Two questions about E8x00 series CPU

[GSDog]

Hi all.


I will be ordering my new build very soon now and I know that I want either the E8400 or E8500 CPU. The thing is I can't decide if the E8500 is worth the extra.
I can get the E8400 for around £137 and the E8500 is currently around £155.
I do plan to overclock the CPU, will the E8500 overclock quite a bit further than the E8400?
It will be used with a P5Q Pro motherboard and OCZ 4GB 8500 RAM.

I also see some people on the forums say "make sure it's E0 stepping" when talking about the E8400/8500 CPU.
What is "E0 stepping" and how do you know if it is or not when buying the CPU?

Thanks in advance.

 

[IceWind]

most places only have E0 now as the old stepping has been sold off, bother CPUs clock to around them same speed ( 4ghz easy ) so i would personaly save your money get a e8400 and spend the remaining on something else.

even the C0 stepping on both these chips clock to 4ghz as well they just need better cooling and some more voltage.

 

[helmutcheese]

Dependent on your CPU sample and Mobo and Memory can handle the higher FSB:Memory relation speed.

The higher the Multiplier the better chance of getting high end MHZ with lower FSB.

 

[GSDog]

Thanks.

My memory will have no problems so I just hope I get a decent CPU and mobo. I think I'll go for the E8400 then.

 

[helmutcheese]

You need hit 444mhz (1776QP) FSB to get 4GHZ.

 

[postmanfw]

Got a E8500 CO stepping here and its at 4.2Ghz at 1.38v and does 4Ghz at 1.31v. Cant complain

 

[JeffyB]

I have an early C0 e8400 that does 4ghz on 1.3v. Do you know your mobos max fsb, what are you aiming to hit with your overclock and would you regret at not spending the £18 extra on the E8500? Either way get an E0 i think they will clock similarly anyway, i have had my cpu at 4.2ghz and clocked back to 4ghz for 24/7 as i didnt notice any difference anyway.