Best 775 65nm upgrade from an E6300@2.8Ghz?

Feb 24, 2001
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Currently running an E6300@2.8Ghz and wondering if there is any reason to upgrade.

Running a GigaByte 965P-DS3 rev 1.3

I know some folks have gotten 45nm processors to run, but figured I'd stick with the 65nm cpus, unless you strongly suggest otherwise.

I don't need any number crunching other than games. So no encoding, just browsing and games. Games will be 1920x1200.

Is my E6300 able to put out enough info to the vid card? I'm running a GTX 260 (192) now, but will be upgrading to a 5850 in the future, as well as an SSD.

Trying to get a bit of life out of it without spending much. I've seen some QX6700 processors for $150 or so depending on the forum.

Suggestions?
 

RussianSensation

Elite Member
Sep 5, 2003
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E6300 can go to 3.4ghz on that board with better cooling @ 1.45V. Get it to 3.3-3.4ghz and 5850 and go from there. There will be games where C2D @ 3.4ghz is going to be fine, but your minimum framerates will be low in Crysis, World in Conflict, Warhammer: Dawn of War 2. In other games, it won't hold you back as much. I still think if you are going to drop $150 on a 65nm quad, you might as well sell your cpu+ram+mobo add that $150 and get a proper Core i5 750 or Phenom system. Alternatively, dump that E6300 for $40 and grab a Q6600 for $100. Q6700 doesn't really hold any more overclocking headroom. The only thing is you need a decent cooler for those 65nm quads. I wouldn't touch a 45nm Penryn on that board.
 
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jesterb84

Member
Mar 14, 2008
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Where exactly did you guys pick up Q6600s for $100? Russian, I see you're in Toronto like me so maybe you know some good places ;) The only C2Qs I could find around here are Q8xxx which are pretty nasty with their high FSBs, not to mention overpriced as well.
 
Oct 9, 1999
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hey neighbor, FWIW i just recently did a similar upgrade. had an e2140 @ 3.0ish, replaced that with an e5200 @ 2.8ish or so then finally threw a q9400 @ 3.4 and it's night and day. also running the same video card, evga 260 w/ 6gb of ram. getting a c2q is the best thing i ever did. i only play bad company 2 and browse/mp3 crap as well.
 

WhoBeDaPlaya

Diamond Member
Sep 15, 2000
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Q9550 and that should last you another 2 years until your full upgrade
OP said 65nm and look at his mobo ;)
Pretty much the best upgrade would be a Q6600. It's what I ditched my E6400 @ 3.2GHz for on an even older board (965P-DS3 Rev 1.0).