What's the big deal about dual cores versus quad cores?
33 replies, posted
I know that more and more processors are quad core nowadays, but why? Few games make use of more than two processors, so why have more? Especially with hyperthreading. Is there something I'm missing here, or is it just because we can?
This is just related to gaming, [b][u]I know that for things like rendering and sound processing you really DO need a bunch of cores.[/b][/u]
Actually games use 4 cores now and considering how much cheaper they have gotten there's really no reason to get a dual core over a quad.
More software is becoming optimized for more cores. It's the way technology will pretty much always be for the next decade at least. More cores and higher frequency.
Not everyone is a gamer you know.
[QUOTE=jetboy;25650269]Not everyone is a gamer you know.[/QUOTE]
Not everyone likes have a slower computer in general you know.
[QUOTE=FalcoLombardi;25650333]Not everyone likes have a slower computer in general you know.[/QUOTE]
What I meant is, he said that most games don't support quad-core. Well what if you aren't a gamer? What if you're a modeler, or a video editor? Those types of programs usually have quad-core AND hyper threading support.
why would you pick a core 2 doo doo over an i5/phenom 2?
thats hella stupid
>Implying that I'm on sackboy's level now
From what I've heard hyperthreading is almost useless in gaming.
[QUOTE=jetboy;25650408]What I meant is, he said that most games don't support quad-core. Well what if you aren't a gamer? What if you're a modeler, or a video editor? Those types of programs usually have quad-core AND hyper threading support.[/QUOTE]
Read last part of first post, hurr durr.
Certain games like Civilization V and, I believe, GTA IV can actually use 4 cores. There are more and more games being made that can do so too. (I believe the Source engine games are able to use all 4 cores of a quad core with multicore rendering enabled, but I'm not 100% sure on that.)
[QUOTE=Onyx3173;25652071](I believe the Source engine games are able to use all 4 cores of a quad core with multicore rendering enabled, but I'm not 100% sure on that.)[/QUOTE]
I heard it was two cores only.
Does use 4 threads out of 8 on my I7 but that means it's only utilizing 2 cores though.
[QUOTE=Onyx3173;25652071]Certain games like Civilization V and, I believe, GTA IV can actually use 4 cores. There are more and more games being made that can do so too. [/QUOTE]This. Games are starting to take advantage of quads capability more and more these days. Duals are still just as good for now, but I like knowing I have extra horsepower with my quad for when I do need it.
HERP DERP its good for People who use 3dsmax and shit like that.
[QUOTE=Onyx3173;25652071](I believe the Source engine games are able to use all 4 cores of a quad core with multicore rendering enabled, but I'm not 100% sure on that.)[/QUOTE]
That's great but even if the source engine can use all 4 cores it doesn't really matter because the Source engine is so old that you could run it off of 2 cores
GTA IV basically needs 4 cores to do high speed things well.
[editline]26th October 2010[/editline]
Plus they're faster in general, all around good to have.
Some games can take advantage of more than dual cores. The question is does it matter?
For instance, if you get 45fps on GTA IV with a dual core, but 60fps with a quad core, does it matter to you? Some people would be just as happy with the 45fps, spending the money on an upgrade for the extra fps wouldn't be worth it to them.
Same with stuff like video editing. If you can produce a video in 200 seconds with a quad core, and the same video would take you 350 seconds with a dual core, does that matter? Is it worth the cost to get a quad core in order to save those two and a half minutes? If you're doing lots of videos all the time maybe it is. If you make occasional videos, it probably isn't.
I think multi-core(more than dual) will only really be important when games or other programs require it just to function on a basic level. When you can't even get 30fps on a game without a quad core, that's when you need a quad core.
Good point Cecil. But what if my dual core is keeping me from running games very well? I think upgrading to a quad (or at least a tricore) will allow me to play Crysis more smoothly.
[QUOTE=FalcoLombardi;25661184]Good point Cecil. But what if my dual core is keeping me from running games very well? I think upgrading to a quad (or at least a tricore) will allow me to play Crysis more smoothly.[/QUOTE]
[quote]I think multi-core(more than dual) will only really be important when games or other programs require it just to function on a basic level. When you can't even get 30fps on a game without a quad core, that's when you need a quad core.[/quote]
[QUOTE=jetboy;25650269]Not everyone is a gamer you know.[/QUOTE]
It is possible to use a powerful computer for things other than gaming you know.
[QUOTE=Huntsman;25653992]HERP DERP its good for People who use 3dsmax and shit like that.[/QUOTE]
Again:
[b]READ
THE
LAST
PART
OF
THE
FIRST
POST.[/b]
Why do people only read the title or the first sentence than respond?
[quote=mactrekkie;25663104]again:
Read
the
last
part
of
the
first
post.
Why do people only read the title or the first sentence than respond?[/quote]
AD/HD
Damned anti-caps thingamajig...
Theres no reason not to get a quad-core nowadays, unless you're on a budget below $400.
Cheapest one is only ~$88.
u mad op because you have athlon X2
[QUOTE=FalcoLombardi;25661184]Good point Cecil. But what if my dual core is keeping me from running games very well? I think upgrading to a quad (or at least a tricore) will allow me to play Crysis more smoothly.[/QUOTE]
Yes, it will.
[QUOTE=Sackboy;25664875]u mad op because you have athlon X2[/QUOTE]
You're pretty dumb. I have a Core 2 Duo in my MacBook Pro and an i7 870 in my desktop.
haha, macbook pro. Shell out 3000$ for a shinny computer.
Quad Core [b]sounds more[/b] extreme!
Because my VM's run better with more cores
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