Dual Core 2.0 vs. 2.3: big difference?

[evolvnyc]

For FCP, is there going to be a major difference from this small increase in processor speed, or would the $500 be better spent on loading up on 4 GB of ram? Any comparison experience? (I have read all of the published benchmark tests, but they don't really make these distinctions)

 

[skinnyboy]

Processor Speed

Processor Speed

Processor speed really only affects effects and renders.
If you are "just" editing and not doing too much rendering, or if your render times don't matter go with the slower processor.
If you need to render fast to make deadlines, you will notice a difference in the 2.3 for sure.
RAM is good, but the same principles apply - non-effects editing doesn't benefit tremendously from extra RAM. But rendering sure does.

Hope that helps.

Jason