Struggling to decide which CPU I should get, help/advice please

[cheddar]

OK folks I am going to get myself a new system so I thought i'd start with the basics and try and work out what CPU/Mobo I need.

I am looking for something that can be used to run Vista with some new games.I have tried to do some research but seem to be getting myself confused here.

So this is what I have come up with at the moment:


1. Intel Core 2 Duo E6850 "LGA775 Conroe" 3.00GHz (1333FSB) - Retail

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

3. AMD Phenom Quad Core 9600+ (Socket AM2) - Retail

Price wise these are around the same price, but which is better? I'd guess the 4 core processors, maybe?

Would the four core processor be the better choice long term? I've always gone with AMD before but it doesnt matter to me honestly, I just want something decent.

Thanks

 

[Cob]

1. Intel Core 2 Duo E6850 "LGA775 Conroe" 3.00GHz (1333FSB) - Retail - Don't even think about it.

2. Intel Core 2 Quad Pro Q6600 "Energy Efficient SLACR 95W Edition" 2.40GHz (1066FSB) - Retail - It's the daddy.

3. AMD Phenom Quad Core 9600+ (Socket AM2) - Retail - Probably won't be worth it unless you currently have an AMD AM2 board.

 

[*Chris]

Q6600 - the e6850 is overpriced + you can clock the q6600.

The phenom isnt worth it unless (as above) you already own an AMD system and are looking for a snappy upgrade.

 

[cheddar]

THank you for the replies, looks like i'm going to go with the Q6600.

Can anyone recommend a good, reliable motherboard to go with this. I dont really know what I am looking for honestly, is there a particular chipset that I should be looking for?

Thanks

 

[Pneumonic]

P35 I would go with right now unless you want to run crossfire in which case X38

 

[cheddar]

P35 I would go with right now unless you want to run crossfire in which case X38

OK there seem to be a lot of boards that use the P35 chipset, are there any that support the new 40nm cpu's coming out with DDR3 support and PCE 2.0?

 

[Pneumonic]

DDR3 really isnt worth it atm as its so expensive and buy the time its cheap newer better boards will be out... would stick with the DDR2 boards for now..

Am pretty certain most P35 boards being sold will support 45nm or will do with a BIOS update.. From experience I know that the P5K-E and Maximus Formula are great boards... people also recommend the Abit IP35 Pro a lot

 

[manic111]

DDR3 wont really be needed until Nehalem comes along anyway so dont worry about that. All P35 support 45nm (as far as I know). PCIE 2.0 is backwards compatible with very little, if any performance loss.

Sorry to hijack the thread, but on another note, Pneumonic-how on earth did you get that up to 4Ghz on air!!!