasIII    

Offline bigpook

  • Thread Starter
  • Posts: 1723
Quad core versus Dual core
« Reply #29 on: Tue, 14 April 2009, 06:01:34 »
Quote from: ripster;85337
Rdjack.  Just noticed you put TRACKBALLs in your sig.  

With enough momentum Geekhack could turn from a keyboard into a trackball forum.  

Nah.......

- Ripster


I for one welcome our new trackball using overlords. Go trackballs!
Logged
HHKB Pro 2 : Unicomp Spacesaver : IBM Model M : DasIII    

Offline ozar

  • Posts: 352
Quad core versus Dual core
« Reply #30 on: Tue, 14 April 2009, 06:34:21 »
I've always thought of these forums as more of an input device website rather than keyboards only.  :)
Logged

Offline rdjack21

  • Posts: 896
Quad core versus Dual core
« Reply #31 on: Tue, 14 April 2009, 09:04:28 »
Yea I added the track balls because I noticed someone else had them listed so I thought what the heck and added mine :) Once I have figured out which board I want to use at work I'm going to start trying some more trackballs :)
Logged
Keyboards
Topre Capacitive: Realforce 87U, Realforce 86U, HHKB Pro 2, Topre MD01B0, Topre HE0100, Sun Short Type, OEM NEO CS (x2), NISSHO Electronics KB106DE
Buckling Spring: IBM Model M Space Saver (1291472), Unicomp Customizer x 2
Cherry Brown: Filco FKBN87M/EB, Compaq MX11800
Black Alps: ABS M1
Not so great boards Rare Spring over dome OKI, Sun rack keyboard
Trackballs - Trackman Wheel (3), Trackman marble (2)
Keyboards I still want to get - Happy Hacking Keyboard Pro 2 the White version, Realforce 23U number pad in black and maybe white, μTRON ergo board with Topre switches.
Previously owned - [size=0]SiiG MiniTouch (White Alps), Scorpius M10 (Blue Cherry), IBM Model M13[/size]

Offline itlnstln

  • Posts: 7048
Quad core versus Dual core
« Reply #32 on: Tue, 14 April 2009, 09:09:32 »
Quote from: rdjack21;85378
Once I have figured out which board I want to use at work...


Like that'll happen. :rolleyes:

:smile:
Logged

Offline rdjack21

  • Posts: 896
Quad core versus Dual core
« Reply #33 on: Tue, 14 April 2009, 09:32:52 »
Quote from: bigpook;85350
rdjack21

I need to check that out. I have some parts on order as is. The OS is running on a single disc right now, when I upgrade I will go to a raid 0 which should improve the speed.
Later on I can implement the SSD drives.
I am running linux so there is some reading that I will need to do. As always, there is probably something that will bite me if I don't do the due diligence.


I'm using mine on Ubuntu so no issue there. One of the things you want to do is to limit the drive to be mostly read with very little write operations. The easiest way to do that is put /tmp /var /home on your hard drive and every thing else on the SSD. Also just so you know one of the SSD's we are talking about here will outperform your RAID0 read performance even if you use VelociRaptor's for your RAID drives. For writes the RAID0 will beat it depending on the drives you use but they are catching up fast. So for now the best place for SSD's is for boot/application drives. Just think about it the fastest HD out their the VelociRaptor can only sustain 119MB/s but this SSD will do 255MB/s. I wish I could find that graph on ANandTech which showed the SSD's slamming VelociRaptor RAID's but I can't.

As you can tell I'm sold on the SSD's but as you said you do need to read up on them a little so you understand how to implement them to get the best performance out of them. Those two articles I linked to previously should be a good start though especially the fist one as it explains how they work and explains the problems with SSD's. The second one is really a follow up that shows that the shipping version of the Vortex SSD is even faster than the one tested in the first article.
Logged
Keyboards
Topre Capacitive: Realforce 87U, Realforce 86U, HHKB Pro 2, Topre MD01B0, Topre HE0100, Sun Short Type, OEM NEO CS (x2), NISSHO Electronics KB106DE
Buckling Spring: IBM Model M Space Saver (1291472), Unicomp Customizer x 2
Cherry Brown: Filco FKBN87M/EB, Compaq MX11800
Black Alps: ABS M1
Not so great boards Rare Spring over dome OKI, Sun rack keyboard
Trackballs - Trackman Wheel (3), Trackman marble (2)
Keyboards I still want to get - Happy Hacking Keyboard Pro 2 the White version, Realforce 23U number pad in black and maybe white, μTRON ergo board with Topre switches.
Previously owned - [size=0]SiiG MiniTouch (White Alps), Scorpius M10 (Blue Cherry), IBM Model M13[/size]

