[tWiStEdArRow]

hi im considering getting a duo core 2ghz intel processor comp for gaming or a 3.4 ghz p4 ht processor . which one is better for gaming. In ur reply if you can explain why your recommendation is better pleez do.

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This site should answer your question. http://www.short-med...eview.php?r=261

[GeekMan]

This site should answer your question. http://www.short-med...eview.php?r=261

[warriorscot]

It doesnt actually answer the question, for example a core 2 duo is alot faster in single threaded applications than a p4 so the generalisation doesnt apply, while also improving dual core performance the single cores are becoming mroe powerful.

If its a desktop wait for the core 2 Duo if its a laptop either wait again for core 2 or get the duo.

[MNOB07]

All Core 2 Duos do not win by default against Pentium 4 processors in single threaded applications

I'll try to explain dual core for gaming as best I can... simply, you break down a dual core into two processors,

Pentium D 65nm @ 3.2Ghz w/ 2MB cache on each core will be a
Pentium 4 65nm @ 3.2Ghz w/ 2MB cache

Core 2 Duo 65nm @ 2.0Ghz w/ 2 MB shared cache will be similair to a
Core 2 Solo 65nm @2.0Ghz w/ (maybe 1)MB cache

Athlon 64 X2 @ 2.0Ghz w/ 512kB cache on each core will be a
Athlon 64 @ 2.0Ghz w/512kB cache

In single threaded apps, look at the performance of one of them and you can have that core focus on the game. Other stuff can be handled by the other processor. Doesn't give much of a boost of performance compared to single core if the other tasks are just antivirus, and simple OS stuff. Of course there is a bit more to it, but this is about how it works.

What really gives dual core a boost is when a game utilizes both cores. It's still a bit early and there hasn't been too much (but some) support of this, remember that a lot of games of today were being programmed when two procesors was uncommon for gaming machines. The support for dual core wasn't added in into later on. In the future you will see dual cores moving more past their single core variety in gaming performance.

OK that was bit longer than I wanted it, but more importantly, if that's a 2Ghz Core 2 Duo (or "Conroe") processor the 2Ghz it is definately the better buy. Not only better in single threaded apps but is dual core with lower power demands and lower heat output.