Core2 Duo or Core2 Quad?

It's simple really. Applications that can only use 1 core will be faster on the dual core than a quad core because the speed of the cores are faster.

Applications that can use all 4 cores will be faster on the quad core.

As time goes on, more and more applications will be able to use multiple cores, so quad is slightly more future proof in that respect.

The dual core will be faster depending on what applications you use. I believe most general day to day applications still only use 1 core, so on average the dual core will probably be faster for most tasks, but the quad core has more power that can be used.

If you multitask hectically though, the quad would probably serve you better. Leave one or two cores to rip media while using one for photoshop and other stuff.
 
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Yes the Quad is slower in single threaded operations. But it still totally blows a P4 out of the water. You really wouldn't notice the difference in real usage.

I would say Quad core - it's just more future proof.

Edit: Bullfrog summed it up perfectly.
 
Still looks like Quad is in the lead, I do use photoshop allot while I have other things going on in the back(well i try to with my P4).
 
I got quite a different response when I asked a similiar question, but I suppose my needs are a bit different to yours. http://mybroadband.co.za/vb/showthread.php?t=193818

I've decided to go with the higher clock speed core2duo rather than slower quad. But I haven't made my purchase yet so I'm open to suggestions. There seem to be alot of people on this forum and others advocating quads because "4 is better than 2" and "its newer" but the real world performance seems to tell a different story...

You could consider getting the quad and doing a mild overclock but that could be more trouble than its worth.

Realistically hardware has been improving at a rapid pace and peoples computing needs have stood largely still (excluding gaming) so either processor for both of us is probably overkill. The only possible exception is your use of photoshop which may favour a quad.
 
killkom said:
Hi

Please read this before you make you decision

http://www.codinghorror.com/blog/archives/000942.html

You will find in most of the applications you are using the quad core 2.4 GHZ will actually be slower than the Dual core 3GHZ

I am sure everyone will disagree with me but its a fact like it or not

Cheers
Click to expand...

yeah but like bullfrog pointed out so clearly, is that if you have a lot of programs running the QUAD will make mince meat out of a dual core.
 
I would concede that the quad is more future proof

But there is a lot of assumption that if you running multiple applications in windows that all 4 cores are going used on a quad but this is not true

All 4 cores will only be used is all the apps you are running are build for multiple cores. you will find that if the apps don't support quad core that not all cores will be working on the cpu.

But if I had a P4 and wanted an upgrade I would still choose the quad core even if you do gaming the cpu is hardly ever the bottle neck so I would make that choice. There is not a huge difference in performance between the two and you won't be left out in the cold when apps start coming out with quad support.

But if I had a dual core I would not bother moving to a quad thats a waste of money.

Cheers
 
that review was 2 years ago. with the price drops and new apps/games coming out all the time, why even consider dual core.
 
I have had a quad core for about a year now. It never uses just one core, I have a widget in vista that shows the usage.

Quad FTW
 
Go quad. You can assign different tasks to different cores. For instance, browsing on one core, music/movies on the other and do whatever you want with the last two. Gaming maybe? Gives you a hell of a lot more options than a dual. Besides, if you feeling adventurous, you could always overclock the quad... The only reason to still go to the 775 platform is the dropping prices of the core2quads. I'd rather go i5 or AM3 though...
 
A whole i7 build. Tell me where and I'll be there like a bear.
Budget,budget,budget.
Can get mother board(can handle 8GB ram), core2 quad,heatsink and fan, 2GB ram(for starters) for R2600
 
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Im hanging on till the new year to upgrade my mobo and proc, there are gonna be some good price cuts and new tech coming, the core 2's will be a thing of the past in not to long. i7 was just the tip of the ice burg :D

Just my opinion doesnt mean im right.
 
Could be something to consider, can save more bucks and maybe get something better. Getting itchy feet though...
 
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