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View Full Version : Processor to compliment HD4850 Crossfire.


Darth Nemesis
07-28-2008, 12:54 PM
I am looking for a new Processor to compliment my HD4850 setup. I currently have an E6600 @ 3.2GHz and it seems to be a severe bottleneck for the rest of the setup which comprises of Gigabyte X48-DQ6, 4GB DDR2 RAM (2GB Cellshock 1000MHz 5-5-5-15 + 2GB Cellshock 4-4-4-12 Kits), 2.3TB HDD, 2 x Asus HD4850, Corsair HX1000 PSU.

Q9450 is the max I can afford presently, but cant really make up my mind on whether I should get the Q9450 with just a multiplier of 8 or settle down for an E8500/E8600 which are easier to overlock.

Cooling will be on air. I have a Cooler Master GeminII currently, but I plan to get a Xigmatek S1283 along the Thermal right retention kit.

So which would be a better deal? Q9450 @ 3.5GHz or an E8500 @ 4.2 GHz? I had a mixed response on other forums with some suggesting the Quad while others are suggesting that the Duo is a better deal.
xsbb
07-28-2008, 01:05 PM
I would go with the Q9450. Most games today are more GPU limited. Another plus is when newer games release soon that utilize quads more efficiently, you won't have to shell out more cash for another CPU.

The Q9450@ 3.5 is a powerhouse. It'll hold you down for sometime.
demowhc
07-28-2008, 01:15 PM
any quad around the 3.6Ghz mark or over will go well
perkam
07-28-2008, 02:13 PM
Q9450 @ 3.6Ghz or E8400 @ 4Ghz.

Your choice.

Perkam
GAR
07-28-2008, 02:21 PM
I would go for the E8500 or E8600 for gaming, Q9450 is nice, but the 8X multi is whack.
Nomadsoul
07-30-2008, 10:16 AM
E7200 is also capable of 4Ghz 24/7, its 50$ cheaper.
mad_skills
07-30-2008, 10:24 AM
I would go for the E8500 or E8600 for gaming, Q9450 is nice, but the 8X multi is whack.

I agree. C2D makes more sense for gaming and E8500 on 4GHz is a overkill for any game.:up:
And the x8 multi on Q9450 is a bit small, Q9550 with x8.5 multi is the best quad choise.
perkam
07-30-2008, 11:32 AM
E8500 on 4GHz is a overkill for any game.:up:Define "overkill".

4Ghz is still prone to bottle-necking a system if you're on dual 4870s or dual GTX 260/280. For that you'd need a 4Ghz Quad.

Perkam
xMrBunglex
07-30-2008, 02:03 PM
I would go for the E8500 or E8600 for gaming, Q9450 is nice, but the 8X multi is whack.

i think the E8500 is a waste of money. its multiplier is only .5 higher than the E8400 and it costs more. i have my E8400 running nice and cool @ 4.0 with a modest 445 FSB. easy on the motherboard and RAM.