Help me figure out which processor to go with?!

A long time ago I knew the difference in processors and what makes one better than the other. I've been out of the game for a long time and need a hand buying a new PC. I'm buying to computers for our company and can't figure out what to go with.

Mostly we will be running several large programs at the same time. No video or anything of that sort. I'd like to have something equal to or above 4.0Ghz

Question
When looking to dual and quad processors do I multiply the GHz by the number of processors. Or is the GHz the total including both processors? (dual core 2.3 GHZ = 4.6Ghz?)


Sorry for the long first post. I'm just looking for some answers and any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

well first off the GHz speed isnt everything. Higher clock speeds doesn't = better performance. Take a look at my Current System Build guild stickied in the PC Hardware thread. It should help get you up to speed. Also I am working on a major update to it.

But to help you out more now what it you $$$ for each PC also more specific about what programs you will use and how intensive they will be + I am going to assume that you will multi task as well....

Bottom line hook us up with as much details as possible so we can point you in a good direction

I work for an auction company and we use about 3 different programs which include - Vendio (ebay listing program), and 2 different auction programs used to keep track of clients and item lots (both of those programs use little memory but vendio is a larger one). On top of having those programs open we also use Mozilla or firefox, microsoft excel and word as well as outlook. Also, we use itunes and might play a few games on downtime (we kick it oldschool with some halo 1 on the pc). We handle alot of pictures and a time when doing listings. As for video we shouldn't be doing anything more than watching youtube.

Sidenote: We want computers that are Vista ready, but we don't want to use Vista yet.

Right now we are using home built computers that are Piv 3.0ghz - 512ram. The computers are just old now and the hard drive on mine just went up. We figure it is about time to get some new computers. We could spend up to $1000 per machine, but would like to keep it around $700.

Thanks for the help guys!

$700 per computer, did you want an operating system included in that? Or do you already have usable xp for it?

We'll get something thrown together for you, its not hard to build a $700 dual core rig anymore

In fact I just build one minus the monitor.

AMD 64 X2 4000 Brisbane
160GB Seagate HDD
X1650XT video
MSI K9N Platinum
2GB OCZ DDR2 800
OCZ 600W Stealthstream PSU
Silverstone HTPC case
2 DVD RW drives
floppy combo drive
Just over 700.00
I had a XP Pro...

As for being Vista ready you will need 2GB RAM and a graphics card with at least 256MB but 512MB would be better. Also the card i listed about would have a tough time in Vista and games something more of the nVidia 8series or ATI/AMD 3xxx series.

You could save a lot more going with a different case, no need for a silverstone.

And the gaming they do they don't need a better video card, it can handle halo 1 on vista just fine, no need for dx10.

No I agree about the case. Its just a perfect example of how nice a build could be for 700.00

as for the card Halo 1 would be fine in Vista but its pushin it with a card that is two generations old....
Go for an ATI/AMD 3650 when available and it will be 100+-
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102725

or a 2600XT http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161176

even 8600GT 256 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127286
and 8600GT 512 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127310

Each card can handle games now and future games much better then older cards all for 100+-...Think down the road not what will work for a month or so..

No I agree, more power never hurts, you could always upgrade the processor to a slightly newer x2 as well, it really won't cost much more to go from like a 4000+ to like a 4800+.

Pretty solid build though so far.

If you need a cheap nice case look at the cooler master 690

Never ever was this card a best-buy. Simply it can't use the extra memory due the low bandwidth (128bit).

Actually I think you are both wrong, cause you are making a very unbalanced system. I will make a personal configuration later on, to say what's my point of view. If you can wait for around 12 hours than you'll see my post. I will explain my thoughts more deeply so stick around. Now I am at work and don't have time for it. But stick close cause I will make that post.

Have a nice day all of you !