Performance drop when switching from single to dual core

[dannyaa]

Hey guys, thinking of swapping my 3700+ for an x2 4800+

I remember a while back hearing of possible performance drops in games (or other apps) when switching to a dual core processor... is this still the case when using newest drivers/optimizer/etc? Are there any games that perform noticeably slower when switching to dual core?

I'd hate to upgrade to dual core for gaming and then have any of the games run slower (or video editing apps)... is this a concern?

 

[Heyyou27]

Upgrading to an X2 4800+ will increase even single threaded performance; update your bios and you won't have any problems.

 

[3Ball]

I recently upgraded to a 3800+ X2 from the 3700+ sandy and I have noticed a few random flaws in some games, like a consistant framerate, but a few stutters, note that i am very picky and notice every little thing, this does no affect my gameplay very much if at all. Overall I love my system considerably compared to when I had my single core. If you run stock settings it will be great, but you can OC that proc pretty well, I OC'd my 3800+ X2 to 2.4ghz so that I dont bottleneck my video card and everything is running well! So I would say go for the dual core, especially if you are into making any kinda videos of any kind!

Best,

3Ball

 

[battousai831]

the only reason there was ever any proformance drop was because single threaded apps run slower on slower clock speeds and you would have to buy an equivalant clocked dual core to keep the same frames ane stuff, a 4800+ will be better in all cases tho (all the other stuff would be like 3700 to 3800 x2)

 

[3Ball]

Im not sure if battousai831 was tryin to say that a 3700+ clock rates are comparable to that of a 3800+ X2, but it is wrong if he is...

[3200+ (Single Core) = 3800+ X2 (Dual Core) - 2.0ghz, 512kb L2 Cache]

[3500+ (Single Core) = 4200+ X2 (Dual Core) - 2.2ghz, 512kb L2 Cache]

[3700+ (Single Core) = 4400+ X2 (Dual Core) - 2.2ghz, 1mb L2 Cache]

[3800+ (Single Core) = 4600+ X2 (Dual Core) - 2.4ghz, 512kb L2 Cache]

[4000+ (Single Core) = 4800+ X2 (Dual Core) - 2.4ghz, 1mb L2 Cache]

This is comparaing stock core speeds and caches to there single and dual core counterparts...just to clear things up if there was any confusion!

My current setup is equal to that of a 4600+ which at stock speeds would beat a 3700+ in pretty much all benchmarks, and in this case the 4800+ X2 that Dannyaa is switching to will be better in all cases at stock speeds than the 3700+...I just assumed there was a chance of some OC'ing!

Best,

3Ball

 

[dannyaa]

Oh I see, that makes perfect sense, thanks for clarifying that.

I didn't realize the 4600+ and 4800+ ran at the same clock speed - yet there is still a significant difference in the CPU charts... this can't be only because of 1mb L2 cache?? Why is this?

Also - Does the 4800+ Overclock well? Say to 2.6ghz+?

 

[dannyaa]

when you say "guard against the concpet" - do you mean, realize that since once stock is out it is out, if I want it, order sooner than later?

 

[3Ball]

Just as Jack said, its winding down, and to answer to benchmark question...the only difference is in fact the 1mb of cache, which some benchmarks can use and some cannot its really a matter of what the benchmark is. AMD's have an integrated memory controller on the die itself to the real world difference between 512k and 1mb is very small. I could go to 2.6ghz with my current chip, but I like the volt settings I can use @ 2.4ghz! They are all good chips for OC'ing...its just a matter of about how far you want to push it and how much speed you need! I only needed 2.4ghz to not bottleneck my video card, so that is what I got and the system runs great. If you are looking for long term, then buy the 4800+ X2 and run it easily anywhere from 2.6 - 2.8ghz and it will handle everything you through at it. It you are looking to upgrade something in the new future once prices are right for you the buy something like my 3800+ and run at 2.4 - 2.5ghz and you should be good to go! It all boils down to what you want and how much you think that you need and what you can be content with!

Best,

3Ball

 

[3Ball]

In reply to when you should order it, Socket 939 is goin to be gone soon but no one knows how soon...So if you make a final decision tonight or this week and whenever and you can order...then order it and dont worry about a shortage!

Best,

3Ball

 

[impreza]

the only reason there was ever any proformance drop was because single threaded apps run slower on slower clock speeds and you would have to buy an equivalant clocked dual core to keep the same frames ane stuff, a 4800+ will be better in all cases tho (all the other stuff would be like 3700 to 3800 x2)

exactly my upgrade from a 3200+ to a 4200 x2 gave huge performace incresses especily in mulitasking and video.

 

[Forsaken1]

I switched from a 3700(2750mhz) to a 4800(2808mhz).In games i do have a very slight freeze at times.Not often.Is it worth $300 to update if mostly you game.I do not think so.If money is not an issue,by all means an upgrade is an upgrade.If money is tight,i would wait to you build a new rig.

 

[chrone]

well dual core really helps in smoothening your game experience

i used to play need for speed most wanted with p4 2.4 and at that time i had a lagged frame or whatever it's called. i tried to use p4 3.0 and still got the lagged frame.

then i upgrade to core 2 duo e6300, then suddenly the lagged frame dissapear even at 1024x768 resolution.

 

[Ycon]

X2 4800+ = 2x (X1) 4000+

So you will have an 200 MHz boost for single threaded performance

 

[Forsaken1]

have you got all the latest drivers and the optimised.

my games run fine AFAIK so i ain't sure if you are right to place the blame solely at the CPU's feet.

Yes i do.Was playing Doom3(again) at the time of that post.Have not noticed any issues on games i am on now. 8)

 

[asdasd123123]

All AMD dual core cpus have timing issues with single threaded applications, they crash or exhibit uneven game-time, slow motion etc.
You can either manually set a single core using the task manager OR;

Just add this to boot.ini in root (usually C:\)

/usepmtimer

Example boot.ini looks like this;

!!! DO NOT COPY !!! (it'll cause your pc to stop booting)

[boot loader]
timeout=0
default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINXP32
[operating systems]
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINXP32="Microsoft Windows XP Professional" /fastdetect /NoExecute=OptOut /usepmtimer

As you see you add /usepmtimer at the very end of your preferred install.
Easy as eating cherry pie and having a cup of black coffee.