Intel Core Duo VS Quad

[TheOner]

Hi!
Im managing to buy new computer but choosing CPU is giving me big headache. Because you can have with same amount of money 600MHz more or 2 core more. Which CPU can is better choise if is looking to future?

Core 2 QUAD Q6600 2.4GHZ 269.40€
Core Duo 2 E6850 3.0GHz, 4MB, FSB1333 Boxed (Conroe) 269.40€

[hUMANbEATbOX]

what do you do with your computer?

are you an experienced overclocker, just starting out, or don't plan on ocing at all?

[TheOner]

Sorry i didn't remember to mention that. I am just "regular" computer user. Not über overclocker. Playing games and do programming :p What i wan't from new computer? That it last at least couple of years forward and i can play latest games. I have also planned this GF 8800 ULTRA PCIE 768M 384BIT DDR3 and maybe Asus P5W/wifi MB

[treatmentx]

600MHZ Seems a bit optimistic, but who knows, these chips are too new to really draw a conclusion in my opinion.

And of course, if you're looking into the future, then I would say Quad regardless. If you're choosing between those two chips, I'd categorize you to be at least some type of power user, and wouldn't be falling back to something like a E2140 or something.

edit: I play enough games that I stare at a screen of animated sprites... I'd say a good 4 hours a day at least. Impact of 2fps-15fps won't matter much if you're at least above 60fps.

Given my gaming background, I ASSURE you. 500-600MHZ at this point in time won't even matter that much in video games. I ran a E6700 at 3.3GHZ and 3.9GHZ, with a 8800gtx overclocked to 688/1000, and I saw an improvement of AT MOST, 2fps and that's optimistic. If you don't believe me, whatever rig you have now, you can measure that through benchmarks like 3dmark05, 3dmark06. Do not look at your overall score, look at the INDIVIDUAL frames (game1, game2, etc).

And games like fps/firstpersonshooters are probably where fps matters the most. I can assure you the same thing, 5fps not make a difference. Even some of the touted specs showing 6-8fps difference, be mindful of the rig that was used (what video card, is the video card already saturated, SLI needs more raw CPU to catch up, etc etc) and EVEN if it's 6-8fps, if you're already at 70fps, which is the case in most games these days, you can lose 10 frames and you're still at 60fps which is the accepted gaming frames per second.

THAT said, and being a gamer myself, the upcoming greats like Crysis, Quake Territory, Starcraft 2, are Quad-core ready, and will feature things like physics, AI, increased unit counts, etc. if you have Quadcore, these features will probably prove a better overall gaming experience than 10fps increase. And since you just mention you will not be going SLI anyway, a Dualcore overclocked and Quadcore overclocked will give you the same frame anyway.

[thideras]

600MHZ Seems a bit optimistic, but who knows, these chips are too new to really draw a conclusion in my opinion.

And of course, if you're looking into the future, then I would say Quad regardless. If you're choosing between those two chips, I'd categorize you to be at least some type of power user, and wouldn't be falling back to something like a E2140 or something.

edit: I play enough games that I stare at a screen of animated sprites... I'd say a good 4 hours a day at least. Impact of 2fps-15fps won't matter much if you're at least above 60fps.

Given my gaming background, I ASSURE you. 500-600MHZ at this point in time won't even matter that much in video games. I ran a E6700 at 3.3GHZ and 3.9GHZ, with a 8800gtx overclocked to 688/1000, and I saw an improvement of AT MOST, 2fps and that's optimistic. If you don't believe me, whatever rig you have now, you can measure that through benchmarks like 3dmark05, 3dmark06. Do not look at your overall score, look at the INDIVIDUAL frames (game1, game2, etc).

And games like fps/firstpersonshooters are probably where fps matters the most. I can assure you the same thing, 5fps not make a difference. Even some of the touted specs showing 6-8fps difference, be mindful of the rig that was used (what video card, is the video card already saturated, SLI needs more raw CPU to catch up, etc etc) and EVEN if it's 6-8fps, if you're already at 70fps, which is the case in most games these days, you can lose 10 frames and you're still at 60fps which is the accepted gaming frames per second.

THAT said, and being a gamer myself, the upcoming greats like Crysis, Quake Territory, Starcraft 2, are Quad-core ready, and will feature things like physics, AI, increased unit counts, etc. if you have Quadcore, these features will probably prove a better overall gaming experience than 10fps increase. And since you just mention you will not be going SLI anyway, a Dualcore overclocked and Quadcore overclocked will give you the same frame anyway. The 600 mhz difference OP is talking about is the speed difference between the processors >.> And BTW, you should be able to atleast get 600 more mhz out of either of those chips, they both clock very nice.

And 600 mhz won't help in games? Orly? I recently went from 3.2 to 3.6 and noticed a avg 10-15fps increase in my games. And that is only 400 mhz...but it all depends on what video card you have etc...EVERY mhz counts. :beer:

But I will agree, if you want to play games in the future that can utilize multi-core, the quad would be the way to go.

