Dual Core Computer or Single Core with a higher clock speed?

[starwarrior29]

I am about to purchase a new computer and have narrowed it to either an AMD Athlon 64 X2 dual-core 3800+ which runs at 2 GHz or an AMD Athlon 64 3800+ which runs at 2.4 GHz, my question would be is the dual core running at a lower speed faster than the single core that is clocked at 2.4 GHz? Would mainly like to know which would be better for video editing, but would also use it for some gaming also.

[redwudz]

If it's running at a lower speed it would likely be slower for tasks like encoding. But a lot depends on what else it's doing at the time and what programs you are using. If you use a program that can make good use of dual processors, then it may accomplish the same task quicker. Those CPU speeds are fairly close and you may not see that much difference in speed.

But multitasking could improve a fair amount with dual processors. That would depend on the programs you are using and how they take advantage of the DP setup. The OS also comes into the mix. If VISTA does as promised, the DP setup may end up being much quicker than the single processor computers. If nothing else your multitasking capabilities should improve. It would be nice to be able to do anything you want with the computer while still encoding full speed in the background.

Just my opinion, but I would go with a DP if I could afford it, even if the speed were slightly lower than the equivalent single processor system. But I would be hoping that at least a fair share of the newer software could make good use of the DP setups.

[starwarrior29]

These are the two pc packages that I am considering:

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=999953200050013&type=product&productCate...prd53400050013

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=999953200050011&type=product&productCate...prd53400050011

The dual core package is only 90 dollars more so price isn't an issue and it would be nice to do encoding in the background while being able to surf the web.

[redwudz]

It sounds like a good deal. I'm not a big fan of HP, but the system seems OK for the price. I would add in a second hard drive, but otherwise, I think you will be happy with it. I would favor a dual core system as it has more potential, even though it may not perform quite as fast as a single processor at the present.

Compared to what you have according to your computer details, go for it. As always, just my opinion.