Intel Core2 Quad: Q6600 vs Q8200 - Which is better?

Thanks

I got the Q9400, partly because it was on sale at microcenter and because it seemed to have the lowest multiplier for a good overclock. The Q6600 is probably easiest to get a speed increase with. Because of the lower multiplier, a Q9400 and especially a Q8200 will take more work. It will require much better memory and a board that will allow a high FSB.

I would say the 8200 is the way to go actually. It's cheaper, and overclocks just fine. It also uses less power and produces less heat.

Would I need a special heatsink and power supply in order to have a successful safe OverClock?

You can overclock a little bit if your case is adequately ventilated and you use the stock cooler as long as your board allows it. Beyond that, you'll want a well cooled case and a decent cooler.

Not hugely significant. It does make a bit of a difference, but not a lot for most apps.

Hello

Thanks for all the replies. Since the answer to my question is still disputed, I have decided to add a poll (see 1st post).

Please participate in the poll, I think I included all options needed to make an educated poll on the aforementioned CPUs.

Thanks in advance,

Panarchy

PS: cjl, I need the GHz, for Virtualisation. Also, I read in the specs that the Q6600 supports Intel Virtualisation, whilst the Q8200 doesn't. Does this make much of a difference, or is it just a marketting ploy?

Anymore, VM software is optimized for VT (and AMD-V). I would definately get a CPU that supports it in your case. Unless you're running old VM software with no plans of upgrading it.

Phenom II X3 720 - $150
Asus M4A78T-E - $140
G.Skill DDR3-1600 6GB (3x2gb) - $100

Your three main components are about 400 bucks.

For your Q6600 setup, you're at 300 for the processor alone, plus DDR2.
Your call.

You need the GHZ, but do you need the quad? A faster clocked E8400 might serve you better.

I was able to do some reading last night and I guess cjl is correct.

Q8200 does make more sense over all. I was under the impression that the higher multiplier of the Q6600 would outweigh the benefits of the Q8200, and it is indeed a factor in overclocking, but the newer production process and lower voltages should make for a better CPU overall.

If you were using an OLDER motherboard, the Q6600 might be a better choice. Why? Because the FSB might not go too high, and so you would not get as much out of an overclock with a Q8200. A modern P45 board can hit a 500+ FSB. I know mine will, on air.

Agree on the case/PSU. You should look for an Antec case that has a 380W PSU included. This will be an EA380, a good stable unit.

The phenom II 920 / 940 are faster than the q6600 on stock speed.

^In either case if OCing you should probably get an after market HSF like a S1283, TRUE 120,etc.

Please send more people to this topic!

Current results;

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Thanks in advance,

Panarchy

^Thanks! I won't be purchasing this Server for a while yet, first I need to work out the specs, and earn the money!

Poll;
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Please continue to recommend people to this topic!

Thanks in advance,

Panarchy

As already stated, for virtualization, its hands down the Q6600. With the virtualization enhancements and larger cache, the Pentium Quad-Core doesn't have a prayer.

Also, if you have to purchase a motherboard, a PhenomII solution may offer equal or better value.

Yes, it does with AMD-V

The general feel is that AMD Phenom II and Core i7 rule the roost with their HT memory links.

Before few days i choose Asus P5Q (with P45) + Intel Q8200 and it runs very good with many apps, holding the temp. bellow 30 cels.

Hi my config is this : MB Asus P5QC ,Intel P 45 ,FSB 1600/1333/800/667 with Intel Core 2 Quad 8200,ram Corsair XMS at 1600 Mhz 2 x 2048 ,video His Radeon 4870 Full HD 256 / 1024 ram DDR 5 at real freqency at 800 / 1482 , power supply Spire 650 Watt PFC active ,about Intel q 8200 proc is the best choice if you don't need to make overclock ,it is stable and it has an easy handling control in order to modify the FSB and ram voltages, The q 8200 has as default 1333 Mhz FSB but with this MB i can increase the FSB easily without any damage to the CPU property,yes its certain that the q 8200 does not support vritualisation but he has much more speed like q 6600,now i m using an Cooler Master Hyper x 2 CPU cooler and the temps inside are 28 - 30 C because the 45 Nm technology is better than q 6600 tech ,and that the CPU stays idle at 62 / 67C with the default cooler. Try to check it out on the net. My personal opinion is that,if you need the default frequency, the Q 8200 is the best choice ,if you need to make an experimental pc with high risk to damage its parts ) Q 6600 is the best one, but you need to know more about stepping ,overclock and MB specs in order to play with your CPU .