C2D Processor E6300, E6320, or E4500?

[Hop]

I searched for answers to the questions I had about these processors, and some hits were dated, some were not really related. Tom's Hardware couldn't give me a bench comparison with the E4500 and the E6320. Not sure why, but that sent up a red flag on the E4500.

I narrowed my quest for my first Core 2 Duo machine's processor to just three entries, the E4500 Allendale, the E6300 Conroe, and the E6320 Conroe.

I guess you can call my first machine in this platform to be budgetary, so please don't flame me for picking a lesser video card than the 8800 series nVidia. I'm upgrading from a P4 3GHz Northwood (yes, only 512mb L2 cache) core, and the sole reason is the performance jump, and finally walking into the woods named PCI-E!

To touch on the video card I picked, I would have LOVED to get the EVGA 320-P2-N811-AR GeForce 8800GTS 320MB 320-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail">http://www.newegg.com/product/...p?item=N82E16814130082</a> but staying in budget held me back to something considerably less. From $290 to more in the range of $130. I'll kick myself in the arse for that I'm sure. And I can't just add the 8800 later because the mobo I picked isn't SLI supported. I'll kick myself for that as well I'm sure.

But there are so many options, and it is nice knowing that you can expand if needed, and that mobo I picked can go to my PVR system if I should happen to upgrade for need of a second video card.

Enough on that...

After a trip to Tom's Hardware, I realized that for the most part, the E6300 and the E6320 are pretty close, almost identical, with the E6320 edging out the E6300 sometimes depending on the benchmark you select. The E6320 being only $8 more on NewEgg at the time of this post, and it has a 4mb L2 cache, seems like the choice.

BUT, it runs at 1.86GHz, and the E4500 Allendale, 2.2GHz. I am reading that the processor speed is not necessarily the definitive parameter of a champion, so I'm digging deeper.

One interesting thing I noticed between the E6300 and the E6320 is that the latter has a 4mb L2 cache, and the former 2mb. Yet, they are mostly neck and neck in performance. I can't get my head around that. I was lead to believe that the 4mb cache meant much better performance. Are the specifics of what I'm using this machine for a variable here?

I plan to dual boot this machine with Windows XP SP2, and Linux Ubuntu Feisty 7.04 Server (I'm not ready to go Gibson as of yet or 7.10), and I want the best processor to do video crunching (resizing, encoding), game playing (WoW, Oblivion), and audio processing. Overclocking is an issue, as I read in NewEgg's reviews... the E4500 can be taken to 3.2GHz safely, as well as the E6300 and the E6320. How important is my selection of memory? I'm fairly set on G.SKILL but don't know if to go 2x2Gb sticks at 5-5-5-15 or 2x1Gb sticks at 4-4-4-12. My previous post responses enlightened me that as you increase the FSB, the difference between the ram with those two timings is almost nill.

Sorry for the wall of text. I would like some opinions on those processors I mentioned, to help my decision as to what to get.

Thank you for your time!

Hop

 

[MyLeftNut]

If all three CPU's are pretty much the same price, I'd suggest either the E6320 or E4500 depending on what hardware you have along with it.

E6320 (7x multiplier)
-if you have motherboard capable of high FSB
-if you have memory capable of running at 500mhz-515mhz (ddr2-1000+)

E4500 (11x multiplier)
-if you have motherboard that doesn't go very high in FSB
-if you wanna spend less on motherboard and go with a cheap one that does anywhere up to 400mhz FSB
-if you're gonna use cheap memory 333mhz (ddr2-667)

You can probably get 3.5ghz-3.6ghz from these chips. Even if the E6320 overclocks slightly less than the E4500, it will still have an advantage due to 4mb cache, but then again, you'll need some good ram. I suggest the cheapest of the 4x1gb Crucial Ballistix you can find. Another thing to note is that the E6320 will probably run significantly cooler due to the soldered IHS which has much better contact than the glued IHS of the E4500.

 

[Accord99]

The E6300 and E6320 have been supplanted by the 2.33GHz/4MB L2 E6550 in Intel's scheme of things. The E6550 is also cheaper and uses a newer stepping that offers a bit better overclocking and lower power consumption. Either the E4500 or the E6550 would be a much better choice. This review indicates the E6320 is slightly slower overall than the 2GHz E4400:

http://www.digit-life.com/arti...-e2140-2160-page3.html

 

[Keysplayr]

E6420. At the time I purchased it April '07, it was the 2nd cheapest 1066fsb 4MB Conroe core available next to the E6320. And I wanted something over 2GHz.

