Help me make up my mind here guys

regulus · 16 Oct 2006 at 20:21

Im currently putting together a new PC but cannot decide between the E6600 or E6400, 2mb cache or 4mb cache. I'm mainly a heavy gamer and do the odd bit of 3d modelling. Is there a big difference performance wise in games or does it all comes down to the graphics card? Would the E6400 be enough to game heavily with?

Zefan · 16 Oct 2006 at 20:25

In my opinion the 6400 isn't worth it at all, seeing as it is simply a faster clocked 6300 (and they overclock like sweet mama's). Not really answering your question, but IMO it should be between the 6300 and the 6600.

regulus · 16 Oct 2006 at 20:27

Is the difference between the two quite big (in gaming terms)

Lolcb · 16 Oct 2006 at 21:26

get e6600

w3bbo · 16 Oct 2006 at 21:33

The e6400 will be plenty for a gamer but unless you get the right mobo/ram combo you will be limited by the 7/8x multi of the 6300/6400. I'd personally go for a 6400 with a p5bdlx/G.Skill and with the money saved from an E6600, upgrade/spend more on the grafix as this will have the greatest effect on games.

Lolcb · 16 Oct 2006 at 21:37

that sounds ironic comin frm somone that chose e6600 over 6400/6300. loool

regulus · 16 Oct 2006 at 21:57

Lolcb said:
that sounds ironic comin frm somone that chose e6600 over 6400/6300. loool

So he talks from experience then.

regulus · 16 Oct 2006 at 21:59

w3bbo said:
The e6400 will be plenty for a gamer but unless you get the right mobo/ram combo you will be limited by the 7/8x multi of the 6300/6400. I'd personally go for a 6400 with a p5bdlx/G.Skill and with the money saved from an E6600, upgrade/spend more on the grafix as this will have the greatest effect on games.

Could I be a pain and ask you to spec me that combo you were talking about
Not sure which one the p5bdlx is (after searching for a while).

Lolcb · 16 Oct 2006 at 22:01

when i said that is coz, he perfectly knew the pros n cons of 6300/6400 and 6600 before even purchasing it.the thing is, i would prefer u to go 6600 if u have the money to.

regulus · 16 Oct 2006 at 22:04

Lolcb said:
when i said that is coz, he perfectly knew the pros n cons of 6300/6400 and 6600 before even purchasing it.the thing is, i would prefer u to go 6600 if u have the money to.

Technically I can afford it but would rather put more money towards a graphic card since I'm mainly a gamer. I've been researching this for about a week now and still cannot make up my mind. Budget is about £1000 for a CPU,RAM,MOBO, Case and PSU.

Lolcb · 16 Oct 2006 at 22:06

CPU + RAM + MOBO = Look at the bundles offered by OcUk. See which one suits to your needs most. What graphics card do you have or plan to buy?
If you want a good mobo, tomhardwares recently reviewed 4 mobos.
http://tomshardware.co.uk/2006/10/11/four_975x_motherboards_for_core_2_duo_uk/
See which one you prefer most.

regulus · 16 Oct 2006 at 22:08

Lolcb said:
CPU + RAM + MOBO = Look at the bundles offered by OcUk. See which one suits to your needs most. What graphics card do you have or plan to buy?

leaning towards the x1900xt 512mb version but am open for suggestions

Lolcb · 16 Oct 2006 at 22:11

Look at my edited post, incase you missed it.

w3bbo · 16 Oct 2006 at 22:15

I went for the E6600 as it suits my purposes (needs vs budget). I already had a 7950GX2 so it wasn't as though I would need to spend money on an upgraded graphics card. The OP asked if the E6400 is enough for a heavy gamer...which it most definately is when paired with a good motherboard/ram combo. The money saved from not buying an e6600 put towards a graphics card upgrade will further gaming performance even more. The E6600 is deffo the better CPU but IF I WAS YOU I and the E6600 is gonna stretch the budget too far get the 6400 and better GPU.

The motherboard I recommended is the Asus P5B deluxe as it has proven time and again to be the best performer for overclocking the allendale core2duo's (6300/6400). The P5WDH is (imo) a better motherboard but will not get as high with the FSB. High FSB's are a requirement for the allandale cores due to the lower multi's.

The ram is the G.Skill DDR2 PC6400 HZ 4-4-4-12. Considered by many the best overclocking memory for the money.

Hope that helps and GL with the build

regulus · 16 Oct 2006 at 22:15

Lolcb said:
Look at my edited post, incase you missed it.

Thanks. Looked at the bundles and decided on this one

Intel Core 2 DUO LGA775 E6600 2.40GHz Retail / Asus P5W DH Deluxe / 2GB Corsair XMS2-6400C4 DDR2 Dual Channel Kit - Bundle - £600

This leave me with another £400 for a PSU, cooler, Case and dvd burner

p4radox · 16 Oct 2006 at 22:19

I'd get a 6300 - once overclocked it will be far more than you'll need for anything, especially current games.

valerian · 16 Oct 2006 at 22:20

regulus said:
Thanks. Looked at the bundles and decided on this one

Intel Core 2 DUO LGA775 E6600 2.40GHz Retail / Asus P5W DH Deluxe / 2GB Corsair XMS2-6400C4 DDR2 Dual Channel Kit - Bundle - £600

This leave me with another £400 for a PSU, cooler, Case and dvd burner

i have always had asus, and paid higher asus prices, however i have just bought a ds4 gigabyte (and e6600), and it appears quality for less money
i was a little shocked to say the least to see my e6600 running at 18c-stock, my previous p4 840d ran at 55-60c regular
using the same cooler

ps my hiper 580r died the other day after 13months, 8quid to send it back to em

gurusan · 16 Oct 2006 at 22:21

I'd go for the 6600...extra cache will come in handy with 3d modeling...

regulus · 16 Oct 2006 at 22:21

lol. Way to go confusing this tech simpleton even more! I've been getting conflicting opions and advice the whole week.

Lolcb · 16 Oct 2006 at 22:23

600W should be enough for your inteded setup. Cooler, I would recommend scythe infinity if you plan to OC. Im not sure abt cases, but lian li ( PC-7 ) would be your best bet. Dvd burner: Asus DRW-1608P3S 16x16 DVD±RW Dual Layer ReWriter (Black) - Retail (CD-020-AS).