Better Purchase Option: e8500 (c0) or e8400 (e0)

[RickDry]

Which would be the better buy (purchase) for day-to-day gaming, regular use of computer--may do some OCing, but nothing extreme?:

e8400 e0 stepping

OR

e8500 c0 stepping


I can get either/both for the same price ($160 including tax).

Is the e8400 the better purchase even though it has the lower multiplier due to its newer (better?) stepping?

Would like to buy one tomorrow...any and all recommendations between the two would be greatly appreciated.

 

[br3nd064]

Definitely the e8400. The E0 stepping overclocks much better than C0, while running cooler at the same time.

 

[doomsdaydave11]

Definitely the e8400. The E0 stepping overclocks much better than C0, while running cooler at the same time.

Is this why my C0 E8400 will only hit 3.6Ghz with 1.32v?

 

[br3nd064]

Is this why my C0 E8400 will only hit 3.6Ghz with 1.32v?

Usually you can get it higher than that. I'll PM you so I don't hijack this thread.

 

[topman]

I would go for the e8400 just for the e0 stepping..
even tho i can get my e8500 c0 stepping to 3.8 on 1.275 v i mite get mor but i havent tried.
let us kno what you do and how it overclocks :d

 

[amdbuilder]

Hi I posted this question in another thread but can't remember which one so sorry if someone's already answered it but...

Isn't it true that although the E0 techinically "clocks" faster the clock cycles are actually slower than a CO's therefore in real terms E0 = C0 in terms of functional speed.

If that's anywhere near true then obviously 8500 >>>>>>>> 8400 due to higher multiplier obviously.

No?

 

[cjl]

Why would it be slower per clock? It's the same basic architecture...

 

[amdbuilder]

Something to do with the cache being more "laggy"?

I'm not an expert, just going by what I've read in other forums etc. I'm still researching.

 

[cjl]

I've never heard that before.

How is the 8400 a guaranteed e0 by the way? Is there some site selling E0 guaranteed 8400's?

 

[br3nd064]

I've never heard of that either.

cjl does have a good point though. Unless you are guaranteed to get the E0 stepping, then get the e8500. You are just as likely to get the E0 stepping when buying a e8500 as you are when buying a e8400.

 

[amdbuilder]

I'm definitely no expert but I haven't made it up honest I saw it mentioned several times on other forums. I'm hoping some boffin here will confirm I'm not going ga-ga and explain more in-depth what I'm talking about please!

 

[Grimmy]

From the Intel spec's findinger, the E0 has a max thermal spec of 74C while the C0 has the max thermal spec of 72C.

Basically 2C max temp is one main difference other then the multiplier.

The OC on these chips, I'd say depends largely on the MB chipset.

Intel® Core2 Duo Desktop Processor