Offline rdjack21

  • Posts: 896
Quad core versus Dual core
« Reply #34 on: Tue, 14 April 2009, 09:34:15 »
Quote from: itlnstln;85381
Like that'll happen. :rolleyes:

:smile:


So true but I'm still hopping I can at least find one that I can live with for a bit while I explore trackballs.
Logged
Keyboards
Topre Capacitive: Realforce 87U, Realforce 86U, HHKB Pro 2, Topre MD01B0, Topre HE0100, Sun Short Type, OEM NEO CS (x2), NISSHO Electronics KB106DE
Buckling Spring: IBM Model M Space Saver (1291472), Unicomp Customizer x 2
Cherry Brown: Filco FKBN87M/EB, Compaq MX11800
Black Alps: ABS M1
Not so great boards Rare Spring over dome OKI, Sun rack keyboard
Trackballs - Trackman Wheel (3), Trackman marble (2)
Keyboards I still want to get - Happy Hacking Keyboard Pro 2 the White version, Realforce 23U number pad in black and maybe white, μTRON ergo board with Topre switches.
Previously owned - [size=0]SiiG MiniTouch (White Alps), Scorpius M10 (Blue Cherry), IBM Model M13[/size]

Offline ozar

  • Posts: 352
Quad core versus Dual core
« Reply #35 on: Tue, 14 April 2009, 09:39:06 »
Quote
Quad core versus Dual core


I went with a dual-core CPU on the last box that I built (about 6 months ago) and am quite happy with the performance, but if I had it to do over again, I'd probably go with quad-core just to be more up to date with current with technology if nothing else.  As for brands, I've always had great success with AMD processors, but the Intel in this box has also served me well.

Best of luck with the new build!  :cool:
Logged

Offline bigpook

  • Thread Starter
  • Posts: 1723
Quad core versus Dual core
« Reply #36 on: Tue, 14 April 2009, 09:59:14 »
Quote from: rdjack21;85388
I'm using mine on Ubuntu so no issue there. One of the things you want to do is to limit the drive to be mostly read with very little write operations. The easiest way to do that is put /tmp /var /home on your hard drive and every thing else on the SSD. Also just so you know one of the SSD's we are talking about here will outperform your RAID0 read performance even if you use VelociRaptor's for your RAID drives. For writes the RAID0 will beat it depending on the drives you use but they are catching up fast. So for now the best place for SSD's is for boot/application drives. Just think about it the fastest HD out their the VelociRaptor can only sustain 119MB/s but this SSD will do 255MB/s. I wish I could find that graph on ANandTech which showed the SSD's slamming VelociRaptor RAID's but I can't.

As you can tell I'm sold on the SSD's but as you said you do need to read up on them a little so you understand how to implement them to get the best performance out of them. Those two articles I linked to previously should be a good start though especially the fist one as it explains how they work and explains the problems with SSD's. The second one is really a follow up that shows that the shipping version of the Vortex SSD is even faster than the one tested in the first article.

Thanks for the excellent advice. I am researching it now.

So what are your boot times? And are you running 9.04?
Logged
HHKB Pro 2 : Unicomp Spacesaver : IBM Model M : DasIII    

Offline o2dazone

  • Posts: 953
Quad core versus Dual core
« Reply #37 on: Tue, 14 April 2009, 10:11:50 »
Four cores is nice, but if you're not using an application that can utilize those, then you're really just running on a slow two core processor. I guess it depends on what you do...I know most games don't even support 4 cores, as well as most photo editing software (only some parts of Photoshop run more than 2 cores). I guess if you're running Vista, a lot of the UI can tie up some processing power. If you don't use many applications that utilize more than two cores...then you're just bottlenecking yourself to a 'moderate' 2 core machine

edit: IMO, get a beefy two core, use Tomshardware to find what the new hotness is...but a chip brand should not hold you back if it's testing well on benchmarks and lifetime
« Last Edit: Tue, 14 April 2009, 10:15:11 by o2dazone »
Logged

Offline rdjack21

  • Posts: 896
Quad core versus Dual core
« Reply #38 on: Tue, 14 April 2009, 10:59:16 »
Quote from: bigpook;85392
Thanks for the excellent advice. I am researching it now.

So what are your boot times? And are you running 9.04?


Boot times? Who reboots their system?

