I want a dualcore processor but I play a lot of single core games...

[Prospero87]

Hi all

I've been seriously considering buying a core 2 duo E8500, however I've had bad experiences with multi-core CPU's and my older games. I tend to play a lot of games that don't support dual core, and so they worked badly (stuttering, low FPS, infuriating stuff like that.)

It's a bit of a dilemma, because I really want to play some newer games, but without sacrificing performance of my older ones. Is there some way to fix the stuttering issues without giving me a headache for every single old game I play?

Also, my graphics card is a geforce 9800 GT, and my OS is XP.

(Please no "you should play newer games etc" because frankly, newer games don't interest me a great deal. there are literally about two of em I want to run on my system.)


Thankyou all!!

 

[ghnader hsmithot]

hELLO!

there should be no discernible gaming difference between a good 2 core and a good one core.

 

[jj463rd]

What type of single core CPU are you using? AMD or Intel? CPU type, model-speed etc?
I do understand as many newer games are using crap DRM.I hate DRM but never pirate software..
You could get a better graphics card although if your CPU is not up to par it won't make enough of a difference.
See here
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/best-graphics-card-game-performance-radeon-hd-6670,2935-7.html

A nice kick ass single core CPU would be a Sempron 145 for older gaming (Much better than a Pentium 4 or earlier Athlon 64 CPU.
http://www.cpubenchmark.net/cpu_lookup.php?cpu=AMD+Sempron+145

 

[basket687]

A dual core processor should have no problem at all running old games, but the E8500 is relatively old and there is no point buying it now (there are much better options).

 

[jaguarskx]

I wouldn't get an Intel E8500 at this point. At least according to Newegg, it is selling for $200. You can get the "Sandy Bridge" Intel i3 2120 for $150. If both were running at the same speed, the i3 would be faster because it's ability to process instructions is more efficient.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115077

I've play older games with my Quad Core and haven't noticed any performance issues.

 

[geekapproved]

Using a multi-core cpu will not cause stuttering or low fps in older games. It could only make it better, not worse, unless the dual core is much slower clock speed than the single core. For instance a 3ghz single core will play an older game better than a 2ghz dual core.

You must have some other issue.

 

[BadTrip]

For instance a 3ghz single core will play an older game better than a 2ghz dual core.

Only if they are the same architecture. A P4 3.0 Ghz would not beat a Celeron 430 at 1.8 Ghz.

 

[geekapproved]

Only if they are the same architecture. A P4 3.0 Ghz would not beat a Celeron 430 at 1.8 Ghz.

Ok you got me.

 

[BadTrip]

Ok you got me.

Wasn't meaning to be a douche. The OP appears to be a noob, and needs precise info.

 

[Krangthebrain]

Hi all

I've been seriously considering buying a core 2 duo E8500, however I've had bad experiences with multi-core CPU's and my older games. I tend to play a lot of games that don't support dual core, and so they worked badly (stuttering, low FPS, infuriating stuff like that.)

It's a bit of a dilemma, because I really want to play some newer games, but without sacrificing performance of my older ones. Is there some way to fix the stuttering issues without giving me a headache for every single old game I play?

Also, my graphics card is a geforce 9800 GT, and my OS is XP.

(Please no "you should play newer games etc" because frankly, newer games don't interest me a great deal. there are literally about two of em I want to run on my system.)


Thankyou all!!

Just change the processor affinity for that process in task manager when you start the game up. I do it all the time to play the older games like PS:Torment and System Shock 2.

 

[ghnader hsmithot]

you could switch off active cores in either task manager or bios.But either way i suggest you should buy a multicore cpu.

 

[gamerk316]

Using a multi-core cpu will not cause stuttering or low fps in older games. It could only make it better, not worse, unless the dual core is much slower clock speed than the single core. For instance a 3ghz single core will play an older game better than a 2ghz dual core.

No, it won't, because the C2D line is so much faster clock for clock; I've seen a lowly 1.6GHz C2D beat a 3.4Ghz Pentium 4 head to head.

A dual-core shouldn't ever be slower then a single core, regardless of clockspeed.