Upgrade VelocityMicro: Quad Processor?

[Cram3601]

I need advice in regard to upgrading my Velocity Micro ProMagix PC. I'm thinking of replacing the current processor and motherboard with new ones.

The current processor is an Intel Core 2 Duo E6600. The motherboard is an Intel D975XBXLKR. I use Microsoft Office 2007 Professional, mathematical modeling software, and statistical software. My wife uses SolidWorks 2009 (engineering software). Of course we also use the internet.

I and she use multiple applications simultaneously. Should I upgrade the pc by installing a "quad core processor" and an appropriate motherboard?

Any specific suggestions?

Thanks.

 

[Nightrainsrt4]

You could. I'm not familiar with how much difference dual vs. quad makes in those apps, but I did notice a difference in things I do going from dual to quad (although going from 1.8Ghz to 3.7Ghz on the dual felt about the same as the quad).

The D975XBX should be able to take a Q6600 if it is rev 304 or above, but either way it's not supported by Intel, so perhaps isn't the best option.

You have to decide a budget if you do want to upgrade, as that upgrade pretty much starts at $250 (q6600 + mobo) and just goes up from there.

 

[CraftyChicken]

I agree it depends on the software. I to use computational software for molecular modeling at it definitely takes advantage of as many cores as possible. I guess it would depend on how much time it takes/wastes right now? In my case, it can save a lot of time depending on the complexity of the simulation I'm running.

But if your software isn't very multi-thread capable, you wont see a huge difference except for the fact that the new processor is probably running at a higher clock.

 

[Cram3601]

Thank you both.

I think I will be purchasing a quad core processor and an appropriate motherboard.