Best CPU Upgrade for my System

[bloodandsoil]

I want to upgrade my CPU and want to know what is the best one I can get for my system. I have this:

Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 Conroe 2.4GHz
ASUS P5B Deluxe
Crucial Ballistix 2 x 1GB PC2 6400 4-4-4-12, 2.2V

What would be the best CPU I can get for this system? Thanks.

 

[exar333]

If you want the best, get a Q9650 for a little over $300 and I would recomment a 4GB DDR2 kit for around $50 (maybe cheaper if your lucky). This would give you the best non-extreme CPU for the system and more RAM to play with. Definitely a great upgrade from what you have. You could always go with a cheaper quad (9400 or similar) and save a $100 bucks, but I would still recommend the extra memory.

 

[bloodandsoil]

I actually already have 4 x 1GB PC2 6400 4-4-4-12, 2.2V. I just forgot to update my profile.

And my budget for a CPU upgrade is around $150.

 

[LoneNinja]

C2D E7500 @ 2.93Ghz is the best you can get under $150.

 

[Flipped Gazelle]

Originally posted by: LoneNinja
C2D E7500 @ 2.93Ghz is the best you can get under $150.

Not too much of an upgrade over what the OP already has.

 

[exar333]

Could you stretch your budget to a little over 150? You could get a q8200. Otherwise, an upgrade less than 150 wouldn't net you much of a real upgrade...

 

[betasub]

Not sure what OP's usage profile is like, or what is driving the need for a CPU upgrade on a budget. Answer depends on which apps OP tends to use: overclocking the E6600 might be just as good as an upgrade.

 

[ElBurro]

You can put a QX9650 in there although it may require a bios upgrade depending on the version you are currently running. But as betasub pointed out it largely depends on the type of apps you use and what you are trying to accomplish.

 

[dbcooper1]

$150 plus whatever you can sell the e6600 for would give you quite a few more options.

 

[blackpanther26]

Originally posted by: betasub
Not sure what OP's usage profile is like, or what is driving the need for a CPU upgrade on a budget. Answer depends on which apps OP tends to use: overclocking the E6600 might be just as good as an upgrade.

I'm with you there all of Intel Dual-Core CPU's right now are overpriced. Speaking why is becuase the E8400 is $164.99 at Neweeg.com and AMD's Tri-Core Phenom II X3 720 is $144.99. $20 cheaper and one extra core. But if you want an upgrade I would get the E8400 any ways. But if you want a cheap way just overclock your E6600 for now to about 3-3.6GHz and wait to see if the price of the E8400 and company comes down in proce.