Short version:
Which processor will give me the most 'stable' processing power OC'd with some consideration of cost? (I.e I won't pay $500 more for .01% improvement )
Long Winded:
This is a difficult question for me to ask the group because I have run AMD procs since the 486dx280, even had a NEXGEN in there. Bottom line is my 5600+ only OC'd
marginally and I'm not getting the FPS I want from the newer DX10 games, and I'm extremely disappointed with the new Phenoms. SO, Intel will infiltrate.
I have a relative that works at Intel that can get substantial discounts on the processors (they are alotted 1 a year). The QX9650 would be $450ish. I point that out since I don't want price to bias your answers, but also realize all procs will have a similar discount. I want the horsepower to run 3D games. My memory is very low CAS 1066 OCZ. I have no problem with OC'ing.
I know it's a loaded question, but which one do I get? You guys are the experts and hopefully can educate me on what I'm missing, or what the marketing dept isn't letting out If I can push the QX9650 to 4.0 w/air and the 9550 only to 3.6, I think it's an easy decision between those, but what about the newer QX's?
I want a 45nm chip that has the full 12Mb L2. The QX97xx series is intriguing with the 1600FSB, but can the 9550 be pushed that far just as easy? The QX9770 has to have the X48 chipset, which seems to not be as tunable, but the QX9775 uses E5400 and a new socket and FBD?? The extremes have 130W vs 90W - I'll snap a thermalright Ultra 120 on it, so maybe the heat difference isn't important.
Thanks all.
Which processor will give me the most 'stable' processing power OC'd with some consideration of cost? (I.e I won't pay $500 more for .01% improvement )
Long Winded:
This is a difficult question for me to ask the group because I have run AMD procs since the 486dx280, even had a NEXGEN in there. Bottom line is my 5600+ only OC'd
marginally and I'm not getting the FPS I want from the newer DX10 games, and I'm extremely disappointed with the new Phenoms. SO, Intel will infiltrate.
I have a relative that works at Intel that can get substantial discounts on the processors (they are alotted 1 a year). The QX9650 would be $450ish. I point that out since I don't want price to bias your answers, but also realize all procs will have a similar discount. I want the horsepower to run 3D games. My memory is very low CAS 1066 OCZ. I have no problem with OC'ing.
I know it's a loaded question, but which one do I get? You guys are the experts and hopefully can educate me on what I'm missing, or what the marketing dept isn't letting out If I can push the QX9650 to 4.0 w/air and the 9550 only to 3.6, I think it's an easy decision between those, but what about the newer QX's?
I want a 45nm chip that has the full 12Mb L2. The QX97xx series is intriguing with the 1600FSB, but can the 9550 be pushed that far just as easy? The QX9770 has to have the X48 chipset, which seems to not be as tunable, but the QX9775 uses E5400 and a new socket and FBD?? The extremes have 130W vs 90W - I'll snap a thermalright Ultra 120 on it, so maybe the heat difference isn't important.
Thanks all.