Core 2 Quad Q9550 vs Core i5 ? Noob help ...

[Guest]

Ok so im looking to upgrade my CPU and went on newegg to look for a good processor that I can upgrade and not upgrade for at LEAST 1.5-2 years. So since im a PC gamer I figured I should go for a Quad core. The Q9550 caught my eye and looked good but I was told to buy the Core i5 which is in the same price range and supposedly "blows away the q9550". Is this true ? How much better can the core i5 be then the 9550 is the clock speed is actually lower (2.66GHz) to q9550's (2.83GHz). I know clock speed isnt everything but the core i5 doesnt have l2 cache and the q9550 has 12MB of l2. Which processor do you guys recommend more ? Remember I want to use this CPU for gaming. Thanks alot for your help

 

[GhislainG]

If you're buying a new motherboard, CPU and memory, then go with the i5 simply because it's faster.

 

[powerfuel]

"Each core gets 64 KB of L1 cache, 256 KB L2 cache, and shares a larger 8 MB L3 cache. "
Also the I5 as power boost which increase its clock frequency when needed. http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.p...sk=view&id=361&Itemid=63&limit=1&limitstart=1
Do some research before...
Which games are you playing? What is your resolution? What is your configuration?
If you think the 9550 is the perfect CPU for you; if it really satisfies your needs, then I'd wait a bit, price are probably going to drop sooner or later with that launch of new CPUs. If you really need a new build then go with the I5.
Note: Check out a bit for the I5 750/860 it's 100$ difference for HT, higher stock clock/power boost, etc. I'm personally trying to choose between both.
Hope it helps.
Regards

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edit: http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/266471-28-overclocking-cooler Just found that (roll down a bit and you'll see some links of benchmark, etc.).
Check for THW guides, they helped me a lot for everything!

 

[jsc]

If you are actually upgrading an existing Core2 platform, the Q9550 is an excellent choice unless the CPU you are upgrading is a Q6600.

If you are building a new computer, go with the i5 or i7. They do not need an L2 cache because the integrate memory controller gives the CPU core a straight, high speed path to memory.

 

[huron]

I'd have to agree. If you are buying all new parts, go i5/i7 (1156 variety), but if you have parts to use (mobo, RAM, etc), go with the Q9550.

If I were building today, I'd get the i5 860 and a solid P55 motherboard. If you live near a microcenter, you can get the 860 for $229.

 

[Shadow_30]

I have a very nice gaming pc and I'm running the 9550. I believe Windows 7 scores it a 7.3 out of a possible 7.9. It satisfies my every need. I haven't had any of the i3,i5, or i7's yet so I can't comment on them, but they aren't needed for a bad-ass gaming rig. Here are my specs and there aint a game I can't max out every setting at 1920x1200 resolution stabily:

-Evga 790i sli ultra
-8gigs Patriot Viper 1600Mhz DDR3 Ram
-Evga GTX 470 Superclocked
-Ultra 1200w PSU (In case I want to run sli)
-OCZ Colosus 250gig hard drive
-Core2quad 9550
-LG Bluray player drive
-LG Dvd player recorder drive
-5 Logisky 120mm green case fans

 

[Raidur]

Q9550 is a great CPU. Like people have been saying, if you already own a LGA 775 board capable of housing the Q9550 then go for that. If not go for the i5, it is all-around a better/newer CPU on a newer chipset.

Fyi Microcenter also has awesome deals for the Q9550 ($190 if I remember right). See if you live near one! (These are in-store deals only)

 

[Mousemonkey]

This topic has been closed by Mousemonkey