Q6600 or E6750 with 8800GT SLi

[netspiderz]

I need help to decide which configuration would be best for gaming. I play a variety of games from strategy, shooters, MMORPG , racing.

I have 2 cards 8800GT using SLI and I already have two CPU: E6750 and Q6600.

As follow my two configuration options:

OPTION 1
8800GT x2 (SLI)
E6750

OPTION 2
8800GT x2 (SLI)
Q6600

Which CPU would perform the best with my SLI cards? Dual-core E6750 or Quad-core Q6600?

 

[hundredislandsboy]

The e6750 won't have to work as hard when overclocked to a 1600 fsb which will give you better framerates.

I would pick Option 1 for gaming.

 

[marius_ro]

q6600 of course

 

[outlw6669]

Go for the Q6600.
At stick speeds it will not be much slower than the E6750 (in single thread apps).
It will also overclock much better on your FSB weak platform with its 9x multiplier (the E6750 has an 8x multiplier).
In multi-threaded apps, the Q6600 will PWN the E6750 regardless of any speed disadvantages.

 

[mindless728]

^+1
also it is a quad core, so when games finally utilize them, you will have one (hopefully it lasts that long)

 

[Mousemonkey]

The e6750 won't have to work as hard when overclocked to a 1600 fsb which will give you better framerates.

I would pick Option 1 for gaming.

8800GT SLI user says +1

 

[outlw6669]

I still have to disagree to the E6750.

Not only does the E6750 have half the cores of the Q6600, it only has an 8x multiplier as compared to the Q6600's 9x.
This means that when you match the 333Mhz FSB with the Q6600, you will have a 3Ghz quad core.
Any way you count it, that will be quite a bit more powerful than a 2.66Ghz dual core.
As the 680i SLI is a very poor overclocker, it is highly probable you will run out of FSB headroom before you max out either CPU.
That will leave the CPU with the highest multiplier in the best position.

 

[Mousemonkey]

As I use a 680i board with 8800GT's in SLI and have tried a Q6600, e6850 and an e8400 on it I have to disagree.

 

[Dark Comet]

Didn't toms hardware tests show that 3 cores benefits gaming. Does the extra MHz on the dual make up for the lack of a third core?

 

[Mousemonkey]

Didn't toms hardware tests show that 3 cores benefits gaming. Does the extra MHz on the dual make up for the lack of a third core?

I do believe so but it doesn't really apply when you only have two Intel processors to choose between.