upgrading cpu

[ThriceNightly]

upgrading cpu for htpc

current spec =

core 2 due e4300

gigaabyte 965p-s3 rev 3.3

7600gs graphics silent

2 x hitachi 500gb sata

4gb ballistix pc 5300 ddr2 ram (was 2gb but just purchased additional 2gb for win7)

this is my main pc which is mainly set up for web browsing/forums and htpc duties. x264 playback & light gaming.

i'm upgrading from xp to windows 7 and see this as an opportunity to fit a higher spec cpu and would appreciate advice on which cpu to go for

i do not want to overclock as i am after reliability and keeping things cool

 

[McstylisT]

From the top of my head i would say a second hand Q6600 / Q6700 Quad. Would be the only worthwhile upgrade for me. Check cpu compatibility though before you look to buy. As your not OC'ing you should be ok.

McT

 

[Gunni Parker]

Or the q9400:

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CP-270-IN&groupid=701&catid=6&subcat=567

 

[McstylisT]

Or the q9400:

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CP-270-IN&groupid=701&catid=6&subcat=567

That's a fine CPU. An awful lot of dollar to spend on 775 setup. I think he could source a Q9450 for similar.

 

[deusexlumina]

i dont really recommend the q9400 personally, its not worth the cash over a q6600/q6700, if you really wanna go all out then get a q9450 as it has double the cache

 

[ThriceNightly]

i dont really recommend the q9400 personally, its not worth the cash over a q6600/q6700, if you really wanna go all out then get a q9450 as it has double the cache

thanks for the advice everyone

i will be going for a s/h q6600. will this work ok with my ram

as mentioned i will not be overclocking this.

also will it run reasonably cool at stock speeds. will be using the standard intel hsf which comes with it.

 

[AWPC]

Q9450/Q9550 as that 12MB L2 cache does make a difference to gaming, web browsing & encoding!

 

[McstylisT]

thanks for the advice everyone

i will be going for a s/h q6600. will this work ok with my ram

as mentioned i will not be overclocking this.

also will it run reasonably cool at stock speeds. will be using the standard intel hsf which comes with it.

If your able to source a GO stepping Q6600 , then they do seem to run nice and cool. However cant say i have run one on a stock cooler as ive always used aftermarket. It should be fine though. If you can get or have some good quality thermal paste then im sure you'll be in business without the need for concern. No overclocking that is.

McT