how much does number of cores matter?

I have an AMD Phenom II x6 system, a 2.6 GHz processor with 6 cores. The 2.6 GHz is not that high a clockspeed, but then again it has 6 cores. I also have a 1 GB video card. I was just wondering how much the number of cores matters because the 2.6 GHz is not that high.

It all depends on the game or program you are using. Cores>Speed when it comes to processing power. The the early days of dual core cpu's almost all programs and games were made to work with only single core cpu's which meant that the dual core was only half used. Some what of the same thing happened with duals to quads(not as long or as bad)where the same type of cpu architecture showed no difference between the two because of it being coded for dual and not quads. Then cpu clockrates can seperate the same cpu architecture from each other because it is higher clockrates. For example you can take a Phenom X4 3.2ghz vs your Phenom X6 2.6ghz when and game are only coded for quads the 3.2 ghz will out do the X6 but when a program/game is coded for the X6 then it will out do the faster clocked quad.

Even with your 2.6 Ghz X6 gaming will be more then enough for while. The gpu is main item that determines how well your games perform. Having 1gb video card means nothing if its a slow graphics crad.

I have never done anything like overclocking before, but I am considering overclocking it once the factory warranty runs out in September. How far should I push it? 2.6->3GHz? I'd be happy pushing it just to 2.8, to keep it safe, but that might be not even worth it. It currently has 1 fan located on the processor... I would add a fan to the back of the case and a new heat sink. I wonder if this would be enough extra cooling.

thanks for the info about the program needing to be programmed to utilize that many cores. That's what I suspected.

I have never done anything like overclocking before, but I am considering overclocking it once the factory warranty runs out in September. How far should I push it? 2.6->3GHz? I'd be happy pushing it just to 2.8, to keep it safe, but that might be not even worth it. It currently has 1 fan located on the processor... I would add a fan to the back of the case and a new heat sink. I wonder if this would be enough extra cooling.

thanks for the info about the program needing to be programmed to utilize that many cores. That's what I suspected.

e575

You might find your overclocking potential to be small unless you have a good mobo. You can't change the multiplier on the low-end X6 Phenoms. I suspect that 3.0Ghz could be done though :)

thing is, would I fry the processor? I suspect I'll have to measure the heat? How are all these people measuring what temp their PC is running at, installing thermometers? Sorry, I'm an overclocking newb.

thing is, would I fry the processor? I suspect I'll have to measure the heat? How are all these people measuring what temp their PC is running at, installing thermometers? Sorry, I'm an overclocking newb.

e575

There are built in sensors. Download and install HWmonitor to check temps :P

And no, you won't fry the processor as long as you don't mess with the voltage too much. 3Ghz isn't high for a Phenom II X6.

Thank you very much for putting me on to HWMonitor. I'm amazed that it tells me the temperature in each individual core of my processor, my video card, and2 other set of temps. My question is whatare the other sets of temps? Motherboard?

I have temps in these categories:

1) ASUSTeK Computer inc (overall case? motherboard?)

2) AMD Phenom II x6 (processor cores)

3) ST3100052AS (hard drive?)

4) ATI Radeon 5750 (video card)

So I'm wondering what categories 1 and 3 are. And what are good temperature ranges??

Thanks so much for all the help.

Thank you very much for putting me on to HWMonitor. I'm amazed that it tells me the temperature in each individual core of my processor, my video card, and2 other set of temps. My question is whatare the other sets of temps? Motherboard?

I have temps in these categories:

1) ASUSTeK Computer inc (overall case? motherboard?)

2) AMD Phenom II x6 (processor cores)

3) ST3100052AS (hard drive?)

4) ATI Radeon 5750 (video card)

So I'm wondering what categories 1 and 3 are. And what are good temperature ranges??

Thanks so much for all the help.

e575

1 is probably northbridge / southbridge on your motherboard.

3. is your HDD.

My general rule is to stay under 65C for the mobo and under 40C for the hard drive.

the Phenom II X6s can be pushed VERY far with OCing and are a very good line of CPUs. You'd e surprised how many hidden games take advantage of all 6 cores, like Bad Company 2 and Resident Evil 5, among others. Also, when the CPU cant use all its cores, it shuts a few off and clocks the used ones higher, for example 2.6 to 3.0

6 cores for gaming means very little at this point in time, maybe in a couple years it may be fully used in most games. Just in the past year quads became the staderd for pretty much all games.