Q6600 vs Q9450

[crazyguy_60]

I am going to build a computer which will be used primarily for gaming, but also a lot for day to day application like word processing, media and surfing the internet. However, I don't know whether or not to buy a Q6600 and overclock it to 3Ghz, or buy a Q9450 and overclock it to 3Ghz. I really, really want to save as much money as possible, so will a Q6600 be and good enough for gaming with an HD 4870? Should I spend more money on the Q9450?

 

[eagles453809]

honestly...neither. if your going to be gaming, surfing the internet and minor media work...go with a dual core. e8500 is around 180-190 and i have mine at 4.0ghz and it can go higher. save some more money and get an e7200 for like 100. quad not worth it if your not doing video encoding etc...

 

[crazyguy_60]

I want the computer to be as "future-proof" as possible (don't want to upgrade or buy a new computer for 3-4 years AT LEAST). Will an E8500 still be a good processor then?

 

[mamw93]

Q6600 and overclock it to the Q9450 specs. It'll be a lot cheaper and cooler.

 

[swifty_morgan]

Q6600 and overclock it to the Q9450 specs. It'll be a lot cheaper and cooler.

I don't know how you figure it's going to be cooler. The q6600 is one of the hottest processors going and when you OC it it's more so. I have a 9550 OC to 3.6 and it runs 34c after gaming F-C2 and Crysis, etc.... with a Thermaltake Duo-orb on it. A similar set up with the Q6600 can't touch it.

 

[MykC]

I want the computer to be as "future-proof" as possible (don't want to upgrade or buy a new computer for 3-4 years AT LEAST).

IMO future-proof and computer build shouldn't be used in the same sentence. Your topic mentioned intel processors, but this AMD chip will offer you better value for your long term plan on a socket that a longer future.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.165080 Phenom II 940BE w/ MSI 790GX motherboard $287 - $15MIR
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835233003 Xigma CPU Cooler $36 - $10MIR
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125256&Tpk=4870 1GB 4870 Gigabyte $200 - $30 MIR
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145184 4GB DDR2 800 $45 - $25 MIR

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827129032 LG DVD Drive $22
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136218 WD 640GD HD $75
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129042 Antec 300 Case $60
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341010 600W OCZ PSU $70 - $20MIR

I listed a full box, not sure what else you would need.

 

[The Third Level]

Cheap + future proof.

Look no further than the AMD Phenom II X3 720 BE.

2.8ghz stock, OC's easy. Only $150, AM3 socket, but works in AM2+. Uses DDR2 or DDR3.

Can't beat it price/performance.

 

[jaguarskx]

Future Proof = 1, 2 or 3 years depending on how demanding you are with regards to your CPU.

My current primary PC has a Q9450 in it and it is adequate for my needs at the moment for video encoding and gaming. In a year or two (maybe three) when I decide I need more processing power, the Q9450 will replace the E6600 in my current HTPC.