Gaming wise, the real difference? (6300 vs 4200 x2)

[Paramount]

Hi all

All I use my processor for really is games, not overclocking, not ripping 2 DVDs at a time, no video encoding, just games.

At the moment I'm using a Barton 2500 at stock with 2 gig of ram and an x800xtpe. For everyday tasks like web surfing, a little photoshop, watching movies and listening to music its fine, but for gaming it's starting to show it's age and I'd like to upgrade asap.

I know the options, I know conroe is the best thing since casual unprotected sex with your flatmates, but upgrading for me means a total overhaul because my current system is so old, that means new ram, new motherboard, new gfx. Going the x2 route means I can reuse my ram saving a potential 160 quid, part of which will be used for 939 processor.

I'll cut to the main question, if I had 2 identical mid-high end systems, one with a stock C2D 6300, and one with a stock 4200 X2, would I notice a difference playing todays latest games (BF2, Fear, CoH, Oblivion, Dark Messiah etc)? Not with fraps running, not 3dmark points, a real difference to the eye. (I'd be running at 1680x1050 btw)

I'd really appreciate if someone who has made a similar transition could answer and put my mind at rest once and for all Thanks very much.


Edit - I'm 1337! <<

 

[Paramount]

Not sure if I missed it, but if keeping the x800 I'd say a few frames at most if any.

Thanks for the replies. I'd be using a 7950gt for a while, then dx10 card sometime next year, would this make a difference to how the processor performs (bottlenecking?)? A few frames doesn't count, I wouldn't beable to tell them. Stuttering however does, something I'm starting to get a lot of with my current setup in modern games and its driving me mad.

And I know getting a 775 socket is is a little better future secure wise, but by the time I upgrade again there will probably be a whole new socket.

 

[Paramount]

Yeah - but it's only a x4 PCI'E slot. Fine for mid-range cards but the higher end ones are going to be bottlenecked.

Yeah, I'd like to stay away from that board if possible. If I was going to do it, I'd go the whole hog.

I'm kinda swaying towards the AMD, and more towards a 4600+ now as well. Just as long as it will last me a year or 2s gaming with a few gfx card upgrades I'll be happy.

 

[Paramount]

In fact I'd rather have casual unprotected sex with myself than buy this motherboard.

Haha, I lol'ed at that.

I've gone for an x2 4600+. Yes the smart decision would be conroe but I've saved 200 quid and I'm sure this will do just as much for me as a conroe would.