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INTEL CORE 2 QUAD Q9400 CPU Overclocking
- Thread starter reygjabla
- Start date
Hi there,
I am currently running a Q6600 @ 3.4, and am jealous of the iCores running at 4GHz. But instead of going for a whole new rig I've been thinking about the Q9000 series myself.
Firstly the Q9400 packs less L2 cache at 6MB than the Q6600 (8MB), and only has a 8x multiplier.
Secondly if your board has a FSB of 1600 (400x4), you will have very little headroom when using a low-end 1333MHz CPU like the Q9400.
As to overclock within the limits of your mobo, you can only go from 333x8 (2.66GHz) to 400x8 (3.2GHz).
The Q6600 runs on a lower FSB of 1066MHz (266x4) and has a 9x multiplier, so you're looking at 3.6GHz (400x9) with the same FSB OC.
The Q9000 series run cooler with their 45nm architecture, but if you want to get yourself a better CPU than the Q6600 you need the Q9450 model at least, as it packs a 12MB L2 Cache.
If you own a Q6600 i'd stick with it. The Q9400 could probably go as high as 3.6GHz (450x8). But given its got a lower mutliplier, runs on a higher FSB and has less Cache I wouldn't go for it if I were you.
I am currently running a Q6600 @ 3.4, and am jealous of the iCores running at 4GHz. But instead of going for a whole new rig I've been thinking about the Q9000 series myself.
Firstly the Q9400 packs less L2 cache at 6MB than the Q6600 (8MB), and only has a 8x multiplier.
Secondly if your board has a FSB of 1600 (400x4), you will have very little headroom when using a low-end 1333MHz CPU like the Q9400.
As to overclock within the limits of your mobo, you can only go from 333x8 (2.66GHz) to 400x8 (3.2GHz).
The Q6600 runs on a lower FSB of 1066MHz (266x4) and has a 9x multiplier, so you're looking at 3.6GHz (400x9) with the same FSB OC.
The Q9000 series run cooler with their 45nm architecture, but if you want to get yourself a better CPU than the Q6600 you need the Q9450 model at least, as it packs a 12MB L2 Cache.
If you own a Q6600 i'd stick with it. The Q9400 could probably go as high as 3.6GHz (450x8). But given its got a lower mutliplier, runs on a higher FSB and has less Cache I wouldn't go for it if I were you.
Caporegime
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Why??
Look at this comparison of the Q6600 and the Core i3 530:
http://www.anandtech.com/bench/default.aspx?p=53&p2=118&c=1
Despite having a 530MHZ clockspeed advantage the Core i3 does not always beat the Q6600. At the same clockspeed the Q6600 would probably beat a Core i3 in most cases.
Even the slower clocked Q9550 is still faster than a Core i5 651 and the later has Turbo Boost too:
http://www.anandtech.com/bench/default.aspx?p=50&p2=117&c=1
Your Q6600 at 3.4GHZ is not going to be that much slower than a Core i3 530 at 4GHZ IMHO.
Last edited:
Sorry, I meant the iCore5's and 7's (Quad/Octo core CPUs).
The iCore5 750 being the same price now as my Q6600 was when i got it, but it can hit 4GHz but also has 8MB cache.
So to make up for the difference between those two CPUs, I am considering a Q9450+ with 12MB L2 cache. If the Q9650 ever comes down to around £200 I would get it.
What CPU do you have now? How much is the Q9400?
I just built an E5200 rig for my nephew a little while ago http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=18111015 but a friend of mine is looking to update his 6 months old rig to an I5 750 and plans to sell this Q9400 for a fair bit less just to get on with his plan that's why i'm thinking of getting this as a back-up for my nephew's rig.
Would I see a noticeable improvement in comparison to an E5200 overclocked to 3.8 Ghtz?
Would I see a noticeable improvement in comparison to an E5200 overclocked to 3.8 Ghtz?
Caporegime
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Ok,I get what you are saying now! The Q9450 should be a useful boost I suppose but your Q6600 should still be fast enough IMHO.
I have a Q6600 myself and I am waiting until Intel Sandy Bridge and AMD Bulldozer come out before replacing it.
I got an E0 q9400. It does 3.6Ghz (450x8) with ease.
Only thing I would recommend if you are thinking of going this route: make sure your mobo can do at least 450 fsb with a quad. I have a p5q-pro and its fsb flakes out much above 450, so that is my limit.
If you get a board that can do 475 or 500, I think 3.8 or 4.0ghz (with the right cooling) would not be out of the question.
Only thing I would recommend if you are thinking of going this route: make sure your mobo can do at least 450 fsb with a quad. I have a p5q-pro and its fsb flakes out much above 450, so that is my limit.
If you get a board that can do 475 or 500, I think 3.8 or 4.0ghz (with the right cooling) would not be out of the question.
I've got a Gigabyte P35 DS3R and I don't intend to buy a 775 mobo just to suit this CPU unless I get my hand on a pre-owned one on maybe £25-35 range. Just sort of a back-up really but if it clocks well on this board then I might sell off the E5200.