[TheOner]

treatmentx: I have to say that you are good in analyzing people. Thanks to both of you. I think my choise is Quad :)

[dfonda]

Another vote for the Quad. By all means Overclock it.:)

and:welcome:to the OC forums.(Overclock);)

[SeasonalEclipse]

Id say go with quad as well. Also make sure and remember that OCing voids the CPU's warrenty! So if you fry it, its on you. And yes, they can tell.

[Karnal]

+1 for quad

[Shakir_Akbari]

+1 more for the quad

but i'm planning on going with a quad xeon x32x0 it is the same chip as the q6600 but should be in a better bin (graded higher from intel). the x3220 is rated up to 85*C (g0 edition) vs the q6600 rated at 72*C (i think) check out the other threads on it.

the debate has gone from q6600 vs. e6850 --- to --- q6600 vs. x3220 (same chips and same price). there is also the x3210 another xeon quad but this one runs at 2.1ghz (8x266mhz) - this one is selling for $250 at various retailers

i also agree that 600mhz wont make a difference from 3.2-3.8ghz; if the cpu is bottle not necking the gpu (ie you arent running sli). i think that after 3ghz you reach a point of seriously diminishing gains (for current apps) but that means that you are primed for next gen

hope i havent confused you at all. happy building mate

[Brolloks]

+1 more for the quad

but i'm planning on going with a quad xeon x32x0 it is the same chip as the q6600 but should be in a better bin (graded higher from intel). the x3220 is rated up to 85*C (g0 edition) vs the q6600 rated at 72*C (i think) check out the other threads on it.

the debate has gone from q6600 vs. e6850 --- to --- q6600 vs. x3220 (same chips and same price). there is also the x3210 another xeon quad but this one runs at 2.1ghz (8x266mhz) - this one is selling for $250 at various retailers

i also agree that 600mhz wont make a difference from 3.2-3.8ghz; if the cpu is bottle not necking the gpu (ie you arent running sli). i think that after 3ghz you reach a point of seriously diminishing gains (for current apps) but that means that you are primed for next gen

hope i havent confused you at all. happy building mate

What mobo do you have, i plan on the X3220, problem is I cannot get confirmation anywhere that my Abit AB9 will work with a Xeon:-/
I do not want to upgarde my mobo, will do that next year when when i upgarde to Penryn...

[David_N]

One more for the Quad :thup:

I should have mine up and running later this afternoon once I get some holes cut in my mobo tray for wire management, hopefully the rig will be up and running by this evening.


Like it has been said, future games will utilize the extra cores in the quad, and you will begin to see the quads take high end majority market share by mid 2008 in my opinion. AKA, it will be much more mainstream.

[pscout]

:welcome: to OCF :)

I recommend quad too.

And if you want something to apply those extra quad cycles to come join us on the OCF folding team :)

It a great cause and we are a friendly, helpful bunch :)

http://www.ocforums.com/forumdisplay.php?f=21

If you need any help finding an efficient oc for folding we can help ... I am up to 8 of them now :o


And the same goes to all you other new quad or DC owners out there ... not only is folding a fantastic use for your spare cycles, it would help us put OCF back in its rightful place in the top team rankings :)

If you can fold without errors, your rig is uber stable ... but please don't fold on an unstable rig.

[TheOner]

Have to say that i am very surprised that there has been zero whining replys :). I have used to read replys like "R U DUMB? QUAD OF COZ!". Good forum!

[GTengineer]

Good forum!
yup :clap:

thus why it is the only forum I only really post in.

[pscout]

The members here are great :) ... and only very seldom does a mod need to get involved to calm things down ... or stop it.

[Hazaro]

If you get the Quad, you MUST overclock it, I mean if you are spending $ on a 8800Ultra, you're going to have to overclock that too :D , try to obtain a g0 steeping from tankguys, NCIX, or other sites.

[TheOner]

What do you all think how much can i easily OC Q6600 if im having this cooler "NINJA PLUS Rev.B"?

http://www.scythe-usa.com/product/cpu/026/scnj1100p.html

[treatmentx]

Do you already have it? If not, I'd consider the the Ultraextreme-120, which has been dominating a bit now, and the Thermalright IFX-14.

http://www.ocforums.com/showthread.php?t=520087

Keep an eye on that thread, that guy's going to run some tests.

I forgot to mention in my last post, WELCOME TO OCForums! =)

[TheOner]

No i haven't purchased anything yet :) and thanks! My way is to find out things first and then buy :). Im going to look forward that thread!

[MiahXGaming]

I'm in the same boat as the OP, but I am not much of a PC gamer. I do play games in emulation software, and am definately a power user. I have a watercooled case and will be OCing. But do I need the Quad or the C2D?

I don't know if it helps the OP, but this seems like a good deal if you are not going to OC: http://slickdeals.net/?permadeal=9949#direct_deal_9949

[StrandedMartian]

get the quad, get a G0 and overclock it to 3.3-3.4

definitely be forward looking for awhile.

[shirker]

I'm in the same boat as the OP, but I am not much of a PC gamer. I do play games in emulation software, and am definately a power user. I have a watercooled case and will be OCing. But do I need the Quad or the C2D?

