I was thinking of going a bit extreme, and buying a Core 2 Quad 6600 CPU. I can pick one up for about $300. Anyone think of a reason why I shouldn't? Cos they're pretty much top of the line atm, and I have the cash. http://www.cpubenchmark.net/
It's a fantastic CPU, see some info here - http://forums.afterdawn.com/thread_view.cfm/639768 plus that links off to a few other similar threads
Only reason not to buy one would be the next gen CPUs such as Q9450 which will be out any day. I have my Q6600 G0 stepping running 3.8GHz 24/7 without any issues. It blows away any benches and the system handles anything I though at it. You won't regret it especially if you get the G0 stepping version. Personally I would still get the Q9450 but my system can do 500+ fsb which then will allow me to hit up to 4Ghz which is what I want from one.
Indeed, but then there's always something new around the corner, sometimes we just have to bite the bullet and open that wallet, otherwise we spend all our time researching and never buying, i know thats what i (nearly) always do But if something new is that imminent it's always worth waiting a day or few couldn't agree more, and mine's not even going to be overclocked, it's infinitely faster than the old P3 and P4 crap i've been using for years
Heh, I'm using a Pentium D @ 3.0Ghz. Anything is a step up. The reson I'm going with the 6600 necause @ $300, it's a huge step up from my current one, and all new processors cost heaps when they first come out.
I know you're going to be impressed with an Q6600, its by far the best CPU I've owned. It will handle anything thrown at it for the next few years. One thing to possibly consider is the support of SSE4 on the newer CPUs as this should give up to 40% increase in some media applications and 20% in games with the correct SSE4 instructions written into them, although limited support around now, it will become standard in new apps and patches over time. The increased cache of the Q9450 is another thing that makes it worth looking at over the Q6600, but as you know there is a premium to be paid, currently about £65-75 in the UK depending on retailer.
I just built a system and i'm using the Q6600 and it is a very good processor. The best part is I was able to catch it on sale at MicroCenter for only $199.00. Currently running it at 2.7ghz. I'm new to overclocking so just going in small steps to be sure system is still stable. So far, running good with no crashes!!! Can anyone provide a good over-clocking guide especially for the ASUS Maximus Formula. Thanks.
