New System Help

Southy_ · 18 Jan 2009 at 11:12

Hi Guys,

First time posting in hardware

I am planning a new system, my current thoughts are with this setup:

Intel Core 2 Quad Pro Q6600 "Energy Efficient SLACR 95W Edition" 2.40GHz (1066FSB)

Asus P5Q Intel P45 (Socket 775) PCI-Express DDR2 Motherboard

OCZ 4GB

Powercolor ATI Radeon HD 4870

With plans to overlcock the cpu.

The system will be primarily for gaming.

A few questions:

Is it worth getting the Quad CPU over the Dual CPU? The cache size is larger on the Quads, does that really make much of a difference?

Is it worth getting the 4870 over the 4850? I know the benchmarks show roughly 15-20% increase in performance for the 4870, but in the real world do you actually get that?

Would it be worth going for an X48 motherboard over the P45? If so which X48 is the best bang for buck? If not are there better bang for buck P45's than the P5Q?

Finally which PSU would people recommend for this setup?

Thanks in advance for the help guys.

Southy_ · 18 Jan 2009 at 11:44

OK From other threads the Quad isn't really worth it, so swap for a Dual.
Is the extra cache from Wolfdales worth the extra cost over an overclocked E2200?

CaseyChaos · 18 Jan 2009 at 13:10

depends what you're using the quad for. you say it will be used for gaming but if you do a fair but of encoding on the side the quad will be very helpful. if it is actually just gaming and net browsing go for the dual.

If you have the money for the q6600 then the e8400 dual costs less than that and runs at 3ghz, plenty for your games, just make sure you buy a motherboard that will run the 45nm cpus, i see the board you've picked so far does but check if you change your mind.

95thrifles · 18 Jan 2009 at 16:37

go for the pro version of that board, only a few quid more and better board with better layout, here. Id stick with the dual for gaming , the E8500 is best bang for buck at moment, here, and when it comes to gaming 2 clocks running at 4Ghz (OC'd) is better than 4 running at 3.2 (OC'd again) as most games cant use more than 2 anyway, you'll have ppl who will argue more games in future will, I just wish I had their crystal ball for the lottery numbers, lol. Re gfx card, it would depend on what resolution you game at? or what size screen youve got, I'd say less than 20" save your money and go for the 4850, 20"+ go for the 4870