Which is better for gaming a 1.6 ghz dual core processor or a 2.6 ghz single core processor?

Answer 1

Single core vs. Dual core processorwell, depending on the model and brand of each proc, I'll assume you mean something like an Intel Pentium 4 at 2.6ghz and a Core 2 duo at 1.6ghz.

First you must understand that with the new Core processors, Intel developed an entirely new architecture. Meaning just because it runs at 1.6ghz, it still completes more operations per second that the 2.6ghz model.

Now, if we compare applications performance, the dual core will always win, especially with multiple applications or multi threaded applications. There are only a few games that support multi threading as of now, but even so, in the future most games will, and they will take advantage of that second core. Since the new architecture of the Core line is so great, your 1.6ghz dual core will stomp the 2.6ghz P4 into the ground.

Hope this answers your question :)

-Rob

I disagree with Rob. While the average user will find the 1.6Ghz dual core to be faster, the 2.6Ghz Pentium 4 can utilize hyper threading. Using Linux you can optimize and access greater hyper threading (if your BIOS supports it) than windows. http://software.Intel.com/en-us/articles/methods-to-utilize-intels-hyper-threading-technology-with-Linux/

this is just a taste

If you become familiar and apply more advanced and specific hyper threading to programs you use all the time, a 50$ Intel Pentium 4 3.8GHz CPU off eBay will give a 300$ 1.6ghz quad core a run for its money.

Hope this enlightens you :)

-Mike