Dual vs Single core question

[Jumpingmedic]

I currently have an Athlon XP2400 which has done well for me up till now, but neverwinter nights 2 is kicking its ass. So it's upgrade time and I'm not really sure how dual core cpus work.

I realise that 2 cpus would be great for multitasking, one cpu for each program, but it's not like I play games whilst using any other applications.... who would? So do both cores go to work on the one running program or does the second cpu just sit there and do nothing?

I notice the clock speeds for dual cores are quite low, round about 2ghz so I's certainly hope both cpus work on one program otherwise there'll be no performance boost for me at all. Would I be better off going for one of the higher clocked single cores?


Any help appreciated!

 

[Jumpingmedic]

so 2 cores at 2ghz will function just like one core at 4ghz on a single application then? even if the program isn't designed for dual cores?

 

[Jumpingmedic]

Thanks for the reply, it sounds promising, but I just need it spelled out for me before I hand over my cash:

Will there be a massive (hopefully double?) increase in performance if I go from a single 2ghz to a dual 2ghz system in a game that isn't designed for 2 cores.

Multitasking isn't a big deal for me I want all my power focused on one application at a time

(heh damn, you replied to me before I even posted ^_^)

 

[Jumpingmedic]

Thanks. I'll head over to GH and see what people think.

I guess I will go dual core. The new gfx card should take care of improved performance for non dual core games.

Thanks for the help!