Hi I'm getting a gaming computer built and have almost everything worked out. I can't decide on the processor though. At first I thought a Intel Duo E8400 would be fine but after looking at the latest req. ie gta4 and reading forums it seems that quad would be the best bet. But now I'm also thinking if I should get the Q9400 or the Q9550. Besides the roughly 200 mhz difference there is also 2x the cache? does this make a huge difference when it comes to gaming?
what is interesting, i am getting off the point - while the last core 2 ran at 4.4-4.6ghz once again the 4.1ghz level is hard to pass for the new i7 965
The typical answer you'll get here is that for gaming, the E8400 would beat both. But since you say the GTA forums recommend Quad core, maybe they'll know better.
The 2x cache will help in games and the extra 200mhz won't hurt. You probably won't see much of a difference. You may want to get the Q9400 and use the excess cash on a better GPU.
Also may want to look into a i7 920 if you want a really fast CPU. The processor isn't too much more, but the mobo and RAM are.
Already chose a xfx 260 black edition for the graphics card i'm set graphics wise =D but I'm still confused alot with the cpu and motherboard though. Consoles are so much easier =/
Get a Q9550, I have one you can't go wrong. Moved from a E6320 @3.3Ghz because I bought GTA IV! Now you should get a E0 stepping chip wherever you buy and they run nice and cool and o/c well. I run mine at a modest 3.4Ghz and it does the job in everything!
Crysis, Far Cry 2, Hells Highway, all saw a noteable improvement, and of course GTA IV is now playable!
I'm not sure why this dragon-dude keeps banging on about Q6600 at 3.6!? 8Mb cache vs 12Mb, hot 65nm vs cool 45nm, o/c to 3.6 if you're lucky vs possible 4Ghz on just good air!
It's a no brainer imo. If you have the cash get the Q9550 (and 4Gb RAM for GTA IV)
I'm making sure to get 4 gb but maybe gta4 is a anomaly and the next games that come out will still be going the trend of recommending a duo...atleast for awhile.
You are about to answer a thread that has been inactive for more than 6 months. If you still wish to proceed, please ensure that your posting is original and does not duplicate or overlap any prior responses to this thread.