I plan on making a pre-build computer from Ibuypower.com I just needed some help as to why alot of people are saying I should get a Duo core instead of a quad core. To me quad should always be faster on paper, but I know thats not the case. Which should I get for a ATI 4850? (also how many watts does my PSU need? I was going with 600) Thanks
alot of games dont support quad cores completely right now so a higher clocked dual core will get higher fps. but a slower quad core will still be able play all those games and will play newer multithreaded games even better. i like my quad core because i can do stuff in the background while playing games like folding of antivirus scan converting movies. the psu will have enough power but make sure it is a good brand. cheap psu's will fail and can take the rest of the computer with it.
I went with the newer dual core E8500 instead of the older quad core Q6600, it works great I can still play games on max everything and run things in the background. My plan is to use this awesome dual core until games start relying on more processors and then sell this one and buy a faster quad core. Instead of buying the slower quad core now and for the time being waste a few cores, and then needing a faster one anyway in a few years.
it all depends on what you do with it and how long you want to go without upgrading you cpu. if you dont do much multitasking or video/phot editing then a dual core will be fine. but if you do want to multitask and do those other things a quad is great. there are alo games out right now that can use the full power of a qaud. like ut3 mass effect assassins creed. also most games that are coming out will have support for more than 2 cores. and if you dont want to upgrade anytime in the next few years an overclocked quad will be more future proof.
thanks. I dont know how to install a new core so I'll just go with the newer duo core (E8500) for games. One more thing I plan on using 2 gigs of ram. should that be enough or should I upgrade to 4. I just want to know how big a difference it will make. thanks again
i would go with 4 just because it is so cheap right now but you will be fine with 2. but if you are using vista you should get 4.
You could probably get by with 2 gigs, but make sure they're fast, I'd recommend getting 4 gigs ESPECIALLY if you plan on running vista. I got 4 gigs of quality ddr2 ram with good speed for only 73 bucks: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231145 Considering I bought 2 gigs of 667MHz for $90 a year and a half ago, the 4 gigs at 1GHz for $73 was a no brainer.
For the PSU, I don't have it I wish I did, but sammorris would recommend the Corsair 520HX: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139001&Tpk=520HX It would easily run all your stuff, it's quiet, it lasts (great quality), and it's modular (meaning you use only the cables you need to avoid strays).
Indeed, an overclocked quad core and dual graphics (only one card, but two GPUs, uses as much power as crossfire), four sticks of RAM, two HDDs, runs it all fine, no fuss, and still no noise... Amazing unit.
