X3200/Q6600. That Question We've All Heard Before.

[Netu]

Greetings everyone,

I'm currently building a new system, and have hit quite the roadblock, suddenly, in "what's better"-ness. The X3200 or the Q6600? Let's ask a series of questions to find out.

"The Q6600 is the same as a X3220. The X3220 is considered server grade which might get you a higher binned CPU.

However, I do see that no Xeons are on the Gigabyte P35C support list."

Can a Gigabyte P35C even -support- and -use- a Xeon 3220?

Regarding the X3220: "Brilliant CPU and it works very well with the Asus P5M2/SAS motherboard. Highly recommended if you're building a server for yourself or small business."

I'm not running a small business! How does the X3220 hold up for gaming? Is it pointless to get compared to the Q6600?

"Xeon's are meant for servers and work stations. Don't buy them for normal use."

Ehh...

"The 8mb L2 cache is only for L2. There is different cache for L1."

I am going to be honest, in my computer noobishness I am unsure that I fully understand what is meant by this statement. I suppose I do actually have L2 cache, according to my motherboard...but more than that I do not know.

"For what processor I would choose the quad core because it can last longer but for now and the forseeable future the faster dual cores would be better for the average person. Although you could overclock either but the quads use more energy. It is all on what you are going to be using it for."

I am going to be using it for gaming. So the quad cores are pointless? Maybe I -should- just get a higher frequency dual core?

Questions questions questions... If anyone has any answers or can help me in any way I would greatly appreciate it.

Thanks in advance, and I hope we can get to the bottom of this. >

 

[ChronoReverse]

http://processorfinder.intel.c...tails.aspx?sSpec=SLACR
http://processorfinder.intel.c...tails.aspx?sSpec=SLACT

X3220 has higher TDP but rated for higher temperatures as well.


Any motherboard that supports 1066FSB for socket 775 will take an x3220. That is, if it takes a Q6600, it'll take a X3220.


Performance at stock is pretty much identical.

 

[Netu]

@ChronoReverse: So... That means, pretty much, that the X3220 will just run hotter and need more power, for not much more performance?

I heard the X3220 can overclock better. So, if I ever overclock, at least I will be prepared.

Still, though, regarding performance for -gaming-, is a quad core like this even worth it? Or should I just get a 3.0 duo core?

Thanks again for the help, it's really appreciated.

 

[ChronoReverse]

No it's the same silicon. It's just rated for higher which means that the physical silicon supposedly is binned for higher quality. Not sure how much effect that has on OC's though.

 

[Netu]

@ChronoReverse: Oh, I understand. Well, I found a X3220 for cheaper than any Q6600 that I have found...so I'll just stick with it.

Does anyone actually recommend the X3220 over all the other processors right now? Or is there something else out there that is better? Overclocking is second in importance of its natural abilities of processing. I've never overclocked, but would like to. That's where I stand on OCing. ;-P

Thanks again. Take care.

 

[Mattz0r]

Originally posted by: Netu
@ChronoReverse: So... That means, pretty much, that the X3220 will just run hotter and need more power, for not much more performance?

I heard the X3220 can overclock better. So, if I ever overclock, at least I will be prepared.

Still, though, regarding performance for -gaming-, is a quad core like this even worth it? Or should I just get a 3.0 duo core?

Thanks again for the help, it's really appreciated.

If you AREN'T going to overclock, I'd suggest going the dual 3.0 route. Very few games are utilizing multithreading even now, and as such, clock-speed can still be king. I'm not saying they won't... but even when multithreading does start becoming the norm, I have a feeling that those 2 cores are going to be more than adequate until you buy your next CPU anyway.

If you are going to overclock however... the quads hit 3.0 fairly easily, and while yes, you can overclock the dual core, past a certain clock speed, you're going to be limited by the video card anyway. And, a 2.4 quad is cheaper than a 3.0 dualie, which, with overclocking factored in, is a much better proposition.

Mind you, these are just my suggestions if you're really only concerned with gaming. If you're gonna be doing other CPU-intensive tasks, I'd suggest the quad regardless.

 

[Netu]

@Mattz0r: Thanks for your reply! I have a question, which by your opinion is a fine answer (;-P): Do you -recommend-, as a 'first-timer with a nice PC', that I overclock; by which I would get the X3220?

I have heard dangers in overclocking, the wear and tear; however I am completely new to building my own PC--nonetheless messing with overclocking.

Anyone can answer that question, mind you, but Mattz0r simply seems to know what he's talking about.

Thanks for the replies guys, and keep the insightful help coming! :-D

 

[Mattz0r]

Overclocking isn't only about the CPU, as it involves your memory, your motherboard, requires additional cooling (assuming you're going to be bumping your Vcore), and tons of patience. And yes, it does inherently involve risk in frying everything you've spent tons of money on. I'd strongly suggest reading the "HOW TO: Overclock C2Q (Quads) and C2D (Duals) - A Guide v1.1" to see if overclocking is something that you are going to be comfortable with, and that your chosen components will be able to handle (or, you can just chose your components based on such a guide, and reading about various motherboard and memory suggestions on the specific forums ) If you feel comfortable with it, the benefits can be enormous

As for a choice between an x3220 and a q6600... I personally haven't seen many x3220 G0's out in the wild yet, while q6600 g0's are the new rage. The G0 core does produce less heat, which is definitely a positive, so it's something to consider when selecting processors.

 

[ChronoReverse]

If you only overclock to 3GHz and stay at stock voltages, any risk that exist is negligible.

For instance, I run my G0 Q6600 24/7 at stock voltages at 3GHz.

 

[Markfw]

Originally posted by: Mattz0r
Overclocking isn't only about the CPU, as it involves your memory, your motherboard, requires additional cooling (assuming you're going to be bumping your Vcore), and tons of patience. And yes, it does inherently involve risk in frying everything you've spent tons of money on. I'd strongly suggest reading the "HOW TO: Overclock C2Q (Quads) and C2D (Duals) - A Guide v1.1" to see if overclocking is something that you are going to be comfortable with, and that your chosen components will be able to handle (or, you can just chose your components based on such a guide, and reading about various motherboard and memory suggestions on the specific forums ) If you feel comfortable with it, the benefits can be enormous

As for a choice between an x3220 and a q6600... I personally haven't seen many x3220 G0's out in the wild yet, while q6600 g0's are the new rage. The G0 core does produce less heat, which is definitely a positive, so it's something to consider when selecting processors.

Thats a crock... Let say you are running you memory at stock voltage and speed (PC-6400@400) and a PSU below rated capacity, and the CPU at stock vcore. The only thing you are going is running the cpu overclocked, all the other components are running at stock, and with the cpu at stock vcore, your odds of hurting that are almost zero. Don't make it out to be such a big deal.

 

[Netu]

@Mattz0r: Thank you for the links and the advice! I will make sure to read up on it. I have read the wikis and stuff, but nothing compares to a full-on guide.

@ChronoReverse: Alright, that sounds fine then. :-D Thanks for the input!

@Markfw900: I think Mattz0r was simply warning me to educate myself. Sort of the "watch out" approach, which is a good one, because I need to hear it. ;I am glad to hear that "odds of hurting" can be so low! I was really worried. :-D Also that it isn't too big of a deal...hopefully something I can handle! Thanks for your input.

Thank you everyone. Maybe I can start making some choices on which CPU to actually get soon. ;-)