Dual Core. Is it worth it?

DaffyDuck · 29-06-2009, 12:40 PM

Originally Posted by Thetyim

A friend of mine has just bought an Intel E7400, 2 X 2.8Ghz
It feels slower than my computer 1 X 3.2Ghz

It comes back down to the factors I already went to the trouble of listing -- if you can't be bothered to look beyond the simplistic GHz / speed comparison, then you can't be helped.

If your friend bought a faster CPU, but hobbles it with a small amount of RAM, or an operating system that doesn't take advantage of it, it could very well feel slower that your older chip.

**Thetyim** · 29-06-2009, 12:43 PM

^
He has the same amount of ram and the same OS as me but a faster HD

**Fondles** · 29-06-2009, 01:24 PM

Originally Posted by Thetyim

^
He has the same amount of ram and the same OS as me but a faster HD

What speed is his HDD and what is yours and how are you determining his is slower (feels).

**Thetyim** · 29-06-2009, 01:28 PM

^
I think the spindle speeds are the same but his is SATA and mine is PATA.

**baldrick** · 29-06-2009, 01:45 PM

how many processes running on his machine compared to yours ?

how likely is his machine to be infested with crap ?

**Fondles** · 29-06-2009, 01:49 PM

Originally Posted by Thetyim

^
I think the spindle speeds are the same but his is SATA and mine is PATA.

I would be surprised if you could see/feel a noticable difference between the two.

**Thetyim** · 29-06-2009, 01:52 PM

Originally Posted by baldrick

how many processes running on his machine compared to yours ?

About the same, 21

Originally Posted by baldrick

how likely is his machine to be infested with crap ?

It was a brand new. I was installing software for him and it just felt slower than my machine.
It felt like it was running on one 2.8Ghz, hence the OP

**Mid** · 29-06-2009, 03:18 PM

all I got to say is give me back me p4 3.2 , once water cooled it ate just about anything , 'specially this Centrino Duo

**friscofrankie** · 29-06-2009, 03:50 PM

As you have already noticed, if you need a new system the question is moot. It's almost impossible to find a single core system these days. If you have a system that works for you there really is not big reason to jump over to a duo core machine for the uses you've described.

There are a few articles on certain patches and configurations to optimize dual core use on a machine.
from Microsoft's Own site:

Originally Posted by The Devils Own Corporation

Computers that are equipped with multiple processors that support processor power management features, such as Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) processor performance states, require Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2). Additional updates are available to optimize performance and behavior on computers that are running Windows XP SP2. Without these updates, computers that are equipped with these power management-capable, mobile, dual-core processors may experience decreased performance or unexpected behavior.

Computers that are running Windows XP Service Pack 2 and that are equipped with multiple processors that support processor power management features may experience decreased performance

There is a better description of some of the optimization steps here:
Windows XP Multi Core config - Does your OEM do it for you? - Notebook Forums and Laptop Discussion

I have no experience with any of this, it oly what I have read in a short time while waiting for my coffee. If you want more detailed information start here: dual core windows XP - Google Search Although I do have windows running on an AMD Dual core processor I use it only for final testing this involves maybe four or five hours (OK, sometimes up to ten) use every month or so. As much as I dislike the OS, when it fucks up it is only to be expected in my mind so I hardly notice

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