Help me make up my mind here guys

[regulus]

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?

 

[regulus]

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

 

[regulus]

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

So he talks from experience then.

 

[regulus]

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).

 

[regulus]

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.

 

[regulus]

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

 

[regulus]

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

 

[regulus]

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

 

[regulus]

Ok, i CAN afford a 6600. Can someone PLEASE pick me a bundle for roughly 550-600.

 

[regulus]

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).

So you reckon that setup is good enough for current gen games and for the next 6-8 months?

 

[regulus]

One last question then I'll stop bugging you. What graphic card would you advise in the 250(ish) mark. ATI preferably

 

[regulus]

Lolcb, you've been most helpful mate! I'm ordering this system first thing tomorrow.

thanks again.

 

[regulus]

honestly with the release of next-gen cards so near I'd buy something cheap and save for the g80 or r600

just watch this (crysis trailer)

Nah, I don't feel like buy a £400-£500 card. Crysis looks good enough on DX9 and haven't heard of any coming games I like incorporating DX10

 

[regulus]

Yes, but whenever a new generation card is introduced it always turns out crappy. *hints* FX series.

Exactly. I'd rather wait for the second series of releases and for the first patch of Vista. Anyway, only looking to keep this system for a year before getting a new one.

 

[regulus]

Ye, I upgrade my rigs almost annually. Just wondering, what games would u be playing? And you have peripherals ( monitors ) ?

I'm playing Gothic 3 at the moment and looking to get Dark Messiah, Battlefield 2142 and Neverwinter Nights 2. This will keep me busy until Stalker, Crysis and Unreal Tournament comes round. After that I'll consider upgrading to DX10.

Playing on a 19inch CRT but have a 26inch Samsung HD TV that I use for the 360.

Edit: Will probably start Oblivion again since I wasn't able to play it properly (graphics wise)

 

[regulus]

Well, it runs ok on my P4 3ghz, x850xt pe with 1.5gig Ram, but I cannot crank the visuals up too much, hence the urgent need for a new system. Apparently the second patch is on its way. Really aint that buggy as people is making it out to be.

Lol, btw guys. have you all seen the new Core 2 Duo add on telly just now? Pretty good. anyway, off to bed.

see ya all for help when I'm trying to put this PC together