I don't know if it helps the OP, but this seems like a good deal if you are not going to OC: http://slickdeals.net/?permadeal=9949#direct_deal_9949not a bad deal, but besides for the great Q6600, the memory is slow (good-bye overclocking dreams), the hard drive is a measly 80GB, the gfx card is an 8300gs (= no gaming), and the audio is integrated/onboard which is pretty bad considering that you're buying a dell mobo which has little flexibility with user-replaceable hardware (also, no overclocking in the BIOS either)

but to the average joe, it's a great buy :beer:

to OP: i'd recommend a quad-core

[Tyranos]

What kind of setup are you running now? You won't see games like Crysis and Bioshock until Nov/Oct, and the rest beyond. Unless you need it right now, you should consider waiting until Penryn and results are available to you. At that time, you'll be on top of or close to the release dates of other multi threaded games and apps, and why not have 45nm low tdp processors to run them on?

[eternaljammer]

I vote quad

[ryanmartini]

i vote for quad. it will help you out in the new gaming titles to come for sure. not to mention doing your encoding work, folding and gaming at the same time is sexy :D

[Sam__]

+1 for quad!

[jason4207]

Quad...x32x0 in a G0 variety if you can find it.

[MiahXGaming]

I am in no Rush to buy now, I think I will wait on that newfangled Penryn everyone seems to keep bringing up. Thanks!

[Surfrider77]

For someone who only purchases once every year or two, I would suggest a Quad... and if you can wait, wait for Penryn in a few months.

If you replace hardware like underwear, I honestly see no real use for 95%+ of the average home PC user within the next few months to warrant jumping on a Q6600 right now. I personally have gone E6850 for higher overclock and will go Penryn when the need for Quads arises.

[surfasb]

+1 for quad
+2 for quad

[Ben3361]

I am a newbie to all this but I have read a lot about it on the net.
I just bought the E6850 based on the Gaming performance and in the future
I will be able to move up to a QUAD since my ASUS P5N32-E SLI N680 will be able to accept this chip!

[treatmentx]

I had a magical B2 E6700, stable 24/7 3.9GHZ watercooled, but when I saw these G0 Quad's popping, I ebayed my E6700 for $230, and Bought a Q6600 G0 for $300 shipped. I also have the P5N32-E SLI, make sure you upgrade to that new BIOS! :beer:

[Surfrider77]

I had a magical B2 E6700, stable 24/7 3.9GHZ watercooled, but when I saw these G0 Quad's popping, I ebayed my E6700 for $230, and Bought a Q6600 G0 for $300 shipped. I also have the P5N32-E SLI, make sure you upgrade to that new BIOS! :beer:

This is the smart route. I've been on the edge of the hardware curve for quite some time. You can usually get some good prices by eBaying your hardware and pay marginal prices to get the latest and greatest. I think you lose a lot more money in the long run by waiting until a rig is 2+ years old and worthless and replacing from ground up.

This tends to work best for Vid Cards in my experience. It goes a long way to keep all original retail boxing in pristine condition as well.

[TheOner]

What do you think about my machine. Im not a HC overclocker as i mentioned earlier :). But i can see the future in my eyes and what bad effect this forum gives me. Month later my apartment is full of LN2 and dry ice. All starts from little overclocking. "Maybe i can little OC my CPU. Hmph... Maybe little more..."

Motherboard: ASUS P5K-E/WIFI-AP
CPU: Intel Q6600 CORE 2 QUAD 2.4GHz BOX
CPU Cooler: Thermalright Ultra-120 EXTREME
Graphicscard: ASUS EN8800GTX/HTDP/768M
Memory: OCZ DDR2 PC2-6400 PLATINUM 2GB KIT
Powersupply: Cooltek 600W Real Plug Power

[treatmentx]

wait did you buy it or not? if not, i'd wait for the X38
and if you have that kinda money, i'd go with watercooling.. it'll really take your money further... already investing so much already... i went water, and i love it. won't ever go back.

[TheOner]

wait did you buy it or not? if not, i'd wait for the X38
and if you have that kinda money, i'd go with watercooling.. it'll really take your money further... already investing so much already... i went water, and i love it. won't ever go back.


So stupid as it sounds, i don't really know is my computer already ordered :). I think it is but i don't know for sure. But when X38 comes and reviews with it, ill check if it is good board to invest and sell P5K-E to friend and buy X38 board. What big things X38 brings with it? Anythin else than PCI-E 16x 2.0?

The thing is that my current PC is
Asus A7N8X Deluxe 2.0
AMD Athlon XP 2800+
2x TwinMos 512MB 400MHz DDR
Club 3D GeForce 7600GS

so any new PC is big step to me :cool:. And yes, i like watercooling too. Couple of my friends has watercooled computer. New case is my next invest because i don't believe that 8800GTX fits to Antec Super Lanboy and have to look it with that eye if i build watercooling in it ;)

[treatmentx]

HOLY... you'll notice a HUGE improvement.... the system you have listed is like my living room PC, so I know what it's gonna feel like lol. Huge jump.

I think the something about SLI on the x38, i dunno, haven't really looked. Sell me your P5k ... stupid P5N32-E is really hard to OC a quad... doesn't make me feel worthy to be on this forum lol.