Need Help Choosing Processor

[xbadwolfx]

I'm currently looking at two CPU's. The Q6600 and Q9550. I'm debating the two. I don't plan on overclocking. I hardly see any reviews or info on the q9550 which is why I am thinking of staying away from it.

 

[dokk2]

you need to look at hardware from the viewpoint of what you want it to do for you,and what you expect to get out of it in terms of performance and long term sustainability,and sustainability varies for each of us...

 

[hairycat101]

Why do you want a quad core? What kinds of applications do you run?

 

[aeiouandxyz]

Q6600 is a 65nm process which means that it will use more voltage and produce more heat than the Q9550 which is a 45nm process. If you don't plan on overclocking, the Q9550 will be better for you because of the higher clock speed. I can see the difference in games from having lower clock speeds. In DODS with my Q6600 at stock 2.4 ghz, i get an average of 50 fps. But when I overclocked it to 3.0 ghz, my fps jumped to 80+ depending on the map. It depends on what you're going to do with the processor but for games, the higher the clock speed, the better.

 

[hairycat101]

Why not consider AMD? They've got some good stuff for quads cheap.

 

[xbadwolfx]

I do a lot of Photoshop and Premier Pro rendering. It's difficult to multi-task with my current dual core.

Also, I'm an Intel guy.
=]

 

[zero3one]

In that case, go with the Q9550. It will stay "current" longer, and has some more "omf" for your rendering. And yes, Intel is the way to go now.

 

[chaohsiangchen]

Q9550 is roughly a bit faster than QX6800 and a bit slower than QX6850. Speedwise Q9550 is better choice. As for performance/price, Q9450 is currently better buy than both.

 

[spathotan]

Definetly Q9550. Unless money is an issue.