What's the point in Quadcore?

[odkKoma]

I have the very popular Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 and 2 GB ram.

I use Vista Premium and have the Sidebar enabled and set always to be on top with the gadgets CPU and ram usage, as well as the custom gadget Multi Meter, which shows the individual usage of the cores.

I played Crysis and UT3 both in window mode to see how much they get out of my PC and to my surprise I have never seen the computer use more than 60% of its power.

I'm currently converting a 10 GB video file with highest priority and CPU usage shows 30%. The UT3 editor brings it up to 40 - even when building BSP and/or lights, although they say in the video tutorial on the bonus disc that it'd be cool to have a Quadcore.

Kaspersky Internet Security 7 and µTorrent are also always running in the background...

So, where's the point in Quadcore if it isn't being used?

[fif]

Most of the programs you are using do not take advantage of multiple cores and it isn't needed. The point of having them is to take advantage of programs that are coded to work with them.

[odkKoma]

I was told Crysis supports Quadcore and Epic seems to think that their editor does too.

[fif]

They both do, but Kaspersky IS 7 and µTorrent especially don't even need that much power. Video conversion programs should take advantage of multiple processor/core setups though so it's odd that the one you are using only uses 30%. Perhaps it's an old program... All of my video/audio encoding programs take advantage of dual/quad core processors...on a Mac.

[odkKoma]

I figured. Maybe I have a setup problem?

I used ConvertXtoDVD.
BTW, I'm currently burning the video with Nero 7 and CPU usage is at 3%...

[[FfFC]_-(MAD)-_]

There is another problem: If all 4Cores are workeing, your RAM is not able to compensate the Data transfer from 4 CPUS, so if they are all running, and the applications needs to access RAM in normal ways, the 4 Cores will only reach 60 -80 procent depending on your RAM speed and timing.

Only apllications wich are only there for number crunching without accesing RAM in a big manner will run on full speed with all 4 cores.

get faster RAM, and UT3 will be able to knock out more of the speed 4 cores can give.

[odkKoma]

^ Thanks! I wanted to upgrade to 4GB ram in about a year
It's true that when running Crysis 90 % of my ram are being used.

[MrCobra]

I don't have very much software that takes advanatge of my quad system, but Windows itself does use them. Makes for a snappier system.

[[FfFC]_-(MAD)-_]

Its not the amount of ram, wich is beeing used, u dont understand. I meant the datatransferrate and the response time. On a high end processor you need high end ram, wich isnt cheap.

As a tip: if your system is a DDR2 800 one, try to get RAM wich is running at DDr2 800 4-4-4 timings or lower. You can even purchase faster DDR2 RAM, like 1066 4-4-4, wich will run on DDr2 800 with 3-3-3 or 2-3-3 (must not, amy be run with these timings) or lower. On DDR2 1066 with 4-4-4 timings it will run very good, too. Thats what i meant. DDr2 5-5-5 is slower, and will not rech the maximum bandwith, because the timings will eat up these bandwith.

On such machines u will be a idiot if you dont buy an RAM with low timings. Its like a handbrake to use slower ram.

[CvP]

Its not the amount of ram, wich is beeing used, u dont understand. I meant the datatransferrate and the response time. On a high end processor you need high end ram, wich isnt cheap.

As a tip: if your system is a DDR2 800 one, try to get RAM wich is running at DDr2 800 4-4-4 timings or lower. You can even purchase faster DDR2 RAM, like 1066 4-4-4, wich will run on DDr2 800 with 3-3-3 or 2-3-3 (must not, amy be run with these timings) or lower. On DDR2 1066 with 4-4-4 timings it will run very good, too. Thats what i meant. DDr2 5-5-5 is slower, and will not rech the maximum bandwith, because the timings will eat up these bandwith.

On such machines u will be a idiot if you dont buy an RAM with low timings. Its like a handbrake to use slower ram.

great post

[Luseferous]

To the O/P you have described why quad core in your post. If you were trying to do what you are currently doing on a single core CPU it would be completely choked. On a Dual Core the cpu would probably be also runnig at max capacity. The quad core allows you to do more on your system at once without killing peformance.

Ps.
Fast RAM helps but will make a tiny difference compaired with the difference a quad core will give you over dual or single core. (providing the software you use takes account of multiple cores)

[SilentOp]

Most programs and or games aren't even fully supporting multiple cores yet, that's why most Dual Core CPU's won't go past 50% total utilization, not sure on Quad cores since i don't own one.

[Skill]

r u running it at max settings with good fps? cause if u are then i dont see any problem with not maxing your cpu usage. also it could be ur gpu cant keep up with ur cpu