e7200 aftermarket cooling vs. e8400 stock cooling

[Jschmuck2]

I've decided to upgrade and this is my final snag. There is approximately a $60 difference between the e8400 and the e7200.

Were I to get the e7200 + the Xigmatek Rifle cooler at ~$36.99, that would bring the total up to ~$167.

The e8400 with just the stock cooler is $189.99.

On a GA-EP35-DS3L, which is going to be my best bet here. I can't really afford to get the e8400 AND an aftermarket cooler, so that's kind of out of the question. Whatcha think?

 

[BlueWeasel]

I'd go with the e7200 and Xigmatek.

The stock cooler that comes with the e8400 isn't that great. You could probably get at least 4Ghz with the e7200 but the stock cooler and e8400 would probably limit your OC to around 3.6-3.7Ghz.

 

[Acanthus]

Id spring for the latest thermalright, but you have the right idea.

The e7200 with better cooling is the better option at the same price.

 

[Jschmuck2]

For 20 bones less, even

 

[Jschmuck2]

 

[Jschmuck2]

Ahh c'mon 144 views?

 

[Sylvanas]

I'd go the 8400 simply because the extra cache can help in some instances and down the track you may have the opportunity to buy a new cooler and you will have a better CPU to start with.

 

[hans007]

honestly, the e7200 puts out so little heat you probably could just overclock it without any aftermarket cooler. at least to 3.2 ghz or so.

e7200 and e8400 both have the same cooler. its basically the same heatsink as the celeron 400 series with a different fan.

i would get the e8400 instead of the e7200 + nicer fan. i mean, you can always buy another cooler later, and the e8400 will probably overclock a good bit with the stock cooler anyway.

 

[error8]

Get the 8400 and buy a heatsink sometime later when you'll have the money.

 

[Jschmuck2]

Goddamn Newegg raised the price by 5 bucks on the e8400

 

[toadeater]

3.8GHz is effortless for the E7200 on any good board because you will be running at a mere 400 FSB. At that speed and ~1.275-1.35v (average to get 3.8Ghz) your core temps will be <60c @ 100% load with the Xigmatek with the fan still nearly silent. It might be possible to get by with the stock heatsink up to 3.8GHz, but it would be running 100% RPM. The Intel stock heatsink for Wolfdales is even smaller than for Conroes, a $25 AC Freezer 7 Pro will do better.

At 3.8GHz, your performance will be about 5% less than the E8400, so unless you want to OC the E8400 to 4.2GHz or something, the E7200 will pretty much be just as good. AFAIK the average E7200 needs a major voltage boost (to 1.4v or more) over 4GHz. I'd say get the E7200 and don't worry about the cache.