This vs. that

I've got a couple of this vs. that questions. I'm trying to compare some options and need some help with determining what sort of performance boost one will give over the other, if any.


First, graphics.
What sort of a performance boost would I get from having an actual graphics card, even a low end one like a GeForce 8400 of some sort, rather than integrated graphics? Could anyone give a short list of pros to having a card rather than integrated? And if there are any(other than price), cons as well.


Second, processors.
How much performance boost would I get from an average triple core AMD processor over a middle-of-the-road Intel dual core. I know that's extremely hard to say since a lot more goes into it than just the amount of cores, but try to think middle of the road, something that would probably come in an HP package. You could use the E2200 as the example for the Intel.


Third, another processors comparison...
What is the difference between an Intel "Core 2 Duo" and another Intel processor, like a Pentium, that is "dual core"? They both have two cores, correct? And then there is the Core 2 Quad? Quad=2, bur Core 2 suggests 2 cores? Could Intel have been more confusing when naming their processors?

 

Any graphics card is better than on board graphics if you're gaming or doing any sort of graphical intensive task. For just standard use and light gaming, on board graphics should be OK. They've come a long way with on board video in the past few years. However, if the choice is between a low end 8400 and on board, I'd go with the on board and spend the money on another gig of RAM or something, or save it until I could get a better card.

I don't really have much to say about question 2.... sorry.....

Core2Duo is a dual core processor; Core2Quad is a four core processor. The "2" in "Core2" is more of a model number than a indicator of quantity. The previous series of Intel dual core CPUs were called the "CoreDuo" series; then the next ones that came out were called the "Core2Duo" series. It's kind of like "CoreDuo: the Sequel" or "Part Two". I won $50 on a bet with a friend who swore that a Core2Quad actually had eight cores (2 x 4 = 8 right?). I figured if a CPU with eight cores was out, There would have been massive hype as a jump from two cores to eight cores would be HUGE! I also figured that if Intel had an eight core chip, why would they have such a cryptic name for it? Don't you think they'd be screaming at the top of their lungs "OCTO-CORE!"? Anyway, I hope this clears it up.

BTW- I took my friend out drinking with the $50 I won and we had a ball :drink

 

lol.. So the difference between a processor with two cores, like a Pentium or something, and another processor with two cores like a Core 2 Duo, is just type and quality of each core and the processor as a whole?


Your answer about the graphics card reminded me of another question I've had for a long time... When using a 32 bit operating system no more that 3 gigs of ram can be utilized, correct? So, is there ANY advantage or performance increase with adding more ram above 3 gig?

8 cores.. lol. Not quite there yet.. or at least, if we are, they aren't released yet. At any rate, can't you make a dual processor setup? Wouldn't be 8 cores in one processor but it would be 8 cores.

 

Yup. The earlier dual core Pentiums (the Pentium D series) have a different architecture and die process than the CoreDuo or Core2Duo (which are also different from each other) CPUs. They all have two cores and they're all made by Intel, but due to the design differences, the Core2Duo chips are vastly superior to the regular dual core Pentiums.

In a 32bit operating system, NO.

In theory, yes. But in reality, it would actually be 2 x 4 cores, which is different than eight cores. Yes, it is a total of 8 cores, but it would operate differently that a single CPU with 8 cores. And the cost for a dual socket motherboard that supports quad core CPUs, and the cost of 2 quad core CPUs, is borderline preventative, and I have no idea if the price/performance ratio would make it worthwhile, but it sure would be something to brag about!

 

Yeah, that's true. Thanks for clearing that up for me. Big help.