E8500 Vs. Quad

[calcard94]

Hey.

Im planning a build for a pc with some game output (not huge, maybe COD4, BioShock and Crysis at low levels)

I was origianally going towards the C2D E8500 (3.1GHz)

but have read that most gamer pcs have quad-core CPUs.

I chose the dual core for cheapness mostly as I don't have a huge budget (1200ish)

but wondered wether I could get a Quad with similar performance for

an equalish cost? (I'm looking at about $190 US for my Dual-Core)

 

Any ideas?

 

P.S. I am looking at the ASUS P5Q pro, Toxic 4850 (reviewed on OCC) and 4Gb of kingston HyperX

P.P.S. I do not plan on overclocking

 

Thanks!

-Cal

[Rokkaholik]

They would both be good choices. The quad has a little more torque for multi tasking, and the duo has a little more horse power for overclocking. Both will play those games with ease..

 

I'd still go for the 4870 instead of the 4850.

 

Also, instead of Kingston, go with Mushkin, OCZ or G-Skill

[My_Inner_Fred]

I'd say go with the duo and get a 4870 instead of a 4850.

[Super_Maximo]

Surely an overclocked quad would (maybe only slightly) be better? You could save money by getting a Q6600, and do a bit of overclocking with a decent HSF to get to a decent clock speed, and the stock speed of 2.4GHz is enough for most games anyway. And games optimised for quad core (Supreme Commander and Crysis? I think?) will benefit as well as giving you futureproofing for more games like that. You could also go with a Q9300 or something. Although a dual would be a good choice, I think a quad is better

 

Max

[Great_Gig]

Well my two cents worth would be wait for the E8600 before you decide and maybe consider that CPU (out next week), the 4850 should be fine for what you plan and if you won't be overclocking, the E8600 will give you exceptional performance without having to invest in after market fans and coolers, so some money saved there. I would however recommend changing the HSF on the 4850. The Kingston memory is fine, I have some HyperX, buy the sticks with the 4.4.4.12 rated timings. But if you do ever think of overclocking, then the memory choice would be as mentioned, Mushkin, OCZ, G.Skill etc, Crucial Ballistix is a good overclocker too.

 

This is an informative article, as this choice is something many have pondered on Dual Core vs Quad Core

 

Check these benchmarks too Intel Core 2 Duo E8500, E8400 and E8200 which is food for thought on the Crysis arguement?

 

I also had a P5Q-Pro before the E, excellent motherboard and if you do ever plan an overclcock, then you will find it easy on the P5Q boards.

 

Good luck with your choice and build.

[Jenova69]

e8400 will save some money over the e8500 and then maybe a 4850 crossfire setup with the extra dough?

[Lhiannon]

i recommend you read this article. opened my eyes a bit too.

 

http://www.guru3d.com/article/cpu-scaling-...ore-processors/