Gaming is Intel Core 2 Quad or intel core 2 duo better

cheatmaster5 · Jun 17, 2010

I was given a motherboard for a computer and I am looking at a cpu for but which do you guys think is better.

Choice one
Intel Core 2 Quad Extreme Edition! QX6850 (3.0ghz)
Processor
CPU Speed: 3 GHz
Bus Speed: 1333 MHz
Processor Qty: 1
Compatible Processor Socket: LGA775 Socket
Architecture Features: Enhanced SpeedStep technology, Execute Disable Bit capability, Intel Virtualization Technology, Intel 64 Technology, Intel Advanced Digital Media Boost, Intel Advanced Smart Cache, Intel Smart Memory Access, Intel Wide Dynamic Execution

Features
Enhanced SpeedStep technology

Cache Memory
Installed Size: L2 cache - 8 MB ( 2 x 4MB (4MB per core pair) )

Expansion / Connectivity
Compatible Slots: 1 x processor - LGA775 Socket

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choice two
Brand Intel
Processors Type Desktop
Series Core 2 Duo
Model BX80570E8600
CPU Socket Type
CPU Socket Type LGA 775
Tech Spec
Core Wolfdale
Multi-Core Dual-Core
Name Core 2 Duo E8600
Operating Frequency 3.33GHz
FSB 1333MHz
L2 Cache 6MB
Manufacturing Tech 45 nm
64 bit Support Yes
Hyper-Threading Support No
Virtualization Technology Support Yes
Multimedia Instruction MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSE4, EM64T
Voltage 0.85V – 1.3625V
Thermal Design Power 65W

thanks in advance for the help

Berthenk · Jun 17, 2010

I can't really find out which models you're actually talking about... QX6850 and an E8600?

cheatmaster5 · Jun 17, 2010

QX6850 and E8400 SLB9J

Berthenk · Jun 17, 2010

Go for the QX6850. Two more cores at a higer clock speed with more cache. I hope that's a straight enough answer for you.

Edit: whoops, not a higher clock speed, however, the extra cores and cache make up for that.

cheatmaster5 · Jun 17, 2010

ok thanks for the help

Master_B · Jun 17, 2010

here is a cpu heiarchy charts for gaming:

Code:

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/gaming-cpu-core-i5-phenom-ii,2620-7.html

and another one:

Code:

http://www.cpubenchmark.net/high_end_cpus.html

Elritha · Jun 17, 2010

cheatmaster5 said:
QX6850 and E8400 SLB9J

It says E8600 in your list??

Anyway it really depends what you intend to use your pc for. If you're simply using it for gaming, browsing, media and so on I'd get the dual core the E8400/8600 (whichever it is) is a very good dual core cpu.

If you're using applications that can actually take advantage of multi-cores such as video encoders etc, then go for the quad core. Multi-core applications aren't as common yet to take advantage of the additional cores. They'll eventually become more common, but this could take years. By that stage your cpu would be fairly old. Do note the QX6850 is a 65nm cpu, while the other is 45nm. Meaning it'll consume more electricity and generate more heat. Also the QX6850 does not support SSE4, while the dual core cpu does, as it's a newer variety.

Of course price is also a factor.

Originality · Jun 17, 2010

Berthenk said:
Go for the QX6850. Two more cores at a higer clock speed with more cache. I hope that's a straight enough answer for you.

Edit: whoops, not a higher clock speed, however, the extra cores and cache make up for that.

If you check again, the "higher cache" is actually 4x2MB (each core pair only gets 4MB) whilst the dual core gets 6MB cache. If the applications only use one or two cores, the "higher cache" will be wasted.

Stick with Edhel's advice: think of what you're using it for. Mostly media editing applications use more than 2 cores, since mostly everything else isn't designed for it. Even games usually only use 2 cores, so dual cores achieve higher performance (to a point) because they're just faster. The only other concern is if you heavily multi-task, in which case extra cores may make everything run slightly smoother.

Gaming is Intel Core 2 Quad or intel core 2 duo better

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