Solved Wondering about upgrading from dual core to quad core CPU with Win 7

[adamwentzell82]

I am just wondering about the CPU I just ordered from E-Bay new and how it will perform with Windows 7 64 Bit compaired to the one I have now this is the one I ordered:
AMD Phenom X4 Quad CPU 9500 AM2+ 2.2 GHz 3600MHz 4MB
This is the one I have now:
AMD Athlon 64 X2 Dual core 3800+ 2GHz
I just want to know is there going to be any faster gain with the newer quad core over the dual core thanks for any help you can give me.

 

[Zepher]

Yes, the machine will be faster all around and you will notice the speed difference.

 

[rap33042]

I don't think you'll see any significant speed gain.

In order for the multi-core CPU's to show an influence, the software that you are using needs to be optimized in that direction.
So far, that isn't happening.

Sure, 64-bit and multi-core CPUs are the future. It won't hurt to upgrade now, but the benefits won't be seen until the companies that are programming this stuff catches up.

Heck! Most software these days is still 32-bit, for goodness sake. Don't even mention quad-core, multi-threading, etc!
Even IE 9 hides the 64-bit version from your eyes- though it is installed.
According to benchmarks I have recently seen, 64-bit IE 9 is a clear loser, speed-wise.
Take note: Adobe Flash Player is 32-bit; you need a third-party hack to get a beta version of a 64-bit compatible version.

My advice?
If you are not sure of the budget- don't do it. You won't notice a difference in any meaningful way.
If you are dead-set on upgrading your system, then get an SSD. Simply the best-bang-for-the-buck upgrade (next to RAM) that you can do.
I know they are expensive, but since I installed two (2) of these SSD drives in my system, boot times and system responsiveness have gone through the roof. (How about a 5 second boot into Windows from the end of the BIOS initialization! Pretty cool.)
[I see that you already have 8GB of RAM- no need to get more of that. 4GB seems to be the "sweet spot" these days.]

Keep your money,

 

[jimbo45]

Yes, the machine will be faster all around and you will notice the speed difference.

Hi there

like all these thing it will depend on what you are actually running on your computer -- for bog standard Net surfing and office type apps you probably won't see ANY difference at all.

The main two overheads on typical "Home" computers are usually 1) SLOW (and often incredibly) slow disk drives and 2) a Lack of available RAM -- more RAM allows much easier running of concurrent applications.

If you need fast CPU --for example a lot of VIDEO editing. serious gaming / Virtual Reality type of applications then You WILL benefit by having a Quad - but also upgrade the other components too --such as better disks and more RAM otherwise your extra CPU power is just wasted,

Cheers
jimbo

 

[adamwentzell82]

I know the one I have now is dual core but I find it maxes out all the time when I play HD 1080 videos, converting videos, running anti-virus programs just to name a few.

 

[adamwentzell82]

SOLVED got the quad core