CPU advice please :)

[NaomiRE]

Okay, rather like my system drive choice I'm stuck with a cpu conundrum too lol.

I have a choice between the following:

Intel® Core™ 2 Quad Q8200 2.33GHz 4MB Cache 1333MHz FSB
Intel® Core™ 2 Quad Q9400 2.66GHz 6MB Cache 1333MHz FSB
Intel® Core™ 2 Quad Q9550 2.83GHz 12MB Cache 1333MHz FSB
Intel® Core™ 2 Quad Q9650 3.0GHz 12MB Cache 1333MHz FSB

or going for the

Intel® Core™ 2 Extreme QX9650 3.0GHz 12MB Cache 1333MHz FSB

and I'm not sure if I should stick with the cheaper Quad Core option or spend the extra now on the Extreme 9650 to save performance issues in the future.

Right now the rig would be used for gaming, using MMORPGs and 3D environments, graphic design work as well as regular HTPC use, all with a fair bit of multitasking - I've never been much good at doing one thing at a time so am usually in a MMORPG, working in photoshop, browsing forums and web pages plus having a cigarette all at once lol. The system would be on and in use for long periods of time during the day, so I don't know how that would effect the performance of any of these CPUs.

Can anyone give me some advice as to what would be the best way to go? What I don't want to happen is to cut a corner now only to find out it'll need upgrading sooner rather than later, but at the same time I don't want to waste money on something that isn't suited to me. I am looking for a high-end gaming machine that will handle a lot of use and high graphics whilst still giving me the speed and stability I need. If that makes sense! Is sticking with the Quad Core the best for me or would looking at the new i7 be better suited? I'm really not sure so I'm open to suggestions!!

 

[lunarwolf]

are you buying new or second hand. coz new you can get an i7 for the price of 9550. more future proof but there other requirements like DDR3 and mobo to consider.

personally go for i7 if not get a second hand q6600 if you can find one

 

[NaomiRE]

I'm in a position where I'm stuck having a new replacement provided for my previous, now-deader-than-dead system so its not a self-build - if it was a self-build I'd be much happier, there would be far less restrictions on choices :sad:

 

[lunarwolf]

not sure I understand what you mean by restriction? is that with regards to an i7? anyway a q6600 is very good and overclocks well past 3ghz which should handle anything you can throw at it. If you can run a q9series you should be able to run a q6600.

my point is get more bang for your buck, spending for extreme9650 is insane when you can get an i7, x58 board and 6gb DDR3 ram for that price, and you will be more futureproof. The q9550 is better than the q6600 but when you factor in price it isn't worth it imo. a q6600 will OC to 3.ghz easily (probably to around 3.5) and that will handle any games (I don't know about 3D apps since i am not familiar with those, but I cant imagine the q6600 struggle), you won't really see any major tangible improvement with a q9550 except better temps and better pwr consumption. Obviously the q9550 will have more OC headroom but do you really need 4ghz? I certainly don't

 

[gareth170]

guys don't give him hope by say if he get a Qxxxx u can oc it to x.xghz. because it may not get to that speed.

 

[lunarwolf]

i said he may be able to get 3.5, but i would be really surprised if he couldnt get 3.0ghz on a q6600. I have never heard of any not reaching the 3.0ghz mark. i think that 3.ghz on a q6600 is not giving hope, but a reality

 

[willy]

I would personally go for Q9550 as worth the money

 

[gareth170]

i said he may be able to get 3.5, but i would be really surprised if he couldnt get 3.0ghz on a q6600. I have never heard of any not reaching the 3.0ghz mark. i think that 3.ghz on a q6600 is not giving hope, but a reality

but even so mate he may get very poor clocker that can't even do 3ghz. i know it's highly unlikely but i don't want him to get his hopes up then be disappointed if it doesn't go that high to what people say, like i was with my cpu.

 

[linktoinsanity]

but even so mate he may get very poor clocker that can't even do 3ghz. i know it's highly unlikely but i don't want him to get his hopes up then be disappointed if it doesn't go that high to what people say, like i was with my cpu.

I agree with Gareth. The only guaranteed speed of a Q6600 is 2.4Ghz. Any more is a bonus chance however high that chance may be. I'd recommend a Q9550 out of all those CPUs, but as lunarwolf says a Core i7 would probably be a better spend if you have the money.