 

[Keysplayr]

Originally posted by: Accord99
The E6300 and E6320 have been supplanted by the 2.33GHz/4MB L2 E6550 in Intel's scheme of things. The E6550 is also cheaper and uses a newer stepping that offers a bit better overclocking and lower power consumption. Either the E4500 or the E6550 would be a much better choice. This review indicates the E6320 is slightly slower overall than the 2GHz E4400:

http://www.digit-life.com/arti...-e2140-2160-page3.html

The E6550 is probably not the best for overclocking because of two reasons.
1. lower multiplier (7)
2. already starting out with a high fsb. (1333)

Not saying that it won't o/c nicely, just that I don't see too many people buying these specifically for the reasons above.

 

[SerpentRoyal]

Avoid 7x multi CPU if you plan to overclock. Too much stress on CPU, MB, and RAMs. All of these chips should be able to overclock to a nominal speed of 3.2GHz.

 

[hans007]

the e4400 is probably as fast as the e6320 and faster than the e6300. so i'd take the e4500.

first off the e4500 is faster, its m0 stepping so it uses less power , and because it runs off 800bus it runs at a lowe ridle clock speed to save power (1200mhz vs 1600mhz). ii thinkt its basically better in every way.

 

[Hop]

Thanks guys for all the suggestions. You have given me a full day of research to follow, and I'm so happy that I posted this question here. I knew that if I did, I would either be nicely flamed for asking the same thing that others asked, or get really good info like I did here today. Thank you so much to all of you for giving me more options to research and follow!!!!

I always felt that if you researched something you wanted bad enough, enough times, you have a lesser chance of regretting your decision later.

I'm so glad I came back to anandtech and asked this question!

Hop

EDIT: I need a good reference for overclocking this set of processors I mentioned, or just this class of processors. Can someone link me to some good info? I'm really good at jumping through flaming hoops. I had to set up my PVR on Linux Ubuntu via MythTV, on a seriously aged Athlon XP 2600+. I had to learn about creating a partition that was formatted with XFS, mount it, and tweak the PVR software to meet my needs. I'm a Windows guy, so this was hard stuff for sure. Compared to that, I know now that I can handle any challenge. =) Google is my friend!

 

[SerpentRoyal]

Look for the Abit IP35-E review POST @ MB forum. You'll see a guide at the bottom of my 1st post. General procedure is about the same will all P35 boards. The 650i, 680i, and some P965 boards may not be able to push E21x0 and E4xx0 (800MHz chips) to full speed. I would recommend a quality P35 board since this board will also support the new 45nm Peryn quads.

If you go with E4500, then there is no need to spend $ on expensive DD2 800 RAMs. The $9/GB HP DDR2 667 (limit 5 stick...set hot deals forum) is very compatible with many P35 boards. Native speed is 1.8V/333MHz/5-5-5-15-2T but you can also run the RAM at 2.0V/340MHz/4-4-4-12-2T or 2.0V/400MHz/5-5-5-15-2T. Since you have an 11x multi chip, 340MHz RAM speed will yield 3.74GHz! Combined with the $66 Abit IP35-E, you'll have a very cheap and stable rig that can easily keep up with the best C2D CPU at stock speed.

http://forums.anandtech.com/me...=2063989&enterthread=y

http://forums.anandtech.com/me...=2099932&enterthread=y

$66 MB...
http://www.mwave.com/mwave/vie...a=BA23929&RSKU=BA23929

$9 RAM...
http://forums.anandtech.com/me...=2099957&enterthread=y

FREE CPU cooler...
http://forums.anandtech.com/me...=2108625&enterthread=y

 

[myocardia]

You should read the guide to overclocking C2D's. It covers just about anything, unless it's motherboard-specific.

 

[Blain]

E4600 @ 12 multiplier

 

[Hop]

Thanks again everyone. That's great info to research this weekend and I'm so glad I asked! I'll read that info about overclocking right now, but just curious about the multiplier... the higher the better? I still like that 4mb L2 on the E6320, but don't want to spend a ton on memory. I didn't research that Abit motherboard yet, but will do. At $66 though, I wonder if it has a raid controller.

It looks like you guys know your overclocking. I'll have to look at your systems and read about some others to get some more ideas. No hurry for me because I want to do this right.

