What's so great about the e8400?

[1Cheap2Crazy]

I'm building a new PC. I have 4GB of PC2-5300 DDR@-667 from hot deals. Couldn't careless about AMD vs. Intel.
I looking for the best bang for the buck. I've looked at the Intel e21XX, AMD 64 X2 5000+ BE, and now with all the talk of this new Intel CPU, the e8400, I'm wondering why all the fuss? What is so great about the e8400 that people want one ASAP?
For now, not interested in overclocking. I've never done it, but since this PC should last me about 4 years, it may be something I want to help future proof my purchase.
Presently have an AMD 2600+, 512MB, 9600XT, XP Pro.

Thanks

 

[BlueWeasel]

Being a 45nm CPU, it runs cooler, uses less power, and overclocks higher than the current batch of C2D.

 

[Conroy9]

assuming you're not overclocking..

1) It's $50-80 cheaper than the equivalently clocked cpu it's replacing (e6850) and has more cache (6mb vs 4mb) and runs faster
2) <3.4 watts idle, <33 watts load so it should save energy and also be easier to cool quietly
3) To go from the e8400 to the next model (e8500, 3.16ghz), it'll probably be around an extra $80

I'll let other people debate phenoms, quad core, and e21xx/e4xxx

 

[Cheex]

The only 'real' way to future-proof your system for the next 4 years is to get 4 cores...that's right...a Core 2 Quad.

I recommend the Q9450...:thumbsup:

 

[Conroy9]

q9450 is great if you can wait a couple months

i just lost patience after waiting since november to upgrade my 2.26 northwood

 

[ghost recon88]

Originally posted by: 1Cheap2Crazy
What's so great about the e8400?

Not too much, other than the fact I've gotten mine to 4.5GHz so far.

 

[Cheex]

Originally posted by: ghost recon88

Originally posted by: 1Cheap2Crazy
What's so great about the e8400?

Not too much, other than the fact I've gotten mine to 4.5GHz so far.

1) Is that on air?
2) What cooler?

 

[Tempered81]

air a bet.

i've seen 5.2ghz on air

 

[zephyrprime]

Originally posted by: Cheex
The only 'real' way to future-proof your system for the next 4 years is to get 4 cores...that's right...a Core 2 Quad.

I recommend the Q9450...:thumbsup:

Future proofing doesn't exists. You're kidding yourself if you think that a Q9450 will be anything more than bleah 4 years from now.

 

[Cheex]

Originally posted by: zephyrprime

Originally posted by: Cheex
The only 'real' way to future-proof your system for the next 4 years is to get 4 cores...that's right...a Core 2 Quad.

I recommend the Q9450...:thumbsup:

Future proofing doesn't exists. You're kidding yourself if you think that a Q9450 will be anything more than bleah 4 years from now.

You're probably right but...It will last longer than a dual....

 

[1Cheap2Crazy]

Originally posted by: Cheex
The only 'real' way to future-proof your system for the next 4 years is to get 4 cores...that's right...a Core 2 Quad.

I recommend the Q9450...:thumbsup:

No way!!! Not at that price.
I figured a MOBO for $60 ( ABIT IP35-E if newegg gets it back in stock), graphics card, $100 (I'm thinking 8600GT), my 4GB of memory for $25, now just a cheap CPU. So was looking for cheap, about $75-$100. But I'm thinking spend the extra $100 on a CPU that hopefully is better than an e21xx, and, for me, will last 4 years.
My 2600+ almost does everything I want it too, just takes longer. Would get more memory, but a bad memory slot means I would have to buy a 1GB stick of DDR. To expensive. So upgrade time! Been upgrading for 14 months. Power supply from Nov 2006, still in box, and a new HD about a year ago that's still in the box.

 

[Cheex]

Well, seeing as though you didn't mention a price range, I just assumed.

Anyway, you seem to have it pretty much all worked out then...:beer:

 

[BLHealthy4life]

Originally posted by: zephyrprime

Originally posted by: Cheex
The only 'real' way to future-proof your system for the next 4 years is to get 4 cores...that's right...a Core 2 Quad.

I recommend the Q9450...:thumbsup:

Future proofing doesn't exists. You're kidding yourself if you think that a Q9450 will be anything more than bleah 4 years from now.

you beat me to it.....

 

[scottb75]

Right now I'd say if you are in the market go with a Dual-Core E8400 or E8500 depending on your budget. As for Quad-Core or more I'd wait until Nehalem which is due out at the end of the year (If Intel stays on schedule).

 

[Mondoman]

Why spend over $200 on an e8400 when you can OC an $80 e2160 to 3GHz or more w/stock air cooling? As long as you're not looking to get the last few % of possible performance, with the $120+ you save on an e2160, you'll be able to buy a CPU 2 years from now that blows away today's $200+ CPUs.

 

[Mavtech]

I just got an E8400 yesterday from Micro Center for $189. A friend of mine is shipping it to me from MD. I went with this instead of a quad because I really don't think I will see any difference with a quad over a dual. I play games, overclock, and then of course all the casual stuff. After it gets here, I will see what the temp is running idle at stock settings. Then, I will slowly bump up the OC to see what I can get out of it. It will be on water cooling. I have a Zalman Reserator.

 

[zVp]

Originally posted by: Mondoman
Why spend over $200 on an e8400 when you can OC an $80 e2160 to 3GHz or more w/stock air cooling? As long as you're not looking to get the last few % of possible performance, with the $120+ you save on an e2160, you'll be able to buy a CPU 2 years from now that blows away today's $200+ CPUs.

Because you can OC a e8400 up to 4 or more with stock air cooling.
I know, overkill in a way, but that's what enthusiasts do.