Looking into a new CPU...

[Lowe]

System is currently as my profile suggests.

I'm playing a lot of ArmA 2, and whilst my E6600 at 3.15ghz is providing plenty of umph the game is multi threaded and ideally needs a quad core.

So, where and what kind of quad core based processor will give me the same kind of raw speed but with the extra couple of cores? I'm not looking to spend silly money, so less the better.

Reckon an Q8400 would be up to the job?

[menthel]

Wouldn't a Q6600 cranked up to 3ghz do the trick? I can see you are not adverse to the odd o/c, unlike myself!

[Lowe]

If I could find one...

OcUK have a Q6700 on offer at the moment...

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showpr...d=6&subcat=567

[0iD]

Same route I've just gone down, a Q6700. Do you have the AB9 Quad GT or the IX38?

[malfunction]

I'd hedge my bets and say just about any - however I'd be very tempted to go for the largest L2 cache chip you can afford. For what it's worth I have a Xeon X3210 - Socket 775; 2.13GHz default but has been running @ 3.2GHz since the day I got it with no issues. Would imagine the 45nm quads will happily do a bit more than that without a lot of extra voltage or fuss.

EDIT: this would be my pick if you can run to it:

http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/Intel...che-85x-Retail

[menthel]

If I could find one...

OcUK have a Q6700 on offer at the moment...

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showpr...d=6&subcat=567

Good point! The last time I looked you could still get them!

[Lowe]

Off the top of my head the AB9.

If I went for the Q6700 would I be able to keep my same RAM? I think it's pretty basic 5400 stuff. Runs OK at 350 currently though, is the multiplier the same on the Q6700? I'm not too clued up on current stuff heh

[0iD]

Yeah, they will run the same as what you have now. The AB9 quad GT is fussy about 45nm chips (even with the latest BIOS), so the 65nm Q6700 is a good bet. Plus by all accounts they're reasonable clockers.

[CAT-THE-FIFTH]

The Q6600 and Q6700 do run quite hot when overclocked and do consume quite a lot of power when compared to the newer Core2 processors although your PSU should be more than enough IMHO. I would look at getting a decent cooler too unless you already have one.

[Hawker1986]

There is nothing wrong with the Q6700/Q6600, infact i have both, but if I was looking to upgrade now I would be getting a Q9550 for an extra 40 notes it will clock better, and cooler as well as being faster clock for clock. You would be fine with either of the kentsfields too though.

Hawker

[Lowe]

There is nothing wrong with the Q6700/Q6600, infact i have both, but if I was looking to upgrade now I would be getting a Q9550 for an extra 40 notes it will clock better, and cooler as well as being faster clock for clock. You would be fine with either of the kentsfields too though.

Hawker

I hear what you're saying but that ceases to become a 'cheap' upgrade at £175, especially if my mobo might have issues with it. :/ In terms of bang for buck I think I'm leaning towards the Q6700 but welcome the discussion if the 9550 would be significantly better.

[Hawker1986]

Well with an E0 stepping Q9550 you should manage 4Ghz on air cooling and then your talking another 10% increase clock for clock over a kentsfield. As you say though its totally up to you and just depends what seems like its worth paying for

Hawker

[malfunction]

Are there any good 2nd hand options around?

[CAT-THE-FIFTH]

With the P965 chipset I would be looking at getting a Q6700.You should be able to get upto 3ghz as long as your cooler is good enough. I currently use a Q6600 with my 975X based motherboard BTW.

[Lowe]

Are there any good 2nd hand options around?

Alas not, missed out on a Q6600 the other day.

Haven't seen anything up since. I think I'll pick up one of those Q6700's later in the week.

[Lowe]

Aww pants, Scan have the Q6700 on today only...

http://www.scan.co.uk/product.aspx?ProductId=26532