DonC wrote:
>
> I'm not sure you can answer my question but I'll ask it anyway.
>
> I'm running an Athlon XP 3000+ at 2.167GHz (No OCing) with FSB= 333MHz.
>
> I'm getting the itch to do a major upgrade to take advantage of SATA 3.0
> drives, cheaper DDR2 memory, etc. I started out assuming a 64 bit
> dual-processor CPU was the obvious way to go. But I'm running Win XP
> Professional (32 bit) and don't think I'd currently realize much benefit of
> a dual-processor. I am not a gamer. Adobe PhotoShop is probably my most
> intensive application.
>
> What performance both could I expect to see? I'm in no hurry to upgrade to
> Vista; have it on my laptop and like XP much better.
>
> Thanks
This is a separate question, Don. You should have started your own
thread, to get an answer tailored to you.
A dual core does give a benefit in WinXP. Tasks can be split between
the two cores. There are always background tasks running on Windows,
and load balancing means your user process could use one core, while
the background stuff runs on the other. So there will be a benefit.
Photoshop is dual core aware. There are two kinds of filters in
Photoshop. Some are only single core aware. Some others are dual
core aware. So some of your filters will double in speed, even
at the same clock speed.
Considering the class of machine you have currently, you might not
subjectively see a difference in the desktop. Where you see the
difference, is when you use a stopwatch, to time how long it takes
to do some stuff. "Grinding tasks" will complete in less time.
For example, in Photoshop, it is possible to record a sequence of
commands, and rerun them. Or batch process a bunch of files.
With your new dual core, this will zip along.
In terms of AMD options, if you are an AMD fan, the 5000 Black Box
edition, has an unlocked multiplier. So you can overclock it if you
want. Apparently there is some new stepping being offered for that
processor, and it overclocks pretty well. "Black Box" edition
processors do not include a heatsink and fan, which spoils the
economy of the purchase.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819103194
The 6000+ runs at 3GHz and is a dual core. If you aren't interested
in overclocking, that might be the processor for you. The 6000+
will come with a cooler. The 6400+ is another Black Box edition.
Finally, if you wanted even more performance, something like an
Intel E6850 or a Q6600 (quad core), are pretty decent upgrades.
Intel and AMD pricing can be seen here. Retail prices may be
higher, and these lists will give you some idea of the extra
profit margin.
http://www.intel.com/intel/finance/p...price_list.pdf
http://www.amd.com/us-en/Processors/...l?redir=CPT301
HTH,
Paul