@ Nfaug: Use the latest dev/master build (4.0-5915 or newer):
https://dolphin-emu.org/download/
It's a whole lot faster on older AMD CPUs (up to 50%).
or even better - the latest unstable version of Ishiiruka:
https://forums.dolphin-emu.org/Thread-unofficial-ishiiruka-dolphin-custom-version
(includes the latest performance improvements and more)
Overclock to 3.5 GHz without increasing the voltage and then run a CPU stress test application (e.g. Prime95) for 6 hours to check if your OC is stable and if your cooler / case / CPU can handle the increased heat output.
Even though the overclocked Athlon II (Dual-Core) scores better than the Phenom II Quad in that CPU benchmark, the performance in Dolphin is about the same.
It's because of the core count advantage (4 cores vs. 2).
The Phenom II is (still) a good CPU. Not "very good" or "great", just "good". Still better than those disappointing FX "Bulldozers" and "Pledrivers".
Just don't expect to run the most demanding titles at full speed (it's fine for the light and medium ones, but with the latest dev. build, even some of the more demanding ones run close to full speed).
Also you can forget about using LLE audio. Even the 'LLE recompiler' setting is too much for that CPU.
If you want to use LLE audio, an Intel CPU is your only choice. But LLE audio won't be necessary once the Z-HLE branch and the old AX-HLE patch are merged to master (so you'll have to be patient and wait...).
https://dolphin-emu.org/download/
It's a whole lot faster on older AMD CPUs (up to 50%).
or even better - the latest unstable version of Ishiiruka:
https://forums.dolphin-emu.org/Thread-unofficial-ishiiruka-dolphin-custom-version
(includes the latest performance improvements and more)
Overclock to 3.5 GHz without increasing the voltage and then run a CPU stress test application (e.g. Prime95) for 6 hours to check if your OC is stable and if your cooler / case / CPU can handle the increased heat output.
Even though the overclocked Athlon II (Dual-Core) scores better than the Phenom II Quad in that CPU benchmark, the performance in Dolphin is about the same.
It's because of the core count advantage (4 cores vs. 2).
The Phenom II is (still) a good CPU. Not "very good" or "great", just "good". Still better than those disappointing FX "Bulldozers" and "Pledrivers".
Just don't expect to run the most demanding titles at full speed (it's fine for the light and medium ones, but with the latest dev. build, even some of the more demanding ones run close to full speed).
Also you can forget about using LLE audio. Even the 'LLE recompiler' setting is too much for that CPU.
If you want to use LLE audio, an Intel CPU is your only choice. But LLE audio won't be necessary once the Z-HLE branch and the old AX-HLE patch are merged to master (so you'll have to be patient and wait...).