What is the better processor to this config ? 2 choises both AMD

vote for II

The Phenom X2 550 scores 1819 on PassMark's CPUMark, an excellent measure of CPU "horsepower".     The 9650 X4 scores 2579.    So from a system perspective the 9650 is clearly a better choice, with 42% more CPU power.

However, Delphi compilation is single threaded, so the faster cores of the 550 may provide a slight advantage in compile time.   It's difficult to say definitively without actually benchmarking it, because the extra cores in an X4 will be used by Windows for other functions, so you may still find an improvement even with the single compilation thread.

... and the X4 would certainly be faster when you're running all of the applications you've listed together (delphi / corel draw / dreamweaver / flash)  ==>  simply because the OS can spread the load among 4 cores instead of 2.

I'd go with the X4 -- the faster overall system will almost certainly be the most satisfying for overall performance ... and any difference in Delphi compilation times is not likely to be significant.

most (almost all) applications and games are single threaded.So the quad core will assign your thread to one core which in itself is not fast enough.
So its better to have one Ferrari than 4 Mercedes Benz.

i think AMD Phenom II X2 550 if the rate shown by ISoul is correct. (which one is cheaper then take which one).

i use athlon duo core it run perfectly. if you just using your pc to do as mention above then i believe is ok.

>> GaryCase : ... and the X4 would certainly be faster when you're running all of the applications you've listed together (delphi / corel draw / dreamweaver / flash)  ==>  simply because the OS can spread the load among 4 cores instead of 2.

In theory, Yes. In real world, it's difficult to compile (which is quick in Delphi) and do some operations both in Corel Draw an Dreamweaver at the same time. The CPU might be able to do many tasks but you still have one mouse, one keyboard and one set of eyes. To work efficiently with all those app OPEN at the same time, memory is more the Key than CPU power.

That said, you wont see any difference under Delphi with either of those modern CPU. dreamweaver and corel draw could benefit from 2 cores, maybe have something to gain from 4. But that is unsure.

I Would take the X2 550 as it has better cache and better perf per core which is what you need. You could always switch to a 6 core when they'll get out next year,if you feel the need for it