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Why is a dual core more expnesive than a quad? (E8600, Q6600)

KatanaDV20

KatanaDV20

KatanaDV20

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Hey guys would appreciate your input please :)

Im looking at a ready-built computers customization screen and Im at the part where you select the processor. The Core 2 Duo E8600 is more expensive than the Quad Q6600.

What is the technical reason for this? Why does the processor with 2 less cores cost more :confused:

Thanks for your input :D


PS: I did use the forum Search button but it only found E8600 vs Q6600 discussions. I dont want this to be one of those. Im just curious to know why the chip with more cores - that would handle future multi-threaded games better - should cost less than the dual.
 
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Because the dual has a higher stock speed, can be overclocked much higher, runs cooler and has lower power consumption. I is also a much newer chip which uses the new 45nm process as opposed to the old 65nm process on the quad.

Does that answer your question? :cool:
 
Lol dude its a massive step up from a P4 @ 3ghz to a E8600 @ well over 4Ghz. i had same CPU as you and you wont regret it.
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Thats great to know! Dude...I cant wait :) I like playing flight sim games and this dinosaur of mine struggles with FS2004 even. And as for FSX.....oh man dont even go there..

pcrying.gif


As for FPS games I still play the old Far Cry (the jungle one) and stuff like Doom 3 & Prey. Nothing newer runs decently but shockingly COD 4 looks and runs brilliantly on this P4 crate. Not full-bore of course but still looks good.

The new gaming rig cometh
 
well it depends the current q6600 have high vid and they overclock less.

i never had dual core. but if u can get q6600 decent chip u can overclock it to 3.6 easily. maybe even beyond that. currently have mine sitting at 3.6 and im happy.

but i think u can overcock those dual cores even higher and with less effort also uses less power and less heat
 
Dont buy it ready built just buy the parts and stick it together yourself and save some money as well as a good feeling of doing it all yourself.
 
Dont buy it ready built just buy the parts and stick it together yourself and save some money as well as a good feeling of doing it all yourself.
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That is initially what I thought about doing after reading these forums but to be totally honest dude - it just aint my thing :) And the thought of my clumsy self handling delicate expensive processors and the like scares me as well :eek:

Although you do make a good point about feeling good to have built one yourself.

While I do like good components and care about what goes in the case Im not the building-type and it wont bother me to have it pre-built. I honestly just want to go online, find one, customize it, get out the credit card and wait for the van :) - and get flyin ASAP with the FSX terrain-sliders all the way to the right.
 
FSX runs quite nicely on my E8400 and 8800GTS, but you'll find that most computers still can't handle FSX on max settings, especially when flying in densely populated areas.

As you like flying simulators, I also recommend you check out X-Plane. It's a very good simulator, may not look as pretty as FSX but the physics engine and plane handling are much more realistic if that's a concern for ya ;)

Whats graphics card did you go for?
 
Whats graphics card did you go for?
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Thats actually what Im deciding at the moment! There are 3 choices on this system:

1. HD 4850 512MB
2. HD 4870 512MB
3. 9800 GTX 512MB

I've eliminated the 1st one from the list and now its between the 4870 & 9800 but I got some reading up to do on both of them before deciding. But if you asked me this second I would say Im leaning a little towards the 4870.

but you'll find that most computers still can't handle FSX on max settings
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That is true, I will compromise - Im not into water-effects, sun glare, shadows etc so I will set all of them to zero. I also drop the default viz down to make it more realistic! FS9 is my primary sim that I use for flying heavies. I wanna use FSX as a low-and-slow GA sim because the increased autogen makes this kind of flying more fun.

:)
 
The 4870 is a lot faster than the 9800GTX. I think the 4850 and the 9800GTX are about the same level (correct me if im wrong).
 
Hey guys Ive decided to get the 4870 :)

Feel bad in a sense :( This Dell is in perfect working order and has performed flawlessly for 4 1/2 years but what choice do we have! - as gamers we want performance!

Pentium 4 old buddy you'll be able to rest soon.
 
It's funny when you move up from a P4 to a Core 2 based cpu, how much difference tha you notice! I went from a P4 3.4Ghz system to a Core 2 E8400 and the speed increase was ridiculously good. I'd keep your P4 in the cupboard however...just in case.
 
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