Dual Core Questions/Video Game Minimums

[DJChe13]

So, apparently my computer knowledge has slipped.
I currently have a p4 2.0ghz processor...many of the new video games coming out require 2.5 ghz processors, so I figure its about time to look at either upgrading my computer or buying a new laptop.

So, just looking around at best buy today, and everything is dual-core bla bla bla... and nearly every computer has a dual-core with a processor speed of 2.2ghz or less... so how are all these games coming out with minimums higher than what most of the brand new processors are capable of handling? I realize a dual 2.2 is going to be better than a regular 2.2ghz, but you don't combine the power of a dual 2.2 and come up with a 4.4ghz processor...do ya? How do you determine what the capabilities of these new processor chips actually are? help plz

[dkarko]

You can't directly compare different cpu architectures by Ghz. An old p4 could be at 2G but its nowhere near the performance of even the single core of a c2d e4300 ( 1.8 Ghz ). Ghz dont count when comparing different processors. In example take the Amd, when we had P4 vs Amd Athlon, athlon was much faster when you compared processors with the same clock speed.
Look:
http://www23.tomshardware.com/cpu_2007. ... &chart=424

As you can see a P4 dual core at 3.2Ghz is alot slower than a C2d at 1.8Ghz

[DMB2000uk]

but you don't combine the power of a dual 2.2 and come up with a 4.4ghz processor...do ya?

It takes some people a good while to realise that that isn't how dual cores work

Usually the min req boxes say 2.4GHz P4 or better. This could mean a AlthonXP 2400+ (which only actually runs at 2Ghz). Or pretty much any core 2 duo.

As Dkarko said, all core 2 duos are better than the P4 you have. While i'm not sure of a definate performance is greater by x times, my brother went from a P4 3Ghz to a 1.8Ghz core 2, and it was still faster, so it's quite a lot.

Dan

[kappage]

While we are at it can i ask this question, Is their a game DESIGNED to run on a dual core system??

[DMB2000uk]

While we are at it can i ask this question, Is their a game DESIGNED to run on a dual core system??

Currently, there aren't really any out. There have been some after launch patches that give better dual core performance in some games, but as far as I know, no game yet (that is out) has specifically been designed to be run on multi core processors.

Dam

[kappage]

So could it be stated that you wouldnt get better game performance out of a Quad core then a dual Core?

[DMB2000uk]

Right now, that is true.

Dan