First off, yes I know this question is everywhere, and I've read all the threads, but am still stuck.
My choice is between E8400 and Q6600
the other aspects are
4GB DDR2 800Mhz
SATA II 750 GB
9600GT
EP35-DS3L
the price is only $10 different.
Now I know "if you are a gamer - E8400; if you multi-task- Q6600"; but some of the talk about multi-tasking makes it sound like unless I am planning on doing some work for Pixar then duo cores is all I need.
My usual day would involve writing on word, listening to itunes and surfing the web (multi pages open). Does this count as "multi-tasking" to the point that quad core would be beneficial? I also would like to have this set up for at least 3-4 years.
My gaming is pretty minor - but mostly due to the cr@p 4 year old laptop I currently have. I like COD2, but mostly I'm into Civ and sports games, with the odd WWII flight sim (not FSX).
Some days I'm locked into buying the E8400, then the next day I decide on Q6600. Then today I was reading about the Q9300 and the fact it runs cooler, and uses less power; but which is more important - the 1333Mhz or the 8Mb L2 cache? I could get the same system as above but with Q9300 for about $70 more - worth it?
Anyhoo thanks in advance - this site has been great for a total newbie (oh and also I will definately not be trying to OC - I'm not at that point yet).
My choice is between E8400 and Q6600
the other aspects are
4GB DDR2 800Mhz
SATA II 750 GB
9600GT
EP35-DS3L
the price is only $10 different.
Now I know "if you are a gamer - E8400; if you multi-task- Q6600"; but some of the talk about multi-tasking makes it sound like unless I am planning on doing some work for Pixar then duo cores is all I need.
My usual day would involve writing on word, listening to itunes and surfing the web (multi pages open). Does this count as "multi-tasking" to the point that quad core would be beneficial? I also would like to have this set up for at least 3-4 years.
My gaming is pretty minor - but mostly due to the cr@p 4 year old laptop I currently have. I like COD2, but mostly I'm into Civ and sports games, with the odd WWII flight sim (not FSX).
Some days I'm locked into buying the E8400, then the next day I decide on Q6600. Then today I was reading about the Q9300 and the fact it runs cooler, and uses less power; but which is more important - the 1333Mhz or the 8Mb L2 cache? I could get the same system as above but with Q9300 for about $70 more - worth it?
Anyhoo thanks in advance - this site has been great for a total newbie (oh and also I will definately not be trying to OC - I'm not at that point yet).