Which Quad CPU to get??

obiwanquinobi` · 5 Mar 2009 at 07:31

Hi Guys,

Need a bit of advice.

Just been GIVEN an ASUS P5Q Deluxe motherboard by a good mate, BNIB. I know this is a cracking board and still retails for around £150 as far as I'm aware. So, I'm looking for a Quad Core CPU to put in this thing.

Would I be better off going for the Q6600 (1066 FSB) and just overclock the nuts off it or should I get the Q9550 (1333 FSB) and just overclock that a little?

Differences:

1> FSB - 1066 vs 1333. Will that be negated by any overclock?

2> Cache 8MB vs 12MB - will another 4MB of L2 cache make that much difference when gaming?

3> Price obviously - around £70 quid saving if I go for the Q6600. But I'd rather spend the extra money if the performance will suffer noticeably.

Cheers guys

dazz25 · 5 Mar 2009 at 07:56

I'm pretty certain that the Q9550 is a 45nm chip whereas the Q6600 is 65nm.

This means you'll be able to run the Q9550 at a higher clock with less heat. I would definately go for the Q9550.

I have a Q6600 myself and it is a great chip but it is old technology now and if I were buying new again it wouldn't be my first choice.

gurusan · 5 Mar 2009 at 08:32

If you can afford it get the Q9550, and look for an E0 stepping. Should do 4ghz with ease, also is significantly faster than the Q6600 clock for clock.

kerrgreg · 5 Mar 2009 at 08:47

couldnt agree more

more cache 1333 bus speed less heat its a no brainer really!

linktoinsanity · 5 Mar 2009 at 10:33

Q9550 +1. The Q6600 is getting pretty old now and the newer core is faster clock for clock, cooler running and is more efficient as well.

StephenLawUK · 5 Mar 2009 at 11:35

have a Q9550 def worth it, currently undervolted from stock with a overclock to 3.6ghz

runs really cool too mid 20's idle and max of about 40 load only if im pushing it.

obiwanquinobi` · 5 Mar 2009 at 11:54

Looks like the more expensive option then.

The mobo came for free so I suppose I can't complain

I'll maybe get another 4870 1GB later too for Crossfire

FaceplantSi · 5 Mar 2009 at 14:32

Q9550 +1

SidVicious · 5 Mar 2009 at 20:51

q9950 all the way!!

VaderDSL · 5 Mar 2009 at 20:53

I'd say a Q6600, specifically my Q6600

failing that a Q9550.

MrMoses · 6 Mar 2009 at 14:09

GEt the Q9550! any stepping will be good. significantly faster than the Q6600 for gaming and other desktop choirs

kppanic · 6 Mar 2009 at 14:52

Unless budget is an absolute contraint,

get the Q9550!

zeppelin` · 6 Mar 2009 at 18:00

q9550 is a fantastic chip mate, as others have said the q6600 is getting old now, albeit a legendary chip imo, but i wouldnt be getting one now

reflux · 6 Mar 2009 at 18:01

Q9550!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

jimmybates · 6 Mar 2009 at 18:04

Q6600 was is probably one of the most legendary CPUs ever, but get the 9550 today

setter · 6 Mar 2009 at 18:21

Q9550, i have a q6600 at the mo but im considering switching to a 9550 soon.

ntemples1 · 6 Mar 2009 at 18:26

or get a Q9650 and overclock it to 4Ghz like I did!

cje · 6 Mar 2009 at 18:31

Some of the newer Q6600's don't clock very well, especially L807A like I have

setter · 6 Mar 2009 at 18:35

cje said:
Some of the newer Q6600's don't clock very well, especially L807A like I have

Yep it can be hit or miss, mine is a late batch, L803A746, but it's a decent enough clocking chip, for once i got lucky.

gurusan · 6 Mar 2009 at 18:37

most of them still can manage 3.4-3.5ghz with some voltage.