I might downgrade? Q6600 vs i3 platform?

[yuchai]

I've recently downgraded by Q6600 as well, since realizing that my usage does not really require a quad-core chip. The most CPU intensive use for me is using PCSX2 emulator, which can only utilize 2 cores.

My Q6600 clocked to 3Ghz only (I think limited by my board, a GA-965P-DS3). I opted for a used PDC E5200 for $50, which clocked to 3.6Ghz pretty easily.

I haven't sold the Q6600 yet, but I expect that I'd gain about $100 from this downgrade. I actually even see a slight gain in performance running PCSX2 from the clock increase.

 

[Axon]

How's it a hassle? And OP is looking at overall electricity usage over time.

I find reselling parts to be one of the most tedious processes out there. But then, I do 12-14 hour work days on the regular, so shipping isn't easy for me

Also, generally you don't get good value for your parts, though that CPU and video card may well.

 

[yuchai]

I find reselling parts to be one of the most tedious processes out there. But then, I do 12-14 hour work days on the regular, so shipping isn't easy for me

Also, generally you don't get good value for your parts, though that CPU and video card may well.

I think that really depends on the part. The Q6600 has actually held its value very well. I bought mine 2 years ago at $180. Right now it seems to sell easily for $150 on eBay. I also just sold a socket 939 mobo for $60, which was bought about 3.5 years ago for $80.

On the other hand, my Geforce 8600 GTS bought new 3 years ago for $150 just sold for like $20.

 

[TurtleCrusher]

I would personally underclock and undervolt. You could definitely run at 1.5ghz (FSB166x9) @ about 1-1.2V. With speedstep you'd be at about 1ghz. That would save quite a bit of tower. I would also ditch the 8800GTX for a Radeon 4350/GT210 or an equivalent card. Fast enough for everything except serious gaming.

A quad at 1.5ghz, 8MB of L2, paired with DDR2 at it's rated speed, would still be very snappy.

 

[Ben90]

I just asked my friend if you could disable cores on the Q6600, he says you can. +undervolting would save quite a bit of electricity for less hassle than selling your stuff and buying new stuff.

That video card is just sucking juice however.

 

[Rhoxed]

I just asked my friend if you could disable cores on the Q6600, he says you can. +undervolting would save quite a bit of electricity for less hassle than selling your stuff and buying new stuff.

That video card is just sucking juice however.

I was going to mention this, but i wasn't sure if it was AMD only, i run my 9850BE @ 2cores 3.2Ghz for my bedroom HTPC to save some power.