This is a question regarding mainly CPU, but since it's in regards to system building, I thought this would be the appropriate forum.
From a bdget gaming build perspective, is it really necessary to put extra $$$ into a quad? So far in the last couple of weeks reading here, almost every build is based on quads, yet in so many threads, in various forums, people say most games barely even touch the 3rd core.
For a total system budget under $600 (Canadian) $650 (US) most threads suggest Athlon II's X4
For budgets in the $800 range, Phenom II x4.
If it's true that anything above a quad won't really improve performance in most games, why aren't people suggesting dual's and therefore, put the excess $$ into GPU or mobo.
In a very good example, in one thread I was helping suggest builds where a Phenom II X4 at $185 + tx and a 5770 GPU. When I suggested an OEM X2 550 (ok so you need an aftermarket cooler, but even something better than the stock is only $10) for $89 or $100 with cooler, the build was able to include a 5830 within $5 or so of the other.
From a real world perspective, I built a gaming rig around the 550 BE and unlocked into a quad after a few days into gaming. There was some improvement in actual FPS count, but not enough to detect with your brain for the most part.
I guess this is geared toward people like me, who have two main purposes for a PC. Gaming and Internet. Nothing else.
I would love to hear from some of the resident experts here!
Thanks
From a bdget gaming build perspective, is it really necessary to put extra $$$ into a quad? So far in the last couple of weeks reading here, almost every build is based on quads, yet in so many threads, in various forums, people say most games barely even touch the 3rd core.
For a total system budget under $600 (Canadian) $650 (US) most threads suggest Athlon II's X4
For budgets in the $800 range, Phenom II x4.
If it's true that anything above a quad won't really improve performance in most games, why aren't people suggesting dual's and therefore, put the excess $$ into GPU or mobo.
In a very good example, in one thread I was helping suggest builds where a Phenom II X4 at $185 + tx and a 5770 GPU. When I suggested an OEM X2 550 (ok so you need an aftermarket cooler, but even something better than the stock is only $10) for $89 or $100 with cooler, the build was able to include a 5830 within $5 or so of the other.
From a real world perspective, I built a gaming rig around the 550 BE and unlocked into a quad after a few days into gaming. There was some improvement in actual FPS count, but not enough to detect with your brain for the most part.
I guess this is geared toward people like me, who have two main purposes for a PC. Gaming and Internet. Nothing else.
I would love to hear from some of the resident experts here!
Thanks