Is Quad Core really worth it ?

[JPB]

So is Quad Core really worth it right now ? I'm in the process of choosing component's for a new build, and I originally decided on the Phenom 9900 upon release or the Intel Q6600.

The only things that will be done with this PC is stuff like, gaming, internet...mayby some map making for certain multiplayer games. Nothing along the lines of Cad and video editing and that stuff.

Does all the core's on a Quad CPU get utilized ?

Almost a year ago, a CPU like the AMD 5000+ or the AMD 6000+ was alot of money. Now they can be had for around $150. Is there still alot of bang for buck in these ? Including the Core 2 ?

If it really isn't needed at this point in time, Then I will just go with either the AMD 6400+ or the E6750 Core 2. Ill be ordering this system in about 3 weeks.

Thanks for your time.....

 

[o1die]

You won't need quad for your pc tasks. The 6750 is a good choice. Quad is for lots of intensive encoding and multitasking. Most applications won't use more than 2 cores at a time. I had a chance for a $199 quad at Fry's on black friday; I passed on it; it's overkill for surfing the net.

 

[JPB]

I know I put that this build will be for mostly gaming and internet. But the gaming will be really intense gaming. I'm a big gamer and plan on getting all the latest games. So your saying the Dual Core....will be just as good for games like Crysis, COD 4, World In Conflict, Bioshock, Blacksite Area 51 and the like ?

 

[SerpentRoyal]

None...get E2160 and overclock it to +3.0GHz.

 

[JPB]

I must also add, this system will stay stock.

 

[Denithor]

Originally posted by: SerpentRoyal
None...get E2160 and overclock it to +3.0GHz.

Seconded but I would add the $5-10 extra for e2180 and 10x multiplier for easier OC. Get a good cooler (Ultima-90 perhaps) and push for 333fsb.

Abit IP35 + e2180 at Mwave for $187 shipped (after $25MIR, ends today)

If you have any questions just take a look at the comparisons here. e2160@3.2GHz basically matches gaming performance of e6850. Combine that with this UT3 benchmark and you can see why people are choosing Intel over AMD these days.

EDIT: Took too long to post...just saw note about stock. Why? Anyway, if stock, go with the e6750 (look again at that second chart to see why) or even the e6550. Check out the last three charts here (note that they mislabeled them, see the text above that states they were run at 1920x1200). Even the e6550 @ stock is better than X2 6000+ for gaming.

 

[badnewcastle]

I think this article backs up my vote for the E6750.

Besides it's under $200 bucks at the Egg!

 

[Build it Myself]

I voted for the dual core if you're gonna stay stock then I guess that 6750 is fine, then next year when the quads get cheaper and more programs make it practical to have one, then move up to quad...that's what i'm doing. I bought a dinky 2180 and OC'ed it to get adequate performance and next year I'll move up to something quad when the prices drop.

 

[tsponholz]

Games really don't take advantage of all 4 cores (yet). So even intense gaming won't see much improvement with a quad.

 

[Skott]

I still believe dualcore is King for gaming because very few games actually utilize four cores. Now once the new gen quads come out and get low enough in price to be reasonable I figure my opinion will change. A few more games should be out then that'll take advantage of quadcores too. Once these two factors take place then Quadcores will become King I'm thinking. Thats just my own personal opinion though as far as gaming goes.

If you now use programs on a regular basis that utilizes all four cores then I'd say go ahead and get a Quad. I dont think the 'average' pc user does enough multitasking and such to warrant the absolute need for a Q6600 yet. Again just my opinion.

 

[j0j081]

Originally posted by: Denithor


EDIT: Took too long to post...just saw note about stock. Why? Anyway, if stock, go with the e6750 (look again at that second chart to see why) or even the e6550. Check out the last three charts here (note that they mislabeled them, see the text above that states they were run at 1920x1200). Even the e6550 @ stock is better than X2 6000+ for gaming.

according to the charts at tom's I thought at STOCK you had to have a e6750 to match the 6000+. those with the e6550 winning is just one game. therefore the better bang for the buck at STOCK would be the 6000+

 

[nyker96]

definitely if you do video/audio processing!

 

[JPB]

Ok, so most people say Quad really isn't ideal for games yet and whatnot. But like I said, I want this rig to last for up to a year and a half to two years. If I go Dual core now, Will I be somewhat limited in future games ? Like say a year or more from now ?

 

[Blain]

You'll always want more, but you won't need more...
Buy a Core 2 Duo today and be done with it! :frown:

The whole CPU picture will be different two years down the road.

 

[wwswimming]

Intel Xeon E5410 Harpertown 2.33GHz 12MB L2 Cache LGA 771 80W Processor
$310, out of stock

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...s-_--_-N82E16819117149

power consumption - 80 watts.

that's worth it.

 

[BTRY B 529th FA BN]

you might want to consider the socket and then decide what to upgrade too... i heard the Intel socket will be done by the end of next year (775) but im not exactly sure, so your options for an upgrade will soon end like how mine did with the 939... when i upgrade, that's how i usually make my choice...

i hope this helped

P.S. if anyone knows for sure about the lifespan of the Intel socket and can correct me on this, please help

Cheers

529th

 

[boomhower]

You are correct. Intel will be switching to a new socket next fall, at least that is what the road maps are saying. But even with that the OP was to wait and get a penryn quad, I would say that would be able to handle most games for two years. A two year life from a CPU isnt to hard, now a GPU is a whole different story.

 

[Captante]

Personally I'd go with the Q6600.

 

[JPB]

Ok people. Thank you for all the replies. I may not have posted much in this thread, But have read it constantly. I have decided to go with the Q6600.

Thanks