dual core question!

i heard somewhere that the dual core processors do not run at their maximum capability. :S is that true? if so how is there anyway to get the most out of them?

 

I'm not sure what you are reading. But that sounds kind off crazy. If a chip is rated for a certian performance, it performs at that level.

 

They do run at full capacity if you use an app that requires it. Intel's speedstep conserves power by not running full capacity when you are just idling or surfing the web. But when you play games it will automatically use full power.

 

thnx guys!

 

Just adding another question to the discussion...
If you have an integrated graphics chip on your board does a dual core processor help with more demanding games ?
As far as I understand how dual core procs work they can run parallel jobs right ? Can one core take care of the game and the other for the graphics ???
The reason I am asking is that I will get an HP nx7400 in a few weeks (its a present and its already bought) and wondering if I will be able to play AoE3 for example. What do you think ??
The laptop has 1.73 GHz dual core, intel 950 graphics thingy, 1 GB RAM....
Cheers
Michal

 

Unfortunately, it doesn't work like that. Most games aren't multi-threaded to begin with. The graphics controller will do the 3D - I assume you have a GMA950 in there.

 

Thanks Chaz,
Yeah I have GMA950 in the laptop...
Is it possible to run some kind of software emulator of 3D stuff on the system and at the same time play a game using the dual core blessing ??
Cheers

 

There's no way I know of to do that. The Intel GMA950 is far from being the best card . . you'll probably have a tough time running any 3D game, save for perhaps the several generations old games.

 

CPUs and GPUs are totaly different beast, and dual core's don't change the fact that CPUs suck at graphics. You could regulate an entire pentium 4 3ghz to rendering graphics and it would be like running on a Nvidia...TNT..and not the pro version.

 

Thanks Chaz and jeffmd,
I am not really that much into serious gaming since the last game I played was the first Max Payne... All I need to know is if I can play a little older games and really old ones like :
Collin McRae (the first one), Drakan, Unreal (first one), Martyr, Heroes IV, Max Payne (first one, perhaps second ?), no one lives forever (1 and 2), operation flashpoint, IL-2 Sturmovik, civilisation 3, rise of nations, call of duty, syberia, Diablo 2, Myst V End of Ages ???
Also Im not sure if I'll be able to play Age of Empires 3
Cheers
Michal