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Intel Q9400 or the Q9550 for Gaming

Last response: in CPUs
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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?

Any insight would be great.
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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.

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)
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