Not running 9.04 yet but I was planning on installing it this weekend. So will let you know how that goes.
Logged
Keyboards
Topre Capacitive: Realforce 87U, Realforce 86U, HHKB Pro 2, Topre MD01B0, Topre HE0100, Sun Short Type, OEM NEO CS (x2), NISSHO Electronics KB106DE
Buckling Spring: IBM Model M Space Saver (1291472), Unicomp Customizer x 2
Cherry Brown: Filco FKBN87M/EB, Compaq MX11800
Black Alps: ABS M1
Not so great boards Rare Spring over dome OKI, Sun rack keyboard
Trackballs - Trackman Wheel (3), Trackman marble (2)
Keyboards I still want to get - Happy Hacking Keyboard Pro 2 the White version, Realforce 23U number pad in black and maybe white, μTRON ergo board with Topre switches.
Previously owned - [size=0]SiiG MiniTouch (White Alps), Scorpius M10 (Blue Cherry), IBM Model M13[/size]

Offline bigpook

  • Thread Starter
  • Posts: 1723
Quad core versus Dual core
« Reply #39 on: Tue, 14 April 2009, 11:16:42 »
Quote from: rdjack21;85402
Boot times? Who reboots their system?

Not running 9.04 yet but I was planning on installing it this weekend. So will let you know how that goes.


I upgraded 8.10 to the 9.04 beta. I don't see much of a change though.
When I get the new cpu I will do a fresh install.

I normally don't turn my machines off but have been rebooting lately with all the changes that the beta is going through. The only time my machines go down is to reboot for a new kernel or when we lose power. Here in Florida that happens a bit during the summertime.
Logged
HHKB Pro 2 : Unicomp Spacesaver : IBM Model M : DasIII    

Offline bigpook

  • Thread Starter
  • Posts: 1723
Quad core versus Dual core
« Reply #40 on: Tue, 14 April 2009, 11:23:33 »
Quote from: o2dazone;85393
Four cores is nice, but if you're not using an application that can utilize those, then you're really just running on a slow two core processor. I guess it depends on what you do...I know most games don't even support 4 cores, as well as most photo editing software (only some parts of Photoshop run more than 2 cores). I guess if you're running Vista, a lot of the UI can tie up some processing power. If you don't use many applications that utilize more than two cores...then you're just bottlenecking yourself to a 'moderate' 2 core machine

edit: IMO, get a beefy two core, use Tomshardware to find what the new hotness is...but a chip brand should not hold you back if it's testing well on benchmarks and lifetime


I did some reading and you are right on the 2 core versus 4 core. There doesn't seem like a whole lot of applications are taking advantage of it right now. But I expect that to change over time. The linux guys tend to write for this stuff pretty quick so its just a matter of time.
I thought of going with a dual core intel chip as I am replacing an existing AMD X2 2.8G chip. To be frank, I was happy with what I had but while swapping cards in the box I somehow broke one of the retaining clips for the heatsink. I glued the heat sink to the CPU using thermal adhesive and its good to go but it bothers me that its like that. As a short term solution its ok but the mobo is vertical and the heat sink is hanging there so to speak.
I don't really think it will fall off, but my box runs 24/7. I would hate for something to happen and then the box overheats and burns down the house.
My wife would really hate that. : )

The quad pricing is pretty good and the performance is good enough too. So I think I am ok with it. I will probably upgrade again in a year or so anyways so its all good.

Now I need to figure what to do with the mobo/ram and cpu once I pull it out.
Anyone need 4G of ram?
Logged
HHKB Pro 2 : Unicomp Spacesaver : IBM Model M : DasIII    

Offline bigpook

  • Thread Starter
  • Posts: 1723
Quad core versus Dual core
« Reply #41 on: Tue, 14 April 2009, 12:40:28 »
Quote from: ripster;85421
I've got a hand me down PC thing going:

1) I get the latest
2) Hand me down goes to son for gaming
3) Stick the 3rd generation in a wiring closet downstairs - right now it's a media server for video, pictures, backups, .....
4) Donate the oldest (either school or we have a local PC recycler)

The AMD X2 would be fine in a media server box.  My X2 is running Windows Media Center and my wife loves being able to watch TV recorded shows ala Tivo but 1 better - I've got it set up with DVRMSToolbox to automatically strip commercials.  Also for Hulu, Youtube, etc an X2 is more than enough.

Of course, a big time sink to build 2 PCs at the same time.  

- Ripster

Actually I have done that over the years which is why my file server has a 2G single core chip with 2G of ram : ) It really gets stupid after awhile. Which is a good thing but I have to laugh.

