7 replies to this topic

[osabe]

I currently have:

Gigabyte EP35-DS4
Core 2 E8400
4 GB RAM
GTX 460 1GB (factory OC)

Would i recieve a performance boost by upgrading my cpu to a Core 2 Quad Q9550? I can get this cpu pretty cheap.

I remember a post by Russ stating that Core 2 Quad cpu's runs the game very well but im not sure that it would help me with my current setup?

I have a very limited budget so buying a i3, i5 + mobo + memory is out of the question.

[CCC Dober]

Can't really say if a Q-series processor will net enough gains. I've gone from Q6600 to i5-3570k and my fps have more than doubled. Please note that there are a couple of generations between them and curiously enough the net gains of 0.4-0.8 Ghz (compared to Q6600@3Ghz) do not really add up with the fps gains. It's like the Q-series runs on weak sauce in MWO. Other games aren't as picky as this one.

Edited by CCC Dober, 05 November 2012 - 03:15 AM.

[Barbaric Soul]

I'd say yes, it's worth it(don't spend no more than $150 for the 9550). I've had a Q9650 before and I've had a Q6600, and Dober, let me tell you, there is no comparison. It's almost the same as comparing the Q6600 to my current 2600k. The C2Q Q9*50 processors are just as fast with alittle OC'ing as any PhenomII(a 3ghz C2Q 9*50 is about equal to a Phenom II 3.3-3.4ghz). OP, think of it this way, That Q9550 OC'ed to 3ghz is literally two of your E8400.

[CCC Dober]

Hmm, that's interesting. If what you say checks out Barb, then you could probably skip most current gen processors with a juiced up Q9XXX processor. But then again, I wonder how much heat and noise you have to put up with, unless you run them water-cooled? Let's ignore power consumption for a second LOL

[Catamount]

CCC Dober, on 05 November 2012 - 03:56 AM, said:

Hmm, that's interesting. If what you say checks out Barb, then you could probably skip most current gen processors with a juiced up Q9XXX processor. But then again, I wonder how much heat and noise you have to put up with, unless you run them water-cooled? Let's ignore power consumption for a second LOL

What he's saying is about right. However, those CPUs were always fairly expensive, and so it's not worth doing unless one already has an LG775 board that support Penryn (which you might, but you're going 3570k aren't you?). Even then, it's often not worth it over just getting, say, a cheap AM3 board and a 955, which can often be had on sale for $80-$90 (It's 85 now), so figure $160-$170 minimum for CPU+Mobo+RAM (4GB). Doesn't really make a $150-$200 C2Q worth it.

However, the OP said they could get a good price

[Bors Mistral]

The Core 2 E8400 is an overclocking beast. Before you start trying new parts, give pushing your CPU to 3.6GHz a shot and see how that performs.

If you don`t find it enough, but have a place to get a 3+GHz Core 2 Quad on the cheap, go for it. I`d say though, depending on your screen resolution it might be a new video card that you`d benefit more from.

[Catamount]

I forgot to mention it even though I usually do, but the above poster is correct. The E8400 is a monster of an overclocker.

Almost any E8400 out there will hit 3.6ghz without touching voltage. Just turn the FSB up to 400mhz, make sure the memory is set correctly (it'll default to 800mhz with a 400mhz FSB), start it up and you're done.

[Barbaric Soul]

CCC Dober, on 05 November 2012 - 03:56 AM, said:

Hmm, that's interesting. If what you say checks out Barb, then you could probably skip most current gen processors with a juiced up Q9XXX processor. But then again, I wonder how much heat and noise you have to put up with, unless you run them water-cooled? Let's ignore power consumption for a second LOL

Compare for yourself(2.83ghz Q9550 matches or beats the 3ghz Phenom II 940)- http://www.anandtech...roduct/80?vs=50

IMHO, yes Dober. The Q9450, Q9550, and Q9650 OC'ed to atleast 3.6ghz is still adequate for gaming. I'd still be using my Q9650 if I had not got a good combo deal on my orginal 2600k/Z68 motherboard. Going from my Q9650 running 24/7 at 4.25ghz to my 2600k running at 4.2ghz, I really didn't notice a difference in gaming(both with crossfired 5870 cards).

Catamount, on 05 November 2012 - 08:29 AM, said:

I forgot to mention it even though I usually do, but the above poster is correct. The E8400 is a monster of an overclocker.

Almost any E8400 out there will hit 3.6ghz without touching voltage. Just turn the FSB up to 400mhz, make sure the memory is set correctly (it'll default to 800mhz with a 400mhz FSB), start it up and you're done.

Had one of them before also. IIRC, 4.25ghz(475 fsb * 9 multi) at 1.34 volts is what mine did, and that was with a Nvidia 750 chipset, not a Intel P35 or P45 chipset. Intel chipsets were better at OC'ing. My Q9650 did 4.5ghz (500 fsb * 9 multi) at 1.36 volts in a Gigabyte EP45 UD3P motherboard.

Edited by Barbaric Soul, 05 November 2012 - 02:48 PM.