[terran2k]

I have some points to redeem from my Credit card, I was looking to get a video card, but I saw I can get some Processors as well. Which of these do you think I should get.

Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Quad-Core Processor, 2.40 GHz, 8M L2 Cache, LGA 775 (half my points)
Intel Xeon X3320 2.5 Ghz 6M L2 Cache 1333MHz FSB LGA775 Quad-Core Processor (all my points)
Quad Core Xeon X3330 (all my points + $25)
Intel Core 2 Quad Q9550 Quad-Core Processor, 2.83 GHz, 12M L2 Cache, 1333MHz FSB, LGA775 (I would need to +$50, b/c it's just out of my points range)


They have the Q9300 and Q8200, but I really dislike their low Multi.

It's to replace my e2180.

[SkiBum1207]

I would reccommend the Q9550 if your willing to chuck the 50$ but you cant go wrong with the Q6600. It all depends what chip for either processor you get, im pushing my Q6600 to 3.8 (stable) but i have also seen people who cant get to 3.2 on either chips. However, due to the 45nm advantage of less heat/power and the higher initial fsb, you technically have more headroom for OCing...it all depends though if you want to spend the premium lol

[Nebulous]

Not sure if that Foxconn P35 you have will take advantage of the Q9550. You might be better off with the Q6600 instead. Be sure you have the latest bios and your board can support the quad core.

The Xeon 3320 is also a nice chip, but again gotta be sure your board will support it.

[terran2k]

I know it supports the q6600 at least, it ran the q6600 I have now before I put it into the IP35-E. Here's the CPU it supports from Foxconn's website

Intel® Core™2 Extreme/ Core™2 Quad/ Core™ 2 Duo processors support
Supports Intel® next generation 45nm Multi-Core processors
1333/1066/800MHz FSB

[Evilsizer]

Q6600 for ocing since your on P35. if you run a 45nm quad your going to hit the fsb wall around 470-490mhz range. you want P45 for ocing 45nm quads....

[diaz]

Xeon X3320 is what I was eyeing.... cheaper than, but same thing as the 9550.

-D

[Evilsizer]

well why go with the X3320 when its multi is only 7.5? it is just as low as the Q9300/Q8200. better off with the X3330 but then that only gives you a 8x multi. assuming worse case, you hit a max fsb of 470mhz by 8x that is only 3.7ghz. now while the Q6600 does have a 9x multi hitting 4.2ghz, 9x470 isnt going to happen. you might be lucky to see 3.8ghz out of but given that 45nm is 10% faster per clock. that would mean the X3330@3.7ghz equals 65nm quad at 4ghz.

[MadMan007]

Originally Posted by Evilsizer

Q6600 for ocing since your on P35. if you run a 45nm quad your going to hit the fsb wall around 470-490mhz range. you want P45 for ocing 45nm quads....

Without really good air cooling or WC 450FSB is pretty good for a q9550 = 3.8GHz which is likely going to be more than you can get out of a q6600. I know the P45 is still better for 45nm quads though, isn't a lot of that down to BIOS options like Vtt and GTLref? The DFI P35s which had those options do well with 45nm quads I believe.

Anyway if the q9550 is just out of your points range maybe wait a little while and get it when you've got the points? (If you want to use all your points on the CPU.) I have no idea what your points program is like or your spending but if you buy regular day-to-day stuff like gas and groceries maybe you could get the points in not too long.