processors

[Bruv119]

Hi guys,

A little input if you would be so kind,  is it worth my while going from an intel dual core 2 x 2.4   to a quad core?   the one i was looking at is £150, 

I've had my current build for 2 years and it copes with everything I test it with,  I'm just wondering whether the step up would be worth my time and money.

thanks

[Skuzzy]

I assume the current CPU is a first generation Core 2 CPU.  If that is the case, you probably will not get much benefit from a quad core CPU, unless you are doing videographer work with an application designed to make use of multiple cores (i.e. Avid, Premier Pro, Vegas Pro,....).

[Bruv119]

rgr that skipper   

[BaldEagl]

Bruv, I don't know what CPU or motherboard you have but if you're looking the get a little more performance and haven't already done so it's very easy to overclock the Intel Core2Duos.  You can get about 20% more out of them without even trying.  Much more if you actually know what you're doing.

I've got my 2.66 Ghz E6750 OC'd to 3.2 Ghz running the same temps it did stock and the only thing i had to do was increase the FSB speed.  I had it over 3.5 Ghz and stable but really only wanted to sync my CPU and RAM clocks so I backed it back down.  I've heard of people running them at 3.6-3.9 Ghz.

[Getback]

I ran my E8500 at 4.06 ghz for about 6 mos. but it didn't hold up under stress tests. So I backed it down to 3.5 ghz and have been ever so happy since. Still have much to learn about OC.

I will say if you jumped to an E8500 or E8400 you will see a remarkable improvement. Especially if you over clock a hair.

[Chalenge]

I dont understand! Even Skuzzy mentions OC but yet if there ever is a problem you can lose everything in your system! Why risk it? 

[Getback]

I dont understand! Even Skuzzy mentions OC but yet if there ever is a problem you can lose everything in your system! Why risk it? 

Many Intel Duo cores run extremely cool. They are made for OC. As long as you're not going for a world record you're okay. Many MBs come with programs that help you to do this. I would recommend no more than 20% and test it under stress at several different levels. Also, most mbs will shut down prior to any damage to the cpu or system.

[Skuzzy]

I dont understand! Even Skuzzy mentions OC but yet if there ever is a problem you can lose everything in your system! Why risk it? 

I have been overclocking my computers for over 15 years.  I have never lost a system due to overclocking.  When I build a system, I do a lot of upfront planning knowing I will be overclocking.  Proper component choices are critical to a successful overclock.  I believe it is the only way to do it right.

I never recommend overclocking to anyone.

As to why.  Zero cost performance gains help me keep the initial cost of a computer lower, which allows me to upgrade more often.

[Denholm]

I dont understand! Even Skuzzy mentions OC but yet if there ever is a problem you can lose everything in your system! Why risk it? 

I just lost mine.

[Twincam]

I got 2  3.2GHz Quad-core Intel Xeon on my mac pro  very stable for this game.My friend wants to overclock it, can you do that on a mac ?

[MrRiplEy[H]]

I dont understand! Even Skuzzy mentions OC but yet if there ever is a problem you can lose everything in your system! Why risk it? 

How would you go about losing everything in your system? Only way I can think of is pushing it so hard that I/O will start producing errors and even then the OS will self destruct before much more damage is done.

[Denholm]

Perhaps by system he meant the components. Too much of a draw on the PSU could cause it to go taking some if not all components with it. Of course that's highly unlikely if your PSU is rated at a higher output than what is required of it.

[ntrudr]

I don't think overclocking will cook anything, but turning up the voltage will.

[68Wooley]

I have been overclocking my computers for over 15 years.  I have never lost a system due to overclocking.  When I build a system, I do a lot of upfront planning knowing I will be overclocking.  Proper component choices are critical to a successful overclock.  I believe it is the only way to do it right.

I never recommend overclocking to anyone.

As to why.  Zero cost performance gains help me keep the initial cost of a computer lower, which allows me to upgrade more often.

Same here - been overclocking for ten years and the only time I ever 'lost' a system was when I accidentally poured a cup of coffee into the power supply. Its an easy way to get a powerful system for less money or to extend the life of an aging system.