Dual core cpus

[pyro]

As I have no experience in dual cpus/dual core cpus, id like to know a litle something from you guys that run dual setups. First of all is the dual core same as dual cpu? Does it only give you an advantage in specific applications (say, 3d studio max?) or can windows use both of them for whatever you are doing? For example, say I am unzipping a big archive, i.e. 1gig one, with my 3200xp it will really slow down my computer, everything will take forever to respond, etc. If I am running a dual core rig, will it use one core to unrar, and the other core for me to use with msn, firefox etc?

Ta!

 

[pyro]

Awsome, that's the sort of answers I was waiting for So, any way I can built a second hand dual core rig for less than 250? I have an x800 but that's AGP, I am guessing all new mobos that support dual core run only pci-e? Also I have two 512ddr ram, if I could use these on a dual core mobo then I am guessing all I need is the cpu and the mobo. Any suggestions?

p.s. I won't be getting anythng till August so it can wait, I was just wondering because unziping is killing me

 

[pyro]

Asus P5VD1-X, use your current ram and graphics, Pentium D 805 and a decent PSU. Comes to ~£200, afaik other than an asrock thats the only board that supports dual core and AGP.

If you already have a good PSU, then get the Asrock 939 Dual thingy and an x2 3800+

Sounds like a plan, how much can I oc the 3800? 4500 maybe? I am running a 2600@3200 now so I'd like to get something that clocks well

 

[pyro]

On the other hand I don't want to spend a fortune on a new set of gfx and ram, so I'd want to go for a mobo that does have agp. Also my psu is around 400watts so I guess it's ok?

 

[pyro]

It's a 480w Tagan.