mhoy06

I'm wanting to upgrade my first build. This is what my thinking is (please point out the flaws in it).

I'm currently running a dual core @ 3.16 ghz. Now since a lot of applications I run won't utilize more than 2 cores it's best to get a quad core that will still be near the same speed so I don't notice a performance decrease. Like if I'm playing world of warcraft (afaik only uses 2 cores) and the speed is < 3.16 I've basically downgraded. If I play Crysis @ 2.66 ghz (q9400) and it utilizes all 4 cores then it's an upgrade.

If that is the right logic then I suppose I could learn how to OC and get my new q9400 OC'd for more than my core 2 duo and I'd be happy. They both have a 6MB L2 cache.

Basically I have a 775 mobo and would like to upgrade if it's going to be worth it. I don't thinking buying a new processor that requires a new motherboard and ram worth it. My budget for a processor is lower just because the e8500 is basically pretty good for what I do.

So what do you think buy the q9400 and attempt an overclock? Or some other 775 quad core? Or a whole new build once the prices go down? Really curious what you guys think. I realize that if I attempt to overclock that I need a new fan/heatsink. Willing to put another $30 or so into that.

Right now the q9400 is 189.99 free shipping.

Another way to look at this post is: What would be a good processor for playing crisis and not notice a performance increase on other games like WoW (games that don't utilize quad core)?

Thanks for your patience.

IntelConvert

the Q9550 (2.83ghz, 12mb cache) is one of the best quads on 775 socket, but its $60 more than the 9400... it would help..

but as you were saying, having the quad core OC'd to ~3.0ghz should keep ur WoW performance up while improving Crysis gameplay.

BUT the E8500 is a great gaming CPU and u may not notice that big of a difference, specially in games not optimized for quad cores. any video/audio encoding or editing you do will benefit from the quad core.

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Gr33n Machine

Nautilus

Q9400 has 8 Multiplier which is not that bad for overclocking. I'm sure you can hit 3Ghz with slight voltage bump.All you need to do is increasing bus speed from 333 to 380 Mhz.

I suggest going for Quad 9550 however. Get one if these beasts if you can and oc the hell out of it. A Q9550 @ 4ghz would beat E8600 hands down even at same speeds thanks to its HUGE cache.

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mhoy06

Thanks guys will consider the q9550 (actually it sounds like a no-brainer).

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PROC: e8500 (stock)
MOBO: Asus P5N-D
PSU: Antec 500W
GPU: 4850
RAM: 4 gigs DDR2 800
HDD: 2 500g in raid 0, 1 500g data drive

IntelConvert

the q9550 is the best you can get on 775 as far as quad core goes...

the E8x00 is the best dual core...

the differences between the 2 in games in probably negligible, but in encoding and such the quad will pull ahead

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Gr33n Machine

meticadpa

In multi-threaded apps, yes. In apps that only use one, or two cores, the E8600 would probably be faster, since it can often reach much higher clocks than the Q9550, and also has the same Cache:Core ratio (3mb per core), so they're the same clock-for-clock. The E8600 will also run cooler, and doesn't need as much FSB to get the same overclock, thanks to its 10x multiplier.

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