First Build Advice (what cpu)
 

Hi Guys, Im new in the forums and was wondering whether I really need a Q6600 quad or whether a dual core will be ok. It'll be mainly used for gaming and some dabble in 3ds max. Any reccomendations are welcome. Cheers ;)

E8600

If it was strictly just gaming, then I'd say a dual core would be sufficient.

Seeing as you are talking about 3D apps, I'd say a quad core would be a better investment.

E8600

So budget is around $180 ... hmmm ....

This is the server equivalent of an e8400
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819117165

But then again the Q6600 isnt all much more expensive
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115017

IMO go with either of those 2. Just FYI, the Xeon will you give you a long lifespan with a tolerance for a little higher temps.

EDIT: Here's the Xeon equivalent of that q6600:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819117127

Just in case if you want to look. . . .

To me Value matters a lot. It depends on price to me, my AMD 9950 quad (2.6Ghz) is $185 and a fast X2 6400 (3.2 Ghz)is $119. If I had it to do all over I would not have bought the 9950.

It is ok to be new just don`t try to sell any thing people here are not in the mood these days :D
For the C2D when OCed you will get 4-4.5 Ghz, from C2Q you will get 3.6-3.8GHz when you will take (non existing) optimization of games for 4 cores, C2D is the one.

Yes I vote for value. If that is what you want go for E5200 or e7200 excellent overclockers 3.8- 4.0 GHz.

that is a very good point on the Intel side. But remember not everyone likes or can OC, so sometimes a 3.2 Ghz chip stock that costs $119 is a pretty good option.

I do have to agree with MK and he recommends very good CPUs, but for Intel I see a lot better architecture for 3D work even in their Dual Cores. I have an overclocked E8600 and I've owned an E8400-- both will do ZBrush and 3DSMax with no problem at stock speeds. You'll see a better bargain at stock speeds for dual cores because you get the clock speed you want for games and they do just fine in 3D programs with the right memory and Graphics cards. I'm a huge fan of these Intel 45nm duals because they have performed well in all my applications, have low heat, and low power usage.

@r9: I don't see where this guy tried to sell stuff...

Go with a duel core......best bang for your buck !


http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115036