Single Core CPU to Duel Core

[Chanfron]

Hi

I am currently running an AMD Athlon 4000+ Skt 939 single core cpu, I have just aquired for free an X2 4600+. Now this is basicly the duel core version of the cpu I have, its the same clock speed i.e 2.4Ghz for each core and it has 512kb cache per core as apposed to the 1Mb cache on the single core of the 4000+.

The rest of my system specs are as follows
Asus A8N-SLI Deluxe
Geforce 7900GTX
4GB Corsair Ram
Soundblaster Audigy
Tagan 580W Psu

This machine is used for gaming at 1280x1024 with details/AA/AF up as high as I can get them but still keep good frame rates.
Would switching the cpu over make any differance, I have been wanting to build a new system but now I have this extra CPU I was thinking about just upgrading the videocard and using this new CPU.

I suspect that switching to a GXT275 will give me much better performance and it could be move to a new system when I am ready and the prices will have come down by then.
My Monitor will do 1600x1200 max so with the GTX I could proberly run at that resolution ok.
Am I going to notice much differance between CPU's?

Thanks

[kalniel]

It will make a difference in modern games yes, but you'll feel more difference on the desktop and for things like browsing while other things are going on at the same time.

[CAT-THE-FIFTH]

The socket 939 X2 4600 sells for around £70 secondhand on Ebay. If you sold your motherboard and RAM also you could have enough money to get a newer motherboard,processor and RAM.

[Chanfron]

Hmm whats that smell

So I decided to fit the 4600+ removed my old cpu, fitted other one, reinstalled windows on spare drive.
Less that 24 hrs later machine goes off by its self, tried to power back up, comes on for 3 sec then goes off, shiff shiff whats that burning smell

Pull plug, psu smell of burning, strip machine, cant see any damage on motherboard, try again, does same psu smells

This seem a bit of a coincidence, will borrow a psu from work and see if system still works.

[=assassin=]

I would have thought a 580watt PSU would be enough, but I suppose if it was already marginal due to some defect, it could have just taken it over the edge with the extra wattage. Fingers crossed everything else is still alright when you try the other PSU.

[JordanWillis]

single core to dual core is a pretty big upgrade. I noticed a huge jump when i went for a 3ghz celeron to a 4GHz E8600 C2D. It will help a lot in games as most games take advantage of multiple cores.

It'll also help with general computer use as you can do multiple things at once without slowing down, anti virus, msuic players, web browsers, messengers etc

[Ronaldo-7]

get a dual core, i sold a opteron 175 which did 3ghz on stock for abt £85 after year and half use (939 version)