Processor choices

[herr_kingkong]

thank you guys!

i have the option to buy used oem Qx6850 for the same price as e8500 from my friend.

so.......... Qx6850 or e8500

and Is SSE4.1 actually going to make a difference?

[One4yu2c]

Originally Posted by OcciferFriendly

True - a dualie is often quite enough. But because of those extra cores you CAN use the quad longer. Most folks don't upgrade quite as often as we do!

Maybe, maybe not. By and large, there are very few multi-threaded applications out there right now, and even less when you're talking about mainstream (as opposed to specialized apps).

One of the widely touted points in quad-core's favor is longevity, with the assumption that developers will finally start coding for multiple cores. But what gets oft overlooked is that if developers do suddenly start churning out multi-threaded apps en-masse, it's not just current quad-core chips that will see a benefit, but dual-core parts as well. Just as current apps aren't taking advantage of what quad-core has to offer, dual-core chips aren't being tapped either.

The most likely scenario is that developers will continue to drag their feet and we're still a ways off from being a mainstream multi-threaded world. And by the time that happens, all of today's processors, whether dual or quad, will feel long in the tooth.

[polobunny]

Originally Posted by herr_kingkong

thank you guys!

i have the option to buy used oem Qx6850 for the same price as e8500 from my friend.

so.......... Qx6850 or e8500

and Is SSE4.1 actually going to make a difference?

If you're thinking about video encoding, you'll see that SSE4 really helps. DIVX, TMPGEnc and VirtualDub encode incredibly faster (sometimes up to 3 times faster) with a SSE4 enabled CPU.
To be honest, other than those software, I don't know of any other titles with SSE4 instructions support. I guess more will appear as time goes by, and apparently Crysis is supposed to get SSE4 support with a future patch.

[azianai]

btw incase you looking for the 8400, Newegg's selling the OEM 8400 for 199.99 shipped.

[polobunny]

Haha I'm happy I got mine a while ago at $219, boxed + 2 games (Lost Planet and Ghost Recon)

[Boy'nBlack]

Hmmm...the prices seem abstract. What's the usage? A computer will use the quad if you ask it. It's still hit and miss for some applications, but most of 'em that are intensive will use the quad. Ripping and burning media, compiling just about anything...the quad goes to work. A Wolfie does too, but just to a point. Where clock speed matters, the 8400 would be a much better buy than either the 8500 or Q6600. So what's the price for the 8400 over there?

If you want to go quad, go 45nm. If you can't fork the dough for the new quad, just get something to hold you over until you can. And then I get back to my thoughts on quads and whether you use more or not. The 8400 is sure a great performer and hard to find fault with on any level.

It's good to see the E8400 back at the right prices. I'm not sure if newegg is to blame or what have ya, but it was $189 on release, $250 and out of stock, $280 and out of stock, and then where ever it is now. It's a $200 proc, and shouldn't be paid a penny over for. Well, shipping and tax of course.

[herr_kingkong]

Originally Posted by Boy'nBlack

Hmmm...the prices seem abstract. What's the usage? A computer will use the quad if you ask it. It's still hit and miss for some applications, but most of 'em that are intensive will use the quad. Ripping and burning media, compiling just about anything...the quad goes to work. A Wolfie does too, but just to a point. Where clock speed matters, the 8400 would be a much better buy than either the 8500 or Q6600. So what's the price for the 8400 over there?

If you want to go quad, go 45nm. If you can't fork the dough for the new quad, just get something to hold you over until you can. And then I get back to my thoughts on quads and whether you use more or not. The 8400 is sure a great performer and hard to find fault with on any level.

It's good to see the E8400 back at the right prices. I'm not sure if newegg is to blame or what have ya, but it was $189 on release, $250 and out of stock, $280 and out of stock, and then where ever it is now. It's a $200 proc, and shouldn't be paid a penny over for. Well, shipping and tax of course.

thank you guys!

i have the option to buy used oem Qx6850 for the same price as e8500 from my friend.

so.......... Qx6850 or e8500

[Boy'nBlack]

Oh man, a great higher clock dual core walks on quads! Oh, but wait...the quads stuff duals in the mud.

Given a 3.00Ghz wolfdale and a 2.66 Yorkdale, the wolfie pulls it's chores just fine. In my usage, it falls behind but that's not common usuage from what I get. If you game, then the higher clocks make up for what your card selection may lack. I haven't seen any popular title that likes the Yorkdale over the wolfie....none. The quad really likes being used in multi-media and more work type work.

No number, just that the Q6600 upped the E6700, but the Q9450 ups both in many ways. It's just that gaming still cares about a fast effecient core, and that's the Wolfdale.

Hi Occifer :D

Originally Posted by herr_kingkong

I have the option to buy used oem Qx6850 for the same price as e8500 from my friend.

so.......... Qx6850 or e8500

How much. The E8500 if it's priced right. The Qx6850 is extreme , and right now that era of extreme is normal.

[herr_kingkong]

Hi Occifer :DHow much. The E8500 if it's priced right. The Qx6850 is extreme , and right now that era of extreme is normal.[/quote]


the e8500= 2400kr ( $350) in sweden

[Boy'nBlack]

Opps, was just thinking it was a misprint. Tough call in that aspect. Probably the E8500. It's a fun toy that does really well with it's two cores. Just feels odd not recommending the quad, but that's more than likely what I'd do if it were me.

If you do any media work, then I'll have to flip that recommendation around.

[Messed up. My mind was still with the Q6600 for whatever reason.]