Dual Core or 64 bit

[agmorgan]

I need to choose a processor to build my next PC around.
Does any software currently take advantage of Dual Core processors or 64 bit processors?

Can you get Dual Core (Multi Core?) 64 bit CPUs yet?

Bearing in mind that most of the games I play are from the 2001 era.
Unreal Tournament, Age Of Empires etc
Not really requiring anything more than 1GHz and 128 MB RAM

I'm wondering if I really need anything more than 2GHz?
Obviously I want the highest spec'd PC out there but I am very poor at the moment and cant really afford more than £400.

[-TPM-]

Yes, Yes, Yes and probably not.

Any multi threaded App. will take advantage of duel core (as I understand it). You'll also notice a difference multi tasking. ie you'll be able to run a game and virus scan together and without any slowdown.

To take advantage of 64bit, you'd need to install a 64bit OS first. THere arn't a lot of 64bit apps out there yet but you'll still be able to run the 32bit ones (some will have a marginal speed increase)

Athlon 64 X2 (There's probably an Intel out there as well...)

As you say one of the main reasons for having a fast pc is games, and with a budget of 400 quid the Athlon 64 X2 is probably a bit out of you range (just the processor's is about that) I'd recomend you look for deals on a straight Athlon 64 & mobo. Usually if you get both together in a bundle you'll get a beter price.

[Shaggy Hiker]

I have a dual core 2.8 GHz, a non-dual core 2.8, and a 1.2. Frankly, I can't tell the difference between them for 99% of the things I do. Some newer games won't run as well on the slower one, but all of the ones you listed do fine (don't have Unreal Tournament, so I can't say there).

You save alot of money by stepping back a little. If you don't NEED it, hold off, because you won't see the difference anyways.

[agmorgan]

Thanks, thats what I was suspecting.