I built a firewall running ipcop and the slowest chip at the time was a 1.8G Sempron. That and 512M of ram. That firewall could be running on a 486 with 32M of ram, and even that would probably be overkill.
Its nice to be living in these times. Computing power is cheap and powerful.

I don't have cable but I do watch videos on Hulu. I need to get a case where the mobo can be horizontal and give that a shot.

Building PC's are pretty quick for me. I like putting them together and enjoy the process.
Logged
HHKB Pro 2 : Unicomp Spacesaver : IBM Model M : DasIII    

Offline itlnstln

  • Posts: 7048
Quad core versus Dual core
« Reply #42 on: Tue, 14 April 2009, 12:41:20 »
I used to something like that back in the day.  I would get the latest and greatest to be my gaming rig, then use the old gaming rig parts for my "work" PC.  At one point, I used more spare parts to create a Media Center rig mainly for streaming music and playing DVD's.  The video stuff needed a fairly powerful CPU (at the time), and I got tires of messing with the Media Center stuff, so I ditched it and got discrete components.  For music, I got a Creative Digital Music something or other that has a remote with a display to browse the music on the host PC, and there is a base unit that has a SPDI/F out that goes to my receiver.
Logged

Offline bigpook

  • Thread Starter
  • Posts: 1723
Quad core versus Dual core
« Reply #43 on: Tue, 14 April 2009, 12:44:06 »
I got the streaming audio and pictures working with mediatomb to the PS3 but haven't done movies yet. Thats all running on the NAS box right now. So I guess I already kind of have a streaming media server?
Logged
HHKB Pro 2 : Unicomp Spacesaver : IBM Model M : DasIII    

Offline D-EJ915

  • Posts: 489
  • Location: USA
Quad core versus Dual core
« Reply #44 on: Tue, 14 April 2009, 12:45:45 »
99% of applications are not multithreaded and desktop OS processor load balancing is practically nonexistent.  Get a dual core unless you like wasting money on extra energy, you can overclock them more if you want to anyway and it you will be able to get more from it that way.
Logged

Offline bigpook

  • Thread Starter
  • Posts: 1723
Quad core versus Dual core
« Reply #45 on: Tue, 14 April 2009, 12:54:16 »
Quote from: D-EJ915;85429
99% of applications are not multithreaded and desktop OS processor load balancing is practically nonexistent.  Get a dual core unless you like wasting money on extra energy, you can overclock them more if you want to anyway and it you will be able to get more from it that way.


I think I am bummed out now, but thanks for the heads up.
Logged
HHKB Pro 2 : Unicomp Spacesaver : IBM Model M : DasIII    

Offline itlnstln

  • Posts: 7048
Quad core versus Dual core
« Reply #46 on: Tue, 14 April 2009, 13:01:01 »
Those look the sinks on BMW motorcycles.  I was always amazed how riders didn't burn themselves on those things since they stuck out about a foot from each side:
 
http://www.gatewaybmw.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/bmw-r-1200-rt.jpg <- This is decent example, but it's not BMW's worst.
Logged

Offline bigpook

  • Thread Starter
  • Posts: 1723
Quad core versus Dual core
« Reply #47 on: Tue, 14 April 2009, 13:20:03 »
Quote from: ripster;85435
May be true if you're not into video but then you don't get to have one of these:

Show Image


Brings a smile to my face every time I open up my box and keeps my legs warm.

- Ripster


I have one of those, or something similar with a fan on it. Artic Cooler or something.
Logged
HHKB Pro 2 : Unicomp Spacesaver : IBM Model M : DasIII    

Offline D-EJ915

  • Posts: 489
  • Location: USA
Quad core versus Dual core
« Reply #48 on: Tue, 14 April 2009, 14:05:29 »
Quote from: ripster;85435
May be true if you're not into video but then you don't get to have one of these:
Heh, don't run final cut then, it renders with 1 CPU.
Logged

Offline bigpook

  • Thread Starter
  • Posts: 1723
Quad core versus Dual core
« Reply #49 on: Tue, 14 April 2009, 14:24:02 »
Quote from: D-EJ915;85461
Heh, don't run final cut then, it renders with 1 CPU.


So what you are saying is that anything above a single core is not being used?

At all?

If so, then I am not the only one that has been snookered.

I need to let the rest of the yahoo's on newegg know that they are being hosed.
Logged
HHKB Pro 2 : Unicomp Spacesaver : IBM Model M : DasIII    
Pages:  [1] 2 »  All   Go Up
« previous next »