Is the e8400 outdated?

[devcon7]

when will games start using quad cores for gaming? thanks

 

[Mousemonkey]

That question was asked back in 2006 when the Q6600 was released and the answer was always "really soon".

 

[hunter315]

Some games do use a quad, most upcoming games should begin using them as programing for quads is becoming more common and doesnt present a performance penalty to those who only have dual core CPUs.

 

[Mousemonkey]

Some games do use a quad, most upcoming games should begin using them as programing for quads is becoming more common and doesnt present a performance penalty to those who only have dual core CPUs.

That's pretty much the same thing that's been said since the Q6600 went on sale, thanks for the reminder.

 

[Bluescreendeath]

E8400 is still one of the best cpus out there. If you have it, you really don't need to upgrade for gaming...if you don't have it, you might as well get a quad core since the dual core e8x00 are overpriced compared to the quads.

 

[devcon7]

is it worth $100 or should i go with a i5 build? I heard about the i5 socket problems and dont wont to be sol on on bad cpu and mobo. thanks

 

[devcon7]

E8400 is still one of the best cpus out there. If you have it, you really don't need to upgrade for gaming...if you don't have it, you might as well get a quad core since the dual core e8x00 are overpriced compared to the quads.

Whats the best quad for the money. I would get a i5 build but am scared about the socket problems. is the e8400 worth a little over $100? thanks

 

[Mousemonkey]

If you can get one for that then it would be cheaper than a whole new platform, assuming you already have the rest of the rig and are just upgrading.

 

[devcon7]

well i dont... i was going to get a i5 but the socket problems and intel releasing 2 other sockets im not shure if its worth it. I just wanted to get some other peoples thoughts. also how does the q9550 compare for $200? thanks

 

[Mousemonkey]

Socket 775 is a dead end and whilst it is still a usable platform today there are no known CPU's coming so if you build one chances are the CPU you decide on will be the one it dies with, in that regard the Q9550 would be the better choice.

 

[Bluescreendeath]

Whats the best quad for the money. I would get a i5 build but am scared about the socket problems. is the e8400 worth a little over $100? thanks

If you are starting from scratch (getting a new computer), go with the 1156 i5's or 1156 i7's. Or if you're an enthusiast, go for the 1366 i7's.

If you already have a 775 motherboard and are planning to upgrade, get a Q9550 from Microcenter for $180 (which is about $60 or so cheaper than Newegg). If you don't live near a Microcenter, then get a Q8400 for about $160 and overclock it or get a Q9400 for about $190. Overall, I actually suggest you get a used cpu from ebay where it'll be cheaper. (or get it from the classifieds-section here on Tomshardware forums)

 

[OvrClkr]

I think the 8400 is still an awesome CPU. The overclocking abilities are ridiculous....