Motherboards and dual core processors - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

Great Scott · 01-07-2006, 05:50 AM

Hey all,

I decided to take that final step and build a new PC from start to finish. I've done most of the work before, but I think I'm ready for the big one. Thing is I don't quite understand EVERYTHING that goes into it. My question here is about motherboards. When you choose them I notice they come in several different socket sizes (Socket A, socket 478, socket 775, socket 754, socket 939/940) my question is what does this represent? Is this the type of processor that can fit in the motherboard, or something else. What is the current standard, and what is most cutting-edge?

My second question is about dual-core processors. Not sure I get the whole idea here. Are we talkeg double the computing power because you double the processing power? Do you have to get 2 indentical processors like dual-channel RAM? I want this PC to be cutting-edge but I am trying to stay away from 64bit processors just because of the lack of current compatible programs.

Thanks for anyone who reads and responds.

tuffrr · 01-07-2006, 05:21 PM

Different sockets mean they take different processors. Firstly, whats you budget? Secondly, do you prefer AMD over Intel? (You should ;-) )

My recommendation is a Socket 939 running and AMD x2 or Dual core opteron. But this is based on my requirements, yours may be different.

With dual core, its not that your computer is going twice as fast, more it can do twice as much. I encode movies, listen to music, browse web etc with mine without noticing any decrease in perfomance. (I have a DFI Ultra-D mobo (Socket 939) running an Opteron 170 (dual core).

Silvy · 01-07-2006, 05:56 PM

Just a few quick pointers:

- The socket is the connector between motherboard and processor. They both need to be the same. Choose whichever your processor needs.

- The dual core processors are single items. They do not come in pairs. The "dual" nature is inside, they contain 2 separate processing units. In theory this doubles the computing power while still using a single chip.
Ofcourse you can go for a dual processor system in which case you will need 2 processors of the same type (not sure about same clockspeed).
The absolute best is dualprocessor/dual core resulting in 4 times the computing power.

However: Most programs can only run in a single thread, which means that they're not suitable to divide over multiple processing units (cpu or cpu-cores).
So if you're looking to improve gaming performance, dual-cpu or dual-core is not going to help, they're not designed to make use of multiple cores/cpu's.
Only specifically choose for the multiple cores/cpus system if you have needs for multiple heavy tasks simultaneously or you run software that can use the extra power efficiently.
Then again, if the price is right, extra processing power won't hurt!

As for 64-bit, once again if the price is right go for it! the AMD 64-bit chips run your current software with incredible speeds (there is no emulation involved, it runs the old code as if it were a fast 32bit cpu). You can safely go with the AMD 64 bit processors.

I hope this clears somethings up.

01-07-2006, 05:50 AM	#1 (permalink)
Great Scott Insane Location: In a huge maze just trying to find my cheese	Motherboards and dual core processors Hey all, I decided to take that final step and build a new PC from start to finish. I've done most of the work before, but I think I'm ready for the big one. Thing is I don't quite understand EVERYTHING that goes into it. My question here is about motherboards. When you choose them I notice they come in several different socket sizes (Socket A, socket 478, socket 775, socket 754, socket 939/940) my question is what does this represent? Is this the type of processor that can fit in the motherboard, or something else. What is the current standard, and what is most cutting-edge? My second question is about dual-core processors. Not sure I get the whole idea here. Are we talkeg double the computing power because you double the processing power? Do you have to get 2 indentical processors like dual-channel RAM? I want this PC to be cutting-edge but I am trying to stay away from 64bit processors just because of the lack of current compatible programs. Thanks for anyone who reads and responds.

01-07-2006, 05:56 PM	#3 (permalink)
Silvy paranoid Location: The Netherlands	Just a few quick pointers: - The socket is the connector between motherboard and processor. They both need to be the same. Choose whichever your processor needs. - The dual core processors are single items. They do not come in pairs. The "dual" nature is inside, they contain 2 separate processing units. In theory this doubles the computing power while still using a single chip. Ofcourse you can go for a dual processor system in which case you will need 2 processors of the same type (not sure about same clockspeed). The absolute best is dualprocessor/dual core resulting in 4 times the computing power. However: Most programs can only run in a single thread, which means that they're not suitable to divide over multiple processing units (cpu or cpu-cores). So if you're looking to improve gaming performance, dual-cpu or dual-core is not going to help, they're not designed to make use of multiple cores/cpu's. Only specifically choose for the multiple cores/cpus system if you have needs for multiple heavy tasks simultaneously or you run software that can use the extra power efficiently. Then again, if the price is right, extra processing power won't hurt! As for 64-bit, once again if the price is right go for it! the AMD 64-bit chips run your current software with incredible speeds (there is no emulation involved, it runs the old code as if it were a fast 32bit cpu). You can safely go with the AMD 64 bit processors. I hope this clears somethings up. __________________ "Do not kill. Do not rape. Do not steal. These are principles which every man of every faith can embrace. " - Murphy MacManus (Boondock Saints)

01-07-2006, 05:21 PM	#2 (permalink)
tuffrr Registered User Location: On the internet	Different sockets mean they take different processors. Firstly, whats you budget? Secondly, do you prefer AMD over Intel? (You should ;-) ) My recommendation is a Socket 939 running and AMD x2 or Dual core opteron. But this is based on my requirements, yours may be different. With dual core, its not that your computer is going twice as fast, more it can do twice as much. I encode movies, listen to music, browse web etc with mine without noticing any decrease in perfomance. (I have a DFI Ultra-D mobo (Socket 939) running an Opteron 170 (dual core).