And don't punch me, but I completely forgot about the hot deals forum. =O What a dummy.
I'm all over it! weeeeeeee!

EDIT: I think I understand the desire for a higher multiplier which would generate less heat for the same result. That's comforting. Gotta look at the 4mb vs 2mb cache though still. Would be neat if there was a CPU that had a x11 multiplier AND have 4mb cache, and not require an arm and a leg to pay for it.

 

[Hop]

Originally posted by: myocardia
You should read the guide to overclocking C2D's. It covers just about anything, unless it's motherboard-specific.

Wow, that's a great guide! And it's fairly fresh (August 2007). I like the section on PSUs. I added it to my OC research folder as I'm sure I'll be referring back to it a lot. Thank you!

 

[BTRY B 529th FA BN]

i'd go with the E6550 from what i've read. it supports 1333MHz FSB, has that TXT technology (trusted execution technology)

 

[Hop]

Originally posted by: BTRY B 529th FA BN
i'd go with the E6550 from what i've read. it supports 1333MHz FSB, has that TXT technology (trusted execution technology)

There are a lot of factors I need to read about, especially Virtualization Technology Support or VTS? And Hyper-Threading Support. Now you mention TXT Technology. Wow. As this thread grows, so does my research list. Since this machine will be primarily for games and light database maintenance work, accessing my linux machines via remote desktop apps like TightVNC over a gigabit LAN connection, is that feature a real plus for me? I'm farming out PVR work to one Linux machine running on a P4 Prescott (3GHz), and another Linux box running on another P4, but Northwood, doing whatever graphic applications that support Linux. Since I'm a big World of Warcraft fan, that is the main focus of the machine I'm building. How would TXT help me in that area?

As always, thanks for your comments!

 

[stevty2889]

Originally posted by: Hop

To touch on the video card I picked, I would have LOVED to get the EVGA 320-P2-N811-AR GeForce 8800GTS 320MB 320-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail">http://www.newegg.com/product/...p?item=N82E16814130082</a> but staying in budget held me back to something considerably less. From $290 to more in the range of $130. I'll kick myself in the arse for that I'm sure. And I can't just add the 8800 later because the mobo I picked isn't SLI supported. I'll kick myself for that as well I'm sure.

Hop

Just wanted to correct you on this since I didn't see anyone mention it, but you CAN add the 8800 later. SLI is only needed for running 2 cards together. Your motherboard doesn't need SLI support to run a single 8800GTS.

 

[stevty2889]

Originally posted by: Hop

Originally posted by: BTRY B 529th FA BN
i'd go with the E6550 from what i've read. it supports 1333MHz FSB, has that TXT technology (trusted execution technology)

There are a lot of factors I need to read about, especially Virtualization Technology Support or VTS? And Hyper-Threading Support. Now you mention TXT Technology. Wow. As this thread grows, so does my research list. Since this machine will be primarily for games and light database maintenance work, accessing my linux machines via remote desktop apps like TightVNC over a gigabit LAN connection, is that feature a real plus for me? I'm farming out PVR work to one Linux machine running on a P4 Prescott (3GHz), and another Linux box running on another P4, but Northwood, doing whatever graphic applications that support Linux. Since I'm a big World of Warcraft fan, that is the main focus of the machine I'm building. How would TXT help me in that area?

As always, thanks for your comments!

Virtualization is for running virtual operating systems within your OS, but if you look in to it it really doesn't make much of a differance anyway, so you wouldnt be missing anything. There is no Hyperthreading with Core 2 duo's, it helped keep P4's from stalling out, while the core 2 duo is a true dual core. TXT isn't a neccessity either, just properly protect your PC with a firewall, and a good anti-virus program, which you would still need to do even if you did have a CPU with TXT.

I recomend the E4500 over the 6300 or 6320 if you plan to try overclocking. The higher multiplier doesn't reduce heat, it means you can reach a higher overclock, with a lower FSB, so you don't have to push the motherboard as far to get the same overclock, so it decreases the chances of the motherboard limiting your OC.

 

[Hop]

Originally posted by: stevty2889
Just wanted to correct you on this since I didn't see anyone mention it, but you CAN add the 8800 later. SLI is only needed for running 2 cards together. Your motherboard doesn't need SLI support to run a single 8800GTS.

