Core 2 quad q6600+ tape mod vs q9550 stock

[utomo.widi72]

I'm deciding to upgrade my optiplex 960 with a core 2 quad. But which is better?

My system is a Dell optiplex 960
8GB ddr2
GTX 1050ti (soon)

 

[GhislainG]

Even if you use the tape mod to run the Q6600 at 3 GHz, the Q9550 still is a bit better and it will draw less power. According to (page 11) https://www.dell.com/downloads/global/products/optix/en/desktop-optiplex-960-technical-guidebook-en.pdf the Q6600 is not supported.

 

[william p]

Here are some Optiplex 780 scores which include both CPU setups you're asking about.
http://www.userbenchmark.com/System/Dell-OptiPlex-780/3883
The Q6600 3GHz scores 35-36% ranking there.
http://www.userbenchmark.com/UserRun/3774877
While the Q9550 scores 38-39%, and the Q9650 hits 40-41%

Here is your system there. Q9650 is the best CPU.
http://www.userbenchmark.com/System/Dell-OptiPlex-960/527

 

[GhislainG]

Here are some Optiplex 780 scores which include both CPU setups you're asking about.
http://www.userbenchmark.com/System/Dell-OptiPlex-780/3883
The Q6600 3GHz scores 35-36% ranking there.
http://www.userbenchmark.com/UserRun/3774877
While the Q9550 scores 38-39%, and the Q9650 hits 40-41%

The Optiplex 760 and 780 don't support the Q6600. Userbenchmarks isn't the best way to compare processors.

 

[william p]

The 760 and 780 are both running the Q6600 there with and without the tapemod. That's why I use it. Dell only lists what they offered for sale. Not what actually works. Whether userbenchmark.com is the best or not, it shows what runs and what doesn't, and lets you compare hundreds of combinations at once. When you find an overclocked CPU there it gives you some idea of it's relative performance.
According to Dell my Optiplex 380 only supports 2 core CPUs and 4GB RAM. At Userbench they're running 8GB RAM, and 120W 3.15GHz. Xeon X5460s. Not bad for a $20 computer.