Help choosing a new cpu

Discussion in 'Tech Talk' started by Wren, Dec 19, 2008.

  1. Wren

    Wren
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    I need some help choosing between these two cpus

    a Intel Core 2 Duo E8500 Wolfdale 3.16GHz 6MB L2 Cache LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor

    or

    a Intel Core 2 Quad Q8200 2.33GHz 4MB L2 Cache LGA 775 95W Quad-Core Processor

    both are priced the same at 189.99 on newegg

    The comp I am build is to split time being a gaming rig and for school as I work on a computer science degree.

    Parts I already have are

    EVGA 132-YW-E178-A1 LGA 775 NVIDIA nForce 780i SLI FTW ATX Intel Motherboard

    CORSAIR CMPSU-750TX 750W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Power Supply

    ASUS EN9800GTX+ DK/HTDI/512M GeForce 9800 GTX+ 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card (will buy another later to sli)

    and

    OCZ Reaper HPC 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory (x2 for 8GB total)

    Thanks for your help.
     
    Wren, Dec 19, 2008
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  2. Kyoji

    Kyoji
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    if you know how to OC, get the quad, if you don't get the duo.
     
    Kyoji, Dec 19, 2008
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  3. EF2

    EF2
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    Quad
     
    EF2, Dec 19, 2008
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  4. Wren

    Wren
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    Quad it is, but should I go with the Q8200 or wait until the Intel Core 2 Quad Q9650 3.0GHz comes down in price more. I really want this processor I choose to be able to last me a few years and still handle the new games that come out without breaking the bank.
     
    Wren, Dec 19, 2008
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  5. Frag

    Frag
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    I have an E8400 running @ 4ghz on air and im no overclocking expert by far. It runs all my games smoothe as silk with 4 gig of ocz plat and a 4870hd.. And unless your gonna be playing, burning a cd, unzipping files, and photo editing at the same time the quad wont help your gaming much. Now if your a serious multitasker the quad is for you.
     
    Frag, Dec 19, 2008
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  6. EF2

    EF2
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    I'd wait for the Q9650.

    My Q6600 is holding up pretty well, but I've changed video cards at least twice already (mostly because of deals though).
     
    EF2, Dec 20, 2008
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  7. Wren

    Wren
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    Think I'm going to go with a E8400 for now and replace that with a Q9650 after the price drops down much more then ebay the E8400.

    This way I can get back into gaming sooner instead and upgrade later.
     
    Wren, Dec 20, 2008
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