pc spec question

[WrestleManiac]

I'm looking at buying Empire Total War when it comes out. Min spec says I need 2.4 Ghz Single Core Intel. I have 2.2 Ghz Quad Core. All other specs my pc meets. What effect will this have on running the game?

If I understand what a quad core processor is then it's 4 processors working at the same time? Does that mean that each one is 2.2 Ghz, or is that the combined total?

I'm a complete dunce when it comes pc matters. Somebody please help.

[ACCBiggz]

I could be wrong, but if I remember correctly it means the 2.2 is divided up between the four cores. Instead of stressing all 2.2 on one, etc. and so on.... I could be most very wrong though. But I do know you don't have four 2.2 processors.

[mistaken]

ok here goes, you have a quad core you will be fine

now for the more technical answer

all 4 cores are running 2.2 ghz. now simple math says you have a 8.8 ghz proccessor. while this is not even close to true. with the fact you don't get 100% performance out of each core, and if a program is not built to process multiple threads it can't use more than one core at a time, so your game won't run like it has access to even a 4.4 ghz single core but what it will do...

single core 2.4 ghz allow 1 ghz or so to back ground process and system overhead and the computer is really asking for about 1.4ghz for the program to run on.

now your quad core will give it it's own core to run on meaning the program will get a full 2.2ghz to run in. with graphics swaps in modern games often being off loaded to another core.

So back to the long and short of it, have fun playing your new game.

[darthsiddus2]

right but unless your running a 64 bit operating system which most Gamming rigs are running on now you can process even grater amounts of ram provided if the game supports it.

[BlizzardVeers]

ok here goes, you have a quad core you will be fine

now for the more technical answer

all 4 cores are running 2.2 ghz. now simple math says you have a 8.8 ghz proccessor. while this is not even close to true. with the fact you don't get 100% performance out of each core, and if a program is not built to process multiple threads it can't use more than one core at a time, so your game won't run like it has access to even a 4.4 ghz single core but what it will do...

single core 2.4 ghz allow 1 ghz or so to back ground process and system overhead and the computer is really asking for about 1.4ghz for the program to run on.

now your quad core will give it it's own core to run on meaning the program will get a full 2.2ghz to run in. with graphics swaps in modern games often being off loaded to another core.

So back to the long and short of it, have fun playing your new game.
This is the correct answer. You're totally fine processing wise. It assigns tasks to each processor. What that means is that your machine is using a core to run your OS, and various other things at the same time. While using another core, possibly two if that is supported, to run your game completely. That's why Quad-Core is better, and generally cleaner.

Most of the new games are built to support at least the Dual-Core features. Empires as far as I know supports multi-threading. I've been playing the demo - it's a beauty. Now, your video card should be your primary concern if you have a Quad-Core. :)

[WrestleManiac]

This is the correct answer. You're totally fine processing wise. It assigns tasks to each processor. What that means is that your machine is using a core to run your OS, and various other things at the same time. While using another core, possibly two if that is supported, to run your game completely. That's why Quad-Core is better, and generally cleaner.

Most of the new games are built to support at least the Dual-Core features. Empires as far as I know supports multi-threading. I've been playing the demo - it's a beauty. Now, your video card should be your primary concern if you have a Quad-Core. :)

Thanks to everyone for the help. Much appreciated.

I tried the demo. It works-ish. The sea battle was fine, but the camera on the land battle felt like it was moving through treacle. Not as smooth as the previous Total War games. Would that be a spec issue or is that the game or is that just an issue with the demo?

MIN REQUIRED
256MB DirectX 9.0c compatible video card (shader 2.0 or higher).

WHAT I HAVE
NVIDIA GeForce 8400 1512MB DirectX 10