Vafa/Tony Upgrading!

**vafaskillz** · 04-09-08, 04:47 PM

So, my current specs are:

amd 64 fx-60
2 gigs ocz ram
Asus pny deluxe ali mobo
geforce 7950gx2
Audigy 7 sound blaster
Coolermaster with CPU watercooling
650 watt power supply

benchmarked at 8020....

I got this system 2 years ago, and I upgrade every 2 years, so its about that time!

First, I will upgrade my mobo, cpu, and ram. I already have chosen my mobo and RAM:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813188025

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820227292

Now I am stuck between 2 processors, and any advice is welcome:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...5039&Tpk=Q9450

or

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115017

My GPU is fine for now. I will most likely get 2 8800gtxs when the price goes down a little further, but for now I want a badass foundation. Is the mobo, cpu, and RAm a good start?

(I know the motherboard is overpriced, but I want to make sure I am good for the next 2 years!)

If anyone has other ideas, throw them at me. I am budgeting 1000 dollars for upgrades, and am willing to go further if its worth it!

**Toker** · 04-09-08, 07:26 PM

I bought the Q6600 when it first came out and couldn't have been happier. It really satisfied all my needs for what I was looking to do and it's easily OC-able from 3.0 to 3.4ghz on air. The Q9450 looks really sick and if your budget allows, hell, why not... I know plenty of people around here have had great success thus far with the Q6600 and have put up some pretty impressive numbers.

**vafaskillz** · 04-09-08, 08:20 PM

Originally Posted by Toker

I bought the Q6600 when it first came out and couldn't have been happier. It really satisfied all my needs for what I was looking to do and it's easily OC-able from 3.0 to 3.4ghz on air. The Q9450 looks really sick and if your budget allows, hell, why not... I know plenty of people around here have had great success thus far with the Q6600 and have put up some pretty impressive numbers.

How much was the 6600 upon release? I want to know how much it has come down. The problem with the 9450 is that NO where has it in stock. Sigh....maybe soon.

**Toker** · 04-09-08, 08:26 PM

I dont know the exact price off the top of my head, I'd have to scour some reciepts, but I'm guessing I paid close to $300.

**MaKe_OuT_33** · 04-10-08, 01:40 AM

it was 300. that looks like a badass mobo and ram there tony. why not go with the better processor if you can find it in stock. the q6600 is very nice however. what OS are you gonna use? you planning on using the same cooling and PSU?

**rock_lobster** · 04-10-08, 01:44 AM

www.slickdeals.net

Check that site daily, as they have had some pretty decent quad core processors on sale for under 200.

Just an example, a few days ago they had this

Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 2.4 GHz Quad Core Processor (Retail) $196

**Pint** · 04-10-08, 08:38 AM

Let me do some homework during the next couple days brotha. Here is some stuff I will need to know. (and by homework I mean calling some peeps)

1) Do you plan on overclocking, or at the least do you want that option open to you?
2) What must your system excel at besides cs:s.
3) What do you use for audio output

Also what make is the PSU? Not all PSU's are created equal.

BTW I have a q6600 and am happy with it BUT the E6600 (thats the dual 3.0 intel if my memory serves me) might give a little bit better performance for games but a little less for multitasking operations. I have an EVGA board and am happy with it, I need to check out to be sure but I went with the nf68 I believe. I have a friend of a friend who works for EVGA and his advice was to go with the second best model do to increased stability. Also nowadays it is becoming more and more true that matching up your graphics card with your mobo manufacture will make for the best combo.

**~~Syrringe~~** · 04-10-08, 08:57 AM

Tony, the Q6600 is by far the cpu that has sold the best and is owned by a majority of the masses that have a quad core cpu in their box.

Just look at it like pint said. If youre gonna try to overclock, either one is a good choice, but the 9450 would lead in that field, it has more headroom, AND it has a 12mb chache as opposed to the 8mb cache of the Q66.

If you plan on running stock speeds, get the Q6600...itll last your forever. If you want to join the e-peen club, get the 9450.

Being KING DQ you shuold get an Xtreme!!!!

**Major Guch** · 04-10-08, 11:46 AM

the 9450 not only has a 12mb cache, its 1333 instead of 1066. if your going to get a 790i mobo and ddr3 you would be crazy not to go with 1333 chip.it would be like lacing your shoes up to tight. big time bottle neck.

**Hocus Pocus** · 04-10-08, 12:23 PM

Originally Posted by Major Guch

the 9450 not only has a 12mb cache, its 1333 instead of 1066. if your going to get a 790i mobo and ddr3 you would be crazy not to go with 1333 chip.it would be like lacing your shoes up to tight. big time bottle neck.

mhmm