Intel Quad Core question

Hi, I have been thinking about getting a computer for gaming and general use. It has a Q6600 Quad CoreTM 2.40GHz, 1066Mhz FSB, 8MB cache. First off is this a good processor because I find dual core and quad core processors confusing to figure out in terms of Ghz and performance :S

Also because this has 4 processor cores, does this mean some programs like games might not utilise all the processors? I have heard rumors about that kind of stuff and if so what can i do to make sure I am properly using the all processor cores.

Thanks and please let me know if there will be any problems with quad core processors because I am looking for a reliable system ;)

Well as long as im getting good performance from it there should be no problem right? I dont really understand why it doesnt utulise all cores but how many does it usually use and does this affect performance in games much?

thank you

Well as long as im getting good performance from it there should be no problem right? I dont really understand why it doesnt utulise all cores but how many does it usually use and does this affect performance in games much?

thank you

sn4k3_64

because you have to program in the ability to use more than 1 core. More than 1 core chips are relatively new in the computer field. It's expensive to go back and rewrite programs to utilize all these cores, especially when only a handle full of people have them in todays computing world. However programs are now coming out to use 2 cores natively because dual cores are being pushed into the market and singles are disappearing.

the advantage to quad core comes within windows itself. Windows has no issue with multiple core chips and although it's not the best it will reroute the info into these cores to balance the load. One really only sees a difference when they do a lot of heavy CPU intensive things, like: encoding, rendering, etc.

for gaming you'll not need more than 2 cores for the moment. Only a couple games can use dual core code, so most use 1 core. this leaves the other to deal with windows processes.

For now E8400 is faster but if you want a futureproof than Q6600 is the best choice. Only a few games are optimized for quads but

more will come soon

For now E8400 is faster but if you want a futureproof than Q6600 is the best choice. Only a few games are optimized for quads but

more will come soon

dayaccus007

true, but most games that are coming out are supporting quads, also a quad core speeds up a computer due to it can handle more background tasks while gaming.