PC help which is faster
Out of context: Reply #5
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- sparker0
first off, bus and processor speeds are different. they do not lend themselves to comparison. bus is the communication of hardware devices with the system, processors are just that, they process tasks (threads).
dual systems are there so multiple operations can be handled more effeciently by the system.
dual processors will always outperform single processor systems when in a comprable range.
meaning that a dual 2.4 will be much better than a single 2.4. now, a dual 1.4 will run more closely to a single 2.4, even though the dual seems like it would be faster.
dual processing requires that applications and task being used take advantage of daul system architecture (smp). most does. but some applications don't even notice the presence of another processor.
it also relies heavily on what operating system you are using. historically, windows has poor implementation of effecient smp and multitasking.
that is why multi-processor systems are generally reserved for high-end functions and servers.
unix/linux and osx are going to give you better system performance when using mulit-processor architecture.
:)
honestly, for what you are going to do, ie play games, surf the web, design software, etc...you would be wasting your money on dual processors. now, if you are a high-end video/animation developer...sure, you might get a better use of multiple processors.
i have a dual processor sgi. i love it. but, i'd say just get the single processor system.