I have some other posts in this forum, but after testing a lot and asking the guys at DAZ, here is what I have learned about the last release of Bryce (7).

Bryce cannot see any more than 8 core and that is only if you have render priority set to max.

Bryce cannot see a second CPU.  So dual CPU machines like my duel E5 mean nothing to Bryce.

On Intel, where there are virtual cores, Bryce sees the actual cores at about 80 percent and the virtual cores at about 10 percent... up to a total of 8.

AMD seems to be the winner.  8 actual cores.

Speed of the cpu is also a big factor with Bryce.

8 core 4ghz amd (8x4=32) is fast for Bryce.

4 core intel at 3ghz (and it has virtual cores) - (4x3=12 minus 20 percent = 9.6 plus 4 virtual at 10 percent is 1.2 added which comes up to about 10.8).

Compare the $300 intel I7 4 core at 3ghz to the AMD 8 core 4ghz which is about the same price or slightly less and nealy triple the speed.

I'm not saying AMD is better or faster for everything, just Bryce.  Poser and Vue and Autodesk and Terragen 2 and above soak up the dual cpu's and virtual cores. 

Terragen classic will use only one core.  Bryce will use 8 and no more.

 

Best machine?  Dual CPU.  8 core Intel, high speed.  Bryce will tap into the first 8 actual cores and use the speed.  All your other apps will go into hyperdrive when they see the playground, but, that is a bit of a spendy combination.