Q6600 Still the popular choice?

[slayer202]

Is the Q6600 still the most popular cpu out there?

Anything else to consider in the same price range?

What is a mid-range motherboard to go with it? I don't need anything crazy. Just bought an MSI 8800GT, pretty sure most boards can handle that, not sure what else to consider.

I haven't bought any ram yet if it makes a difference.

Oh, and I don't plan to overclock

 

[GuitarDaddy]

Yes, for the next 30-45 days. Then the Q9300 will replace it at the <$300 price point, the new 45nm Penryn chip has more cache, SSE4, and runs on the 1333 FSB, runs cooler and overclocks higher.

The only problem with the new chip will be the lower multi(7.5x) because of the 1333FSB, you will need a mobo that can run well over 500mhz FSB to reach the potential of this chip, for this reason many people may opt for the Q9400 with the higher multi(8x) and price tag.

For a Q6600 I would recommend a P35 chipset board, the gigabyte DS3L seems to be a good one. For the new Penryn chip you would probably want then new cutting edge X38 chipset motherboards

 

[slayer202]

hmm, now I have to decide whether to wait or not

of course I don't want to wait, but if it is the smart thing to do is another question

 

[Cattlegod]

Originally posted by: slayer202
hmm, now I have to decide whether to wait or not

of course I don't want to wait, but if it is the smart thing to do is another question

wait and hope the price of the Q6600 drops as demand drops off with the new Q9300 offering, then pick up the Q6600 when it hits 225 or so.

 

[slayer202]

I'll probably just buy the Q6600 soon With my new video card I am going to want to upgrade everything at once most likely, and I won't want to just sit on the video card. Unless I sell the video card and possibly go for one of the newer GTS or even 9800s

 

[SpunkyJones]

Just buy it now, I did. You can wait forever, for there is always another CPU/Vid Card etc coming out in a few months, just do it!

 

[Nole7]

Frankly, waiting for hardware releases doesn't really make much sense. The next big thing is always around the corner.
Obviously, it's a good idea to time purchases so that you may get a better price or better hardware for less money, etc., but you could wait forever.

A seemingly good mid-range motherboard would be the ABIT IP35 Pro. It's based on the iP35 chipset, which seems to be the way to go.

 

[slayer202]

I guess I'll go with the Q6600 even though it seems like I am the last one to come to the party lol. gigabyte DS3L looks good too and nice price