Dual or Quad Core for FS?

[Anthony]

My computer's almost on it's last legs now, so I've been looking at options for an upgrade (really a new build).
I'm sorted on everything but the processor.

I'd rather not go AMD, as everything I've seen points to Intel's Core stuff being better in most ways.
Having said that, which is better for FS - dual core or quad core?

I've read or heard that FS isn't coded to take much advantage of multiple cores or processors, except for loading textures and stuff, and that it benefits more from higher clock speed, but I could be wrong.

Quad core: Probably the Intel Q6600, because it's cheap but pretty decent. (2.4 GHz)
Dual Core: Probably the Intel E6850, for a similar reason (3.0 GHz)

Any ideas?

Cheers
Anthony

[Charl]

FSXI will use multi-cores, eventually.
If it's only FS9 or X that determines your choice, Intel Dual Core does the job.

I've actually managed to coax mine into sharing the other core for a FS session...

[benwynn]

FSX already does use multi Cores since SP2..

Apparently, the E6850 will be faster for gaming etc, and the Q6600 more for Multi Tasking.

[utopian]

If your flying FS9 then Duel Core fastest clock.
If your your flying FSX or ESP then Quad core will make a diffrence,

I've run a E6700 and Q6700 same video card Q6700 is very noticeably faster for FSX

Basicly what benwynn said.

[Charl]

QUOTE (benwynn @ May 19 2008, 06:39 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

FSX already does use multi Cores since SP2..
Apparently, the E6850 will be faster for gaming etc, and the Q6600 more for Multi Tasking.

QUOTE (utopian @ May 19 2008, 07:53 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I've run a E6700 and Q6700 same video card Q6700 is very noticeably faster for FSX
Basicly what benwynn said.

Well if that's what Benwynn said, I must have missed it...

Here's a better idea: Google Phil Taylor (as in ACES) and read what it's actually all about.

[ronindanbo]

I run a quad intel and my fs9 is now seemles no loss of frames at all. I think the more you have in the vid card though is more important.

[Timmo]

^^ A fast CPU is quite an important consideration as Aces put a lot of features onto CPU calls as opposed to GPU to allow simmers on 'non specialist machines (i.e. decent cpu but average graphics processor)

Things like bloom, water effects, terrain lighting etc are all handled on the CPU if I recall correctly.

[aviation]

I've just upgraded my machine to an Intel Core 2 E8500 and I've been told that FSX is only hungry on CPU power. So I'm investing in a really good after market cooler and cranking the cpu up to about 4.5ghz which I've been told should run FSX no worries.

I personally would go with the E6850.