Building/Upgrading a PC for TS2
mildlydisguised:
That's what I have heard too, in that the majority of games are only able to make use of two cores at the most. I suppose multiple cores would be useful if you have Sims running at the same time as other applications. I quite often have the game running as well as a couple of browsers, IRC chats and sometimes different P2P software too. It is my (limited ;D) understanding that the additional applications will run off the additional cores and therefore prevent lag from infiltrating the game, but I am not entirely sure.
The problem I have is that although the cost difference between the Quad and the Duo is only £30 or so, the Quad compatible mobo is an additional £30 and I think the memory will need to be DDR3 instead of DDR2. So it seems like the knock on effect of having a Quad CPU will end up being more expensive for all compatible components. Which has now made me more tempted to go with the cheaper option of the E6600 although I am greedy and want MOAR cores!
B:
Quote from: mildlydisguised on 2007 July 20, 12:54:26
Also [stupid question alert] the motherboards I have been looking at are Core 2 Duo compatible, I'm thinking that these would not be compatible with a quad core, am I right?
Not necessarily. You need to check the socket type of your prospective motherboard. It is most likely an LGA775 if you are looking at current Intel chips, which supports the Kentsfield processors just fine. The number of cores is of little importance. You may want to wait on buying a new processor for the moment, since Intel is on the verge of launching the 6x50 chips which will offer slight improvements over the current 6x00s.
mildlydisguised:
Quote from: B on 2007 July 20, 21:07:20
Not necessarily. You need to check the socket type of your prospective motherboard. It is most likely an LGA775 if you are looking at current Intel chips, which supports the Kentsfield processors just fine. The number of cores is of little importance. You may want to wait on buying a new processor for the moment, since Intel is on the verge of launching the 6x50 chips which will offer slight improvements over the current 6x00s.
Interesting, thanks :) Do you know how long before they launch? I really need to get started on my build before my laptop falls apart.
B:
Quote from: mildlydisguised on 2007 July 20, 22:10:17
Interesting, thanks :) Do you know how long before they launch? I really need to get started on my build before my laptop falls apart.
The launch is supposed to occur this month (July 22nd I believe). However, I don't have good details on how much of the initial stock will be available for small system builders. Generally, Dell, HP and the lot get most of the 0 day product, and consumers need to wait a bit longer.
Of the fresh release I would be most tempted to look at the 6850 (a dual core). It is expected to begin at around $266 (US) and I imagine NewEgg might offer some specials. The chip comes with a stock clock of 3.0GHz, and the standard 4mb Cache. I also expect it will overclock nicely (provided you get a decent aftermarket cooler). The Kentsfield you mention above is not a good choice at this time, since Intel essentially slapped two dual cores on a single die which does not offer the benefits of a true quad core like the X6800. Additionally, the benefit of a 4 cores to a gamer is small at best. Dual core is the way to go until applications and games utilize the multiple cores (unless you absolutely must have the best, and then you would get the $1K extreme).
As to your time constraints, I would urge you to hold out as long as possible. There is little point in buying a new processor the week before a better model hits the street.
mildlydisguised:
Thanks for the info, I will try to hold out as long as possible. I'm sure another month or so won't hurt too much!
I've been researching and the general consensus seems to be that quad cores are indeed no faster than dual cores unless you are running applications that use all cores simultaneously. As TS2 is pretty much the only game I play and my only other uses would be browsing and IRC-ing, I think going with a quad would probably be overkill.
I will await the launch of the 6x50 chips with interest.
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