Here we go again...

**Kanati** · 12-30-09, 12:25 PM

Quad vs Dual is a tricky slippery slope...

For gaming alone it doesn't matter as much if you have 2 cores or 4. Not many games take advantage. Some do and more are in the pipeline that will...

But that's not the only issue... The cores themselves have to play a part. Core2Quad running at 2.66 isn't going to outperform a Core2Duo running at 2.83 on a per core basis... But a Core i7 Quad running at 2.66 WILL outperform a Core2Duo running at 2.83. The core is just that much better. In your case, the Phenom II will probably outperform your X2 on a core by core basis by quite a bit, so it's still worth it. And the AMD chips are super cheap in comparison to the higher end Intel chips.

Me... I'm an intel guy right now. And Intel blows away the AMD chips for performance right now. But the value in the AMD chips is appealing.

**HeavyG** · 12-30-09, 10:57 PM

Don't buy a CPU unless you can verify that the CPU is the problem. You said it was rebooting before you pulled the CPU, so why assume the first issue is fixed.

Verify the CPU is working... test it in another box or on a different motherboard if you can. If not possible, I would still try to use a different PSU to see if that fixes the problem before dropping in a new CPU.

**DonVitoJr** · 12-30-09, 11:05 PM

It seems that when he boots up the BIOS doesn't load but his hardware starts up. And then goes into a loop. I Had this problem with our Dell and it turned out to be the CPU. Same scenario, diffrent hardware.

**GReYVee** · 12-31-09, 02:10 AM

Intermittent contact is happening somewhere.

You need a Voltmeter and abit of patience. Or.. just start pulling out components. See what consistantly passes POST. If you can actually see bent pins on your proc than replacing it is not exactly a solution. Means your socket contacts are likely distended as well.

FYI: If your tower is verticle.. Lay it on it's side. In a nice hot place. For at least 40 minutes. Or be like me and never shut your computer off. This is the age old "ON all the time vs OFF as much as possible" argument -- Simple answer is matierials and solder contract when cold. Creating cracks and shitty contacts over time.

**HeavyG** · 12-31-09, 05:36 AM

I guess my point is that I have had multiple motherboards die out, but never had a CPU fail unless it was dead on arrival. From my experience, the CPU is probably fine and something on the motherboard or attached to the motherboard is causing this.

Bent pins is not a good sign either and is surely the result of someone not being careful.

Anyways, I highly recommend you check Amazon.com for a used CPU. I got my e8400 from there for less than $100 shipped.