How much difference would a quad make really?

[bocado]

Currently I have an Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 @ 2400MHz

In helping my friend with a new build, I came across this puppy.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115207

or the Wolfdale version
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115037


Socket 775 is what I'm using, now my question is, how much more drastic would it be to go from a Core 2, to a Quad?
Would it be worth it for $150?

I don't game on my PC, just surf and photoshop. I do have a GeForce 8800GTS and 8G of Corsair XMS2 RAM.

Take the plunge and go for it?

 

[jaguarskx]

I would Google around to determine how many core does Photoshop use.

If it can only take advantage of up to 2 cores, then the E8400 will work out better due to higher clock speed. If it can take advantage of at least 3 cores, then I would go for the Q8300.

 

[bocado]

Quad cores are preferred from what I read and dual cores are recommended, so I guess the Q8300 is the one.
I would have thought the more expensive one is the way to go. lol ($20 albeit lol)

 

[jaguarskx]

Well, if Photoshop can effectively use a quad core CPU, then a lower clocked quad should have higher performance than a higher clocked dual.

 

[abdussamad]

If you are going to upgrade to another LGA 775 CPU you should buy a used CPU. Even though LGA 775 is a dead platform prices for new LGA 775 CPUs are way too high. So either buy a used LGA 775 chip at a significant discount or upgrade to sandy bridge lga 1155.

 

[Wamphryi]

The quad come into its own when you are using video editing applications. My old Core 2 Duo could not produce a decent MPG 2 movie under many circumstances. When i upgraded to a Quad then there was no dramas.