Potential Post i7, non-i7 Upgrade options....

[spathotan]

So, saw a post in the the graphics card section earlier and it piqued my interest in processor options, that maybe I was overlooking something. Xeons. I might be considering swapping out this Q6600 for a 45nm chip after i7 launches if prices drop significantly for the current chips. Basically the question is this...

Xeon X3350 or Q9550. The Q is a tad bit cheaper and faster. But skimming over some reviews, apparently the Xeon runs cooler and uses less voltage, and overclocks extremely well. I am clueless on server proc's and wondering if its worth it to get the Xeon over the Yorkfield Q's.

Thoughts? Opinions?

 

[NewLCD123]

What's wrong with your own 3.2GHz? You want to spend $1500 to get 4GHz?

 

[spathotan]

My reasoning was preety simple and straightforward, dont see the problem. Also where did you get $1500 and 4ghz from?

 

[epsilon84]

If I were you, I'd wait for the Q9650 price to drop to current Q9550 prices, probably after Nehalem hits. The 9x multiplier will help in reaching 4GHz, although 8.5x can get the job done if your mobo can handle 470FSB on a quad, its pushing the limits a bit though.

 

[emp]

Hmm, there is probably not much difference (if any) between the Q9550 and it's Xeon counterpart, with that said, I've always thought that it's more fun to have a your desktop PC packed with a Xeon/Opteron instead of a C2Q/Phenom

 

[yomamafor1]

The Xeon dies are slightly higher binned than Yorkfield dies (better thermal, better overclockability, better stability). So if you can go with Xeon (higher priced), go ahead with it.

Keep in mind though, that Xeon prices will likely not be affected by the launch of Bloomfield, since both of them are in different segments.

 

[spathotan]

@ epsilon84 - yes, as I said in my OP im really hoping prices drop after i7 launches, thats the only way I will "upgrade" to a 45nm. My Q6600 is fine on performance, but ive always had heat issues with it. Eventhough ive lapped it, im sure I can get $80-$120 or so for it selling it, that will recoup with the new proc purchase.

@emp - Yea, just having a server chip in my system sounds cool heh. One of the reasons I want it over a Q9000 Plus the name Xeon has always sounded cool to me.

@yomamafor1 - Thanks for that info on the chips, I had breifly seen they run cooler and overclock really well but I wasnt entirely sure. That bit there further solidifies my potential future purchase, I have no problem paying $20 more than the Q9550 or w/e.

 

[emp]

Sounds like a plan, however I wouldn't expect it to drop much lower than the low spectrum Core i7 (I think it's supposed to sell for $284), however it can't hurt to wait

 

[epsilon84]

I think you'll find yourself FSB limited with the Xeon X3350, it doesn't really matter if its binned slightly higher than a C2Q, because the 8x multi will really restrict the overclocking potential of the chip. Even if the silicion itself was capable of 4GHz, you'll need a mobo capable of 500MHz, which is a HUGE ask for most mainstream mobos will aircooled NBs.

If all you're after is better power consumption than your Q6600 whilst getting slightly better performance, then theres nothing wrong with the Xeon, it should do 3.6 without too much trouble. But if you want to squeeze the maximum performance available for your mobo (short of a QX obviously), I still reckon a Q9650 would be the best bet, its just a matter of the pricing dropping to reasonable levels really.

 

[spathotan]

Well im using a ASUS P45 Pro as you can see from my sig, it will get the job done I believe. Ive already modified the 2 MOSFET rows and the NorthBridge with high end Thermalright pieces, so I dont believe heat on the NB will be an issue with the 8x multi.

I currently run my Q6600 @ 8x400 @3.2ghz, I do this so I can get my RAM at 1:1. It idles around 40c, sometimes 46c if its hot enough in this damn room, and thats using a Xiggy with backplate (long story, done dealing with that aspect, made many post up here for help). Ive ran it perfectly stable at 3.6ghz which was 9x400 obviously, took about 1.41v. Temps stabilized at 73c in Prime95 small ftts run. Way too high so I put it down to 3.2 for the 1:1 ram ratio instead of 3.4. Anyways Im getting off topic with this.

Like you say the 8 multiplier would make 3.6 or even 3.4 difficult, but I dont see it impossible with a P45. Also im getting confused here, the X3350 has an 8 multi, and the X3360 has a 8.5, this correct?

 

[epsilon84]

Well im using a ASUS P45 Pro as you can see from my sig, it will get the job done I believe. Ive already modified the 2 MOSFET rows and the NorthBridge with high end Thermalright pieces, so I dont believe heat on the NB will be an issue with the 8x multi.

The upgraded cooling will help, but believe me the NB will still get really hot when you're pushing FSB speeds past 450MHz on a quad, you'll generally need to increase the NB voltage which compounds the problem.

Like you say the 8 multiplier would make 3.6 or even 3.4 difficult, but I dont see it impossible with a P45. Also im getting confused here, the X3350 has an 8 multi, and the X3360 has a 8.5, this correct?

3.6GHz should be doable on a 8x multi, it'll take a 450MHz FSB, your P45 Pro should be able to handle that especially since you've upgraded the NB cooling.

Yes, the X3350 has a 8x multi, it is the equivalent to the Q9450. The X3360 has a 8.5x multi, and is equivalent to the Q9550.

 

[spathotan]

Upping NB voltage is a no-no for me