Should I 'downgrade' my processor?

[DEATH eVADER]

I currently have a Q6600 @ 2.4GHz which has 8MB cache. Now the problem is it is totally incapable of being overclock, so I am searching for a processor for 130 pounds or less.

I found a E8500 @ 3.12GHz which has 6MB cache, for 129 pounds.

Now I am currently weighing up the advantages and disadvantages of a dual core and quad core systems. First and foremost is the frequency itself, the E8500 has a higher frenquency than the quad that I'm using now. The other problem is the multitasking vs. multithreading question. Generally I will be using internet browser and WMP at the same time, or just playing a game.

I have also been doing budget benchmark tests in Warhead to see what causes the performance drops on my system. Everything seems to be underbudget, with the exception of DrawCalls (Which has a tendency to spike over the budget limit, and causes FPS to plunge)

Doing some quick browsing, DrawCalls seem to be associated with the communications between the GPU and Processor. So I would of thought that the frequency of the processor adversely effect this, with higher frequency decreasing the talk time between GPU and processor.

Could soemone with more knowledge be able to enlighten me on the difference in performance between the two processors?

 

[Warbie]

My e8500 ticks along at 4ghz without breaking a sweat. Quad cores are great if you like to do a shed load in one go, but i'd pick an oc'd dual core for gaming without much hesitation.

 

[Krynn72]

For general use and gaming there is no need for a quad core processor. A higher clocked dual core processor will almost always out-perform a quad core in this sort of application.

 

[hool10]

Why can't OC it? I can do it easily to 3GHz.

 

[DEATH eVADER]

Why can't OC it? I can do it easily to 3GHz.

Any time I do that, my comp resets itself and then performs a memory dump :x

I can't even get quarter of the way

How old is your quad core? It is Q6600 right?

 

[giant384]

if its crashing then you should probably up the voltage on the cpu core.

 

[hool10]

if its crashing then you should probably up the voltage on the cpu core.

Yeah that helps a great deal, especially the multipliers they call it.

Any time I do that, my comp resets itself and then performs a memory dump :x

I can't even get quarter of the way

How old is your quad core? It is Q6600 right?

Haha, I thought that was just me. Good thing to know it isn't the RAM then. It does work if you increase it slightly more and more though.

 

[Top Secret]

I currently have a Q6600 @ 2.4GHz which has 8MB cache. Now the problem is it is totally incapable of being overclock, so I am searching for a processor for 130 pounds or less.

I found a E8500 @ 3.12GHz which has 6MB cache, for 129 pounds.

Now I am currently weighing up the advantages and disadvantages of a dual core and quad core systems. First and foremost is the frequency itself, the E8500 has a higher frenquency than the quad that I'm using now. The other problem is the multitasking vs. multithreading question. Generally I will be using internet browser and WMP at the same time, or just playing a game.

I have also been doing budget benchmark tests in Warhead to see what causes the performance drops on my system. Everything seems to be underbudget, with the exception of DrawCalls (Which has a tendency to spike over the budget limit, and causes FPS to plunge)

Doing some quick browsing, DrawCalls seem to be associated with the communications between the GPU and Processor. So I would of thought that the frequency of the processor adversely effect this, with higher frequency decreasing the talk time between GPU and processor.

Could soemone with more knowledge be able to enlighten me on the difference in performance between the two processors?

Before I make any brash suggestions, I just want to be sure that you know how to overclock properly. It would also be nice to know your motherboard.

1. What is your memory divider set at?

2. What is your multiplier set at?

3. vcore voltage?

4. dimm voltage?

5. Have you tried each stick of ram individually?

6. What are your temps?

7. Command rate at T1 or T2?

8. What is your powersupply? Stable voltages?

9. What are your temps at?

10. Did you use arctic silver or just the patch it comes with?

11. Aftermarket cooling?

Remember, processors are like women, they're all different. Some are going to like long walks on the beach and others are going to demand rock concerts. You've got to try quite a few things.