Tell me about quad core Intels

[SiD the Turtle]

Hi chaps,

I'm looking to rebuild my E2200 HTPC as my main machine, replacing the processor with perhaps a quad. Which quad is which confuses me somewhat, with 6xxxs 9xxxs all of varying prices. Where do they all sit in relation to each other?

 

[SiD the Turtle]

...

Thanks, very informative! The MB is a Gigabyte GA-P35-DS3L. The Gigabyte website suggests it supports most if not all quads if I upgrade the BIOS firmware.

One more question then. The E2200 is cooled by a Scythe Mini-Ninja at the moment. If I switch to a faster quad and buy OEM so I have no HSF will this cut it? I don't really have any overclocking plans.

 

[SiD the Turtle]

Thanks guys. The RAM I currently have is PC2-6400, will it support quads with their faster FSBs?

 

[SiD the Turtle]

RAM-wise, I could do with replacing the 1GB sticks with 2GB ones, I assume the higher clocked RAM will be okay too? Then I'll sell the old sticks on the MM to make a bit back.

 

[SiD the Turtle]

i5/i7 is the other idea I'm considering at the moment, just getting together a few options.

I built an i5 system based on that chip for my brother before he headed off to uni, it flies

 

[SiD the Turtle]

Yeah, currently running with a P4 Northwood eek as my main system, gaming on the Xbox and HTPC-ing on the E2200. I recently built a Windows Home Server which hosts all my content, so the HTPC is a little on the redundant side now.

 

[SiD the Turtle]

Decisions decisions. At least I'm in no rush so I can do my research!