question for the computer geeks

[retarded pilot]

thinking of upgrading my wifes oldest computer at her shop its around a 1.8ghz,..she runs graphic & design intensive programs such as photoshop and corel draw x3.

question is will she see a major improvement in the above programs if she gets a dual or even quad core cpu like this http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicat...5X-Q6600&CMP=EMC-TIGEREMAIL&SRCCODE=WEM1447AA

instead of a fast single core?

i looked around google & can't find specs if the programs are multi threading, though i have to believe they are.

thanks for any info

 

[markallen]

You will see a huge increase in performance with a dual core over a single core.I am currently running an AMD 4200 X2 and it flat out smokes..But I have it running at 2.5 GHZ...Spend the money and get a dual core.You will not regret it..I promise you..

Mark

 

[Rolex]

I just got my new comp set up. Quad core, 3.0 gig. Absolute lightning fast.

 

[hamz9561]

I will second getting a multi-core processor. Unfortunately, this means you will probably have replace the all of the computer's innards except maybe the hard drive.

 

[SkyMaxx]

YES...a multi-processor of any kind will be blazing fast compared to a single processor for anything graphics intensive, especially if you are running multiple applications at the same time. A quad core or dual quad core would be a huge leap better...in fact, you might steal the computer from your wife after seeing it perform.

 

[retarded pilot]

from what I've read doesn't a program have to be especially written to take real advantage of a multi core cpu?

no i would never steal her computer!, she make money with hers....i just spend money with mine lol

 

[SkyMaxx]

Some programs do; however, think of the multi-processors as separate computers. If you run more than one application at a time on a multi-processor machine, each processor can handle a separate program as long as you have the processors to handle it...two programs running on a duo core machine means one core per program...this makes things go more quickly (limiting factor might be the amount of RAM you have in the machine). In a single processor machine, the single processor has to handle all of the programs and interleave all processes related to each program...so you suffer a performance loss when compared to a multi-processor machine.

 

[hamz9561]

Photoshop is written to make use of multiple processors in its rendering. There will be a noticeable difference in speed.