Best Intel Core 2 Duo and Core 2 Extreme for Photography Editing

Hi there,

I was just wondering if someone could recommend what Core 2 Duo processor works best with photo editing and some light video editing. I'm building a PC for someone as a gift that does a lot of that and was curious as to which processor would be best. I know that the new quad core processors are ideal, but like most, I have to remain on a budget and would like the best that I could get for my money and specifically editing.

Thank you!

Well if you are trying to remain on a budget than why even mention Core 2 Extreme? You're paying for a darker label and an unlocked multiplier. We need to know your actual budget.

I assume USD. In that case Core 2 Extreme is way, way outside your budget.

There's this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6819115055

and this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6819115059

I'm not sure how much cache is important to video editing/transcoding. If it's important then those two options aren't really the best because they have reduced amounts of cache.

WIth a $160 budget, the best CPU for photo editing is the e8400.

It will benefit more if you get a E8400 and spend your money on a SSD drive. Most of the time the bottleneck, after your E8400, will be the storage.

What software are you using? This may dictate whether a Quad be better than a Duo

Phenom 720BE / Asus 790GX AM3: $210 AR

Quite similar to the e8400 in PS performance. The extra core of the 720BE will provide a boost in the "light video editing". The Phenom 810 would be a great overall deal (if it restocks in the next few days) if the user utilizes plugins or filters that will run across 4 cores.

With the extra $$$ saved buy a second HD for a scratch/capture drive, or maybe 2 extra Gb of RAMs.

If you already have your s775 mobo go for the e8400.