Q6600 @ 3.4gHz or E8400 @ 3.6gHz........

[Almost Tactf]

Alright, I've been thinking about a new chip for a while now and I can't decide on a Q6600 G0 @ 3.4gHz or an E8400 @ 3.6gHz. The reason I say 3.6gHz is because my board will hit it's limits right around that point. Anyway here is what it would be used for:

Photo-Shop
Illustrator
After Effects
Fireworks
3DS Max
Crysis
Heroes V
General Stuff (Internet, word processing)

So, with that in mind would the Q or the E be better? Also as a side note my current mobo does support the new C2D but will not support the new quads, nor does Abit plan on releasing a BIOS that will

[armeniandave]

I could be wrong but I believe most of the Adobe products will take advantage of the quad core. As far as the games go the difference between 3.4 and 3.6 isn't going to make any difference. Future games will take advantage of the quad core and will run better, but most of the current games don't take advantage of it yet. As far as Crysis goes, well your whole system will limit you! Seriously that game is made for hardware that will be made in two years from now, so don't count that into your equation. So I say go for quad.

[gfourth]

IMO, if you can't get above 400fsb (i assume?) on the mobo, then maybe that needs upgrading first.

[Tomek]

Originally Posted by gfourth

IMO, if you can't get above 400fsb (i assume?) on the mobo, then maybe that needs upgrading first.

Not needed, as the quad will stomp any dualcore CPU for his applications.
He will not need higher FSB for Q6600.. (I'm running mine at 388)

[daman7676]

I agree...with the apps your looking to run, I'd go with the Q6600. IMO, it will help future proof your rig as more apps look to take advantage of all 4 cores.

Although that does mean upgrading your mobo...which might not be a bad idea either.

[Almost Tactf]

My mobo can accept the Q6600 as it stand so no need for an upgrade, and after going to the Abit forums it is a rather nice board right now I am running 378*9 for a 3.4 gHz stable setup thanks guys Q6600 it is

[daman7676]

Awesome! I think you'll dig the Q6600 very much. I have my running at 666*9 for a 3.0GHz stable setup. Torture tested Large FFTs w/ Prime95 for almost 5 hours with no issues. Currently running idle at about 33-35C and hit a peak of 67C under full load...I think this has to do with the fact that I put too much AS5 on. Just re-applied last night.

Enjoy the Q!

[Almost Tactf]

Sweet!!! and I think you meant a 333*9

Originally Posted by daman7676

I have my running at 666*9 for a 3.0GHz stable setup

[daman7676]

you are correct! my bad! but yes, 333*9!

[rupchurc]

The quad cores are great for applications like photoshop ect, but also any type of video editing or video encoding. The C2D are great for gaming and sometimes yield a better overclock due to the tempature differance from 2 cores to 4 cores in one die.

[cbass5511]

Why not a q6600 at 3.6 ghz? Or even higher. People dismiss the quads from being able to overclock well, but they do. Just try as hard as you can to get a go stepping. But of course it matters on mobo, memory and cooling for this but still. iv seen tons of people with q6600 at 400x9 or similar on air. 450x9 i got stable for me but im waiting for another radiator before i leave it 24/7 since the temps are a little hot for me but still not that bad (45 idle, 65ish load) If I can get it even just 40 idle 50 load id keep it forever, since I only keep a processor max 2 years before I upgrade.

This is one of those questions posted everyday...I honestly wouldnt even think twice about going quad since there so cheap, and they perform fantasticly. Then it would giv e you an excuse to build that water loop (since everyone knows thats the most fun thing ever too do lol)