Dual or Single core?

flapper1 · Post by **flapper1** » 07 Dec 2006, 10:43

I have noticed several postings on fs forums claiming dual core proccessors only uses half of their power for fs9. I shall be upgrading my pc in February and have noticed that already single core processors are getting thin on the ground. My question is can a fast single core processor be fitted to a dual core capable motherboard?
Thanks

jonesey2k · Post by **jonesey2k** » 07 Dec 2006, 12:49

In most cases yes, but you require a BIOS update.
When running fs9 my cpu usage never goes above 50%, but thats because the load is being spread across both cores.
I havent tried forcing it to run on a single core yet.

Post by **Rick Piper** » 07 Dec 2006, 14:04

Hi flapper

just remember that half a core2duo is faster than the older single chips.

they will all be duo or quad by the end of the next year so i would go with the flow.

FS9 FSX are only a small peice of what you will be running software wise.

& they will possibly be sorting FSX at some point to utillise more of the second processor.

Regards
Rick

flapper1 · Post by **flapper1** » 07 Dec 2006, 15:23

Thanks-that helps a lot-I did'nt realise a single dual core was faster than a single core processor. If I already have an Athlon 2600xp and upgraded to an AMDX2 4200 what kind of improvement could I expect? I'm also planning a graphics upgrade from a ATI Radeon 9700 to a Nvidia 7900GS 256MB DDR3 plus a new mb. I currently get 18-25 fps with settings at halfway. Fps are my bugbear, if I could run at slightly increased graphic settings without stutters I would be happy.

Post by **Rick Piper** » 07 Dec 2006, 15:37

Hi flapper

If i was upgrading i would go Intel currently (I always do anyway).

Intel is currently faster than ATI by quite a margin(but that changes).

I just ordered my upgrade bits from my local man

Intel Core2duo E6600
ASUS P5B Deluxe
2 gb Kingston HyperX DDR2
Ati X1950XTX video card.

Built 3 of these for workmates in last 2 months and they fly.

overclocks more than 50% or more with no problems.

you can save money by buying the Core2duo E6300 or E6400
as they still overclock to 3.6 ghz with no problems on this board

I opted for the E6600 as it has 4mb cache which is better for my 3d rendering type programs. the 6300 & 6400 have 2mb of cache but to be honest are not noticably slower.

I have not tried FSX on any of these new systems as the people i built for didn't have it.

Chris Barrett is the man to ask but not seen him on for a while :sad:
Aka "Charliebravo"

Regards
Rick

Post by **TSR2** » 07 Dec 2006, 18:21

Intel Released their new Quad Cores last week... very expensive!!! :shock:

VEGAS · Post by **VEGAS** » 07 Dec 2006, 19:25

Bloody hell. I have just bought a new all singing laptop with dual core and now theres talk of quad core! :shock:

Don't know whether to laugh or get drunk... :think:

jeggsy · Post by **jeggsy** » 07 Dec 2006, 19:51

If your buying new kit then a dual-core CPU is a good minimum because a lot of future software including Vista and games will be using the 2nd CPU.

Another thing to think about is on the graphics card front. In the next month or two Nvidia and ATI (AMD) will be releasing DirectX-10 cards, which again, Vista and future games will take advantage of.

Could be good to sit tight for a few weeks after Chrimbo and see what happens.

jonesey2k · Post by **jonesey2k** » 07 Dec 2006, 22:08

Nvidia allready have released their Dx10 card in the shape of the 8800 series.

Post by **TSR2** » 07 Dec 2006, 23:09

Are you sure its DX 10 Jonesy? I was look for kit earlier in the week and everyone was talking about January. :think:

[edit] Appologies Jonesy... your spot on....The plastic is burning a hole already!