Oh I know, sorry, I didn't clarify. I meant if I wanted to use the 8800GTS along side what I already had. That answered another one of my questions btw about the role of SLI, which is to use more than one SLI enabled card to beef up GPU power.

 

[Hop]

Originally posted by: stevty2889
Virtualization is for running virtual operating systems within your OS, but if you look in to it it really doesn't make much of a differance anyway, so you wouldnt be missing anything. There is no Hyperthreading with Core 2 duo's, it helped keep P4's from stalling out, while the core 2 duo is a true dual core. TXT isn't a neccessity either, just properly protect your PC with a firewall, and a good anti-virus program, which you would still need to do even if you did have a CPU with TXT.

I recomend the E4500 over the 6300 or 6320 if you plan to try overclocking. The higher multiplier doesn't reduce heat, it means you can reach a higher overclock, with a lower FSB, so you don't have to push the motherboard as far to get the same overclock, so it decreases the chances of the motherboard limiting your OC.

Thank you for your opinion stevty2889, and that is probably all I need to push me to the E4500. Thanks also for answering my TXT and VTS questions. That helps a lot. I don't plan to use virtualization on this Windows XP build anyway, but might look at that when I move it to the Linux role on my next upgrade.

Now a friend of mine has asked me why I haven't considered an AMD solution since I'm an active gamer. I'm not sure, but I walked so far down this Intel road, the trip back, and then down the AMD road seems like a long walk.

What do you think? Is that worth the effort?

 

[stevty2889]

Your friend is a little out of date. During the Pentium-4/Pentium-D era, AMD was better for gaming, and the X2 was basicly better for everything. At this point, core 2 is better for basicly everything on the desktop, including gaming.

 

[Hop]

Originally posted by: stevty2889
Your friend is a little out of date. During the Pentium-4/Pentium-D era, AMD was better for gaming, and the X2 was basicly better for everything. At this point, core 2 is better for basicly everything on the desktop, including gaming.

OK, thank you for putting that question to rest. =)

 

[Hop]

OK, I've decided on the E4500, thanks to all of you and your excellent posts and information. I really appreciate it!

I won't ask it here, I'll start a new thread about what you think about a motherboard. I hope I get as much information in that new thread that I got here.

One last thing, and I haven't checked, but I wonder if there is an online-store here at anandtech, and if there is, and it isn't already there, there should be a badge you can buy to put on your new system saying...
"Built By Anandtech" or maybe "Anandtech Inside" =)

 

[tno]

I hate to dig this up if you've already made your choice, but really you should reconsider your budget. With these 8800GT's coming out and shaping up to be both cheap and more powerful than the high end Nvidia stuff out now, you should adjust your budget to allow for $200 for GPU, $150 CPU (I'm with others telling you to aim for that E6550, you don't need to overclock to get good performance so why not spend for the sweet spot for stock performance/$), <$100 Mobo, 2GB of Cheap DDR2. Spending money on super high end memory is pointless and 4GB still isn't all that useful, so 2GB of DDR2 800 CL4 for ~$50 is all you'll really need. All that said, getting the E4500 and planning on cranking the wick up to 3.2 isn't a bad choice at all, but I've always been a big proponent for out of the box performance.

$0.02,

tno

 

[Hop]

Originally posted by: tno
I hate to dig this up if you've already made your choice, but really you should reconsider your budget. With these 8800GT's coming out and shaping up to be both cheap and more powerful than the high end Nvidia stuff out now, you should adjust your budget to allow for $200 for GPU, $150 CPU (I'm with others telling you to aim for that E6550, you don't need to overclock to get good performance so why not spend for the sweet spot for stock performance/$), <$100 Mobo, 2GB of Cheap DDR2. Spending money on super high end memory is pointless and 4GB still isn't all that useful, so 2GB of DDR2 800 CL4 for ~$50 is all you'll really need. All that said, getting the E4500 and planning on cranking the wick up to 3.2 isn't a bad choice at all, but I've always been a big proponent for out of the box performance.

$0.02,

tno

Thanks for your 2cents worth, turned out to be worth a lot more than that for me!
There is a little debate as to the GT being at or better than a GTX, but NewEgg reviews tell of the GT's doing much better than the GTS variety, and they have more ram at about the same or cheaper price. I was steering towards a GTS but now rethinking that because of your late reply. THANK YOU!

 

[tno]

Glad to be of service. Let us know how the build ends up going.

tno