Core2 Quad?

[Sean_UK]

In game just standing still on the same street corner with only NPC's and traffic moving around to strain CPU's. Same as before I've used the maximum GFX settings and 39 View Distance; which is the absolute distance limit with 1680x1050 on my GTX280. I've enlarged EVGA on screen info due to the image resize making it near on impossible to read.

E6750 @ 3.0GHz, fps between 18-27fps

E6750 @ 3.6GHz, fps between 21-33fps

Q6600 @ 3.4GHz, fps between 31-46fps

E6750 @ 3.0GHz, in-game 5-Star wanted level gunfight + huge explosions

Q6600 @ 3.0GHz in-game 5-Star wanted level gunfight + huge explosions

One run of the frankly rubbish Rockstar bench, with Q6600 @ 3.4GHz >

Statistics
Average FPS: 54.21
Duration: 37.26 sec
CPU Usage: 57%
System memory usage: 59%
Video memory usage: 98%

Graphics Settings
Video Mode: 1680 x 1050 (60 Hz)
Texture Quality: High
Texture Filter Quality: Highest
View Distance: 39
Detail Distance: 100

Ok now that's all, make of it what you will.

 

[alex24]

Thanks for taking the time to do that, they're very good, a much more real life comparison to put an end to all the hearsay!

Looks like i'll need a quad then to get the most from this! It wouldn't be so bad, but my E6750 doesn't seem to be able to reach more than 3.0GHz stable. How many volts are you putting through it at 3.6? Mine can boot it and run GTA4 at 3.6 for a while before crashing, and it's a huge improvement, the minimum frames are more than acceptable.

 

[Sean_UK]

No problem, as I said it gave me a good excuse to lap the TRUE cooler (Shaved 3c off load temps ), and as you mention end to all the hearsay

How many volts are you putting through it at 3.6?

1.4v BIOS, cpu-z 1.382v under load and it's Prime stable.

 

[alex24]

Mine's running 1.4V in BIOS and I can't reach 400FSB. I'm at 375, but haven't tried increments between. In fact, 1.43V didn't stabilise 400FSB, so perhaps I need to look to another voltage to get higher.

Anyway, that's another story.

 

[Sean_UK]

Mine's running 1.4V in BIOS and I can't reach 400FSB. I'm at 375, but haven't tried increments between.

Heres the settings used to get it stable at 3.6GHz, only extra volts applied to cpu>

I'm suprised yours wont manage 400, perhaps it's just one BIOS setting holding it back?

 

[alex24]

Yeah, i've actually had a couple of threads on it, I suspected the b-grade mobo at first, but it seems more likely the chip now. Apologies to Asus!

I've upped the vcore to 1.43 in bios, vdroop seems acceptable, northbridge has been upped, other voltages put two to three notches above normal. RAM runs at stock speeds/timings with 2.2V etc. Don't have a lot of time to play with it atm because of exams, but i'm going to get stuck in after that, then maybe sell this chip and grab a q9550 or e8500/e8600, anything that will improve the performance really, 45nm would probably be a wise choice too. Still, don't think i'll get much more than £45 for it at the best of times.

The VID is 1.35V however, which I think isn't great? Could indicate it was never a good chip to begin with. I do also have an E6600 sitting here waiting in a machine with a dead PSU, so I might try clock that in the machine and see where it gets to. I know that has a lower VID.

 

[-Raphus-]

In game just standing still on the same street corner with only NPC's and traffic moving around to strain CPU's. Same as before I've used the maximum GFX settings and 39 View Distance; which is the absolute distance limit with 1680x1050 on my GTX280. I've enlarged EVGA on screen info due to the image resize making it near on impossible to read.
Ok now that's all, make of it what you will.

Oh, that's really good test! Now we know what the GTA IV is. Thx you, good work!

 

[Sean_UK]

Edit: Oops, accidental bump, sorry total fail on my part. (Was deleting old subs, double click & wrong button)

 

[martynpd]

Akasa 965 should cope fine with a reasonable quad overclock, I've used it within a number of budget builds since release as it does a fine job. The newer Q6600's seem a be a bit poor for going beyond 3.2GHz, my youngest brothers year old Q6600 can only just manage 3.4Ghz with 1.450V.

If i were buying on a budget right now, then Q6700 would be the one for me

i got mine to 3.4ghz on 1.375

it was a slacker edition

ill be selling mine its just sitting in a draw in its box just saying, '' I can still make you happy''