My new build - Q9300 under $1500

[b0nk3r]

Originally Posted by polobunny

Normally you can know via the BIOS, but alternatively CPU-Z tells you via the memory tab.

Oh yea I almost forgot about CPU-Z. Well I didn't take a before screenshot but it does look like its in dual channel to me. Am I right?

[One4yu2c]

Yep, you're running dual-channel, as confirmed by your CPU-Z screenie (top right corner).

[Boy'nBlack]

Man, I should have followed up! So this is all hind sight...

The 9450 is found more readily and often cheaper in Xeon X3350 dress. Shipped and taxed, mine was well under $350 and under $300 prior to all that (if I wasn't in Cali, there'd be no Tax). The 9450 is priced and popular, that doesn't mean there's a little dirty sister that's cheaper and more capable all around. One we'd really prefer dating, ya know? A dual core and it's higher clocks show good in really one thing, and that's gaming. Out side of that, you're two cores down. When you USE a computer, those 4 cores are fully utilized, and can show great benefit. Yes, games love clocks, but there's also fun stuff like media that don't love clocks as much as SMP processing...and work. Productivity is easily cut in half having a 45nm quad, can overclock, and still pump AND serve games. So I'm really looking back and hope this is a game only machine. Another $100 would round it off really well. Even if 2 cores are blind in games, there's much to be said about using a 3.6 unit at 1volt, and having the other two cores ready when needed.

And memory seems either lacking, or not played with enough. CAS4 at 400Mhz should be a gimme. I don't have an OCZ PC2-6400 stick that can't pull CAS3. That's the $25 memory after rebate I was talking up back when. Like power supplies, there's rated, over rated, and under rated. G.Skill has been 100% rated in my usages. I have also found pleasant surprises by getting more than the sticker with OCZ.

4-4-3-12 is what I run for 450Mhz on redneck urban cammo, chicken wire looking OCZ's. 3-3-3-8 at stock, and CAS5 when pushed to 900Mhz...the sticker shows the overclocking value, not "as ran".

And thus I don't think a Q9300 would be a bad buy. Only when looked at and factored against a Q6600 and the effects it brings to the table as well. Mainly being an energy hog.

[azianai]

Any reason why you put the PSU upside down?

[b0nk3r]

Originally Posted by azianai

Any reason why you put the PSU upside down?

Yes, the fan protector was rested upon and the screw holes were out of place. I flipped it the other way and it fit perfectly. Now that I think about it, I'm not sure if I could remove the fan protector. Since there are vent holes below the PSU, it would be nice for air to come into the PSU and right out of it, bypassing any air flow inside the case.

[b0nk3r]

Originally Posted by Boy'nBlack

When you USE a computer, those 4 cores are fully utilized, and can show great benefit. Yes, games love clocks, but there's also fun stuff like media that don't love clocks as much as SMP processing...and work. Productivity is easily cut in half having a 45nm quad, can overclock, and still pump AND serve games. So I'm really looking back and hope this is a game only machine.

Why do you say you hope this is a game only machine? I'll repeat what is in my initial post, this build is not for any gaming at all, just work related and some media.

And TBH, I had no idea what you're saying about my/your memory.