Dual and Quad Core Cpu's

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If both the quad core and dual core are designed on the same processor architecture, and the only difference is the number of cores, than theoretically the quad core is nearly twice as powerful. The thing is most software can't use all 4 cores, so the performance difference isn't that great between a dual core and quad core for most tasks. Since you mention gaming I'll bring the discussion that way.

Easiest answer is that a high end dual core processor is still more than enough for gaming. Reason for this is until recently, most games couldn't use the extra 2 cores on the quad core processor, so there is minimal difference in a game when both dual core and quad core are at the same clock speed. The problem, is a growing number of games are being released that support more than 2 cores, and do run noticably better on a quad core. These games still run on dual core, but the max frames per second will be lower and the cpu will bottleneck the gpu in some games.

I'd personally recommend a quad if you can afford it, it'll last longer into the future for being able to run new games than the current dual cores will. But, this is only the case if you have a high end video card. If you have a low end video card, it'll bottleneck and limit your performance regardless of what cpu you have.
 
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For gaming clock speed is still more important than the number of cores at least for most titles. Saying that assumes a dual core/ quad core debate.....single cores are pretty much obsolete.

That being said more and more titles are making use of multiple threads and making use of quads. I am happy with my dual core E8400 for right now at least but I am more of a casual gamer.

If I was building a new machine I would not have less than a quad. Windows 7 also works well with more cores. With new 6 core chips from both Intel and AMD recently released it is only a matter of time before even a quad is not enough. For now a quad is pretty future proof.
 
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I have a Intel Core 2 Quad Q8200 Core Speed is 2.33 GHz FSB 1333.3 HHz and L2 Cache 4 MB should I change my CPU to Intel Core 2 Duo E8500 Wolfdale 3.16GHz 6MB L2 Cache LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor
 
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With the way games are going (multi-threaded) you're fine with what you have.

Are you unhappy with your current performance?

What graphics card(s) are you using?

Have you tried/thought about overclocking?
 
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No, do not go from a quad core to a dual core. Just overclock your Q8200. It's not a great overclocker, but at least 500MHz to 2.8GHz should be doable.

A well oced Q8200 would then be superior to the E8500 (which is vastly overpriced anyways) in multi-threaded games such as FarCry2, GTA4, etc
 
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My GTA4 is lagging so hard my video card is sapphire ATI HD4350 512mb 64 bit Core 600 MHz and Memory 500 MHz thats my video card shity one :??:
 
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Well, you said "If I knew how to overclock" which sounds like you saying "I'd overclock if I knew how to overclock." You made no mention
of your computer being a Gateway and lacking overclocking functions earlier.
 
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Why i bought acer :| its a shity like a DELL
 
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Wait can i overclock with software not bios?
 
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PhenomII x6 @ 2.8GHz: $215 (or go for a PII x6 3.2GHz for $315)
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103851&cm_re=phenom_2_x6-_-19-103-851-_-Product

Asus mobo: $128
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131402

Corsair 4GB DDR3: $120
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145260&cm_re=ddr3_4gb-_-20-145-260-_-Product

Antec 850watt PSU: $160
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371009&cm_re=antec_power_supply-_-17-371-009-_-Product

Gigabyte 5870: $394 (or go for a 5850 for $300)
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125316&cm_re=5870-_-14-125-316-_-Product

Sony DVD Burner: $25
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827118030

1TB WesternDigital Caviar Black HDD: $100
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136284


Pick a full tower case for $200
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=2010090007%201054808289&name=ATX%20Full%20Tower

or pick a mid-tower case for $120
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=2010090007%201054808287&name=ATX%20Mid%20Tower

Add $50-$100 for shipping


Approximate total = $1300 Canadian dollars, +/- $200 depending on what parts you pick
 
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Solution

 
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