q6600 vs q9400 vs q9550

[swampthug]

I'm trying to decide between a q6600, q9400 & q9550 (would be OC'ing on all). With the great results that people get overclocking the q6600, is it really worth the extra $80 for the q9400 or $135 for the q9550? Budget is a big concern but I'm more concerned about getting a processor that will last me a while. Computer will be used for moderate gaming and everyday tasks.

Proposed build:

q6600 or q9400 or q9550
EVGA nforce 780i
G.Skill 4GB DDR2 800
MSI GeForce GTX 260 896 mb
Seagate Barracuda 500 GB @ 7200
miscellaneous parts...

Trying to keep total cost in $1500 - $1600 range (including tax, Newegg ships from Cali). If you have any suggestions on the other parts let me know!

 

[Vertigon]

Why not the Q9450? It will still get to 3.2Ghz +. Runs cooler, and a higher spec than the 65nm chips. Cheaper than the Q9550.

 

[swampthug]

Well, when I go through newegg, the q9550 is only $5 more and the clock multiplier is slightly higher (8.5 v 8). Why would the q9450 run cooler?

 

[Vertigon]

The 45nm chips run cooler than the 65nm chips.

 

[swampthug]

oh okay, I thought you meant the q9450 ran cooler than the q9550

 

[jthorn]

Dual core E8500 for 75% + gaming (OC'd to ~3.4), Q6600 (Oc'd to ~3.0) for some games, web surfing, and media editing on a budget, and Q9450 for games/media editing/everything no budget. The extra $100 for 9400/9550 etc. is luxury.

 

[dekkerboy]

Look i have the q9400 its is ultra fast and i would highly recommend it, and its not to expensive and its good chip. It will play most games at full res and anti a and all i have is a Q9400, Ati radeon 3870, p5n-e mb , 650 w psu, 4gb DDr2 800 and normal Hdd.

 

[chookman]

If budget is the concern i would be getting the Q6600.... In the same vain if its budget why a 780i board? if you want SLI in the future 750 would be just as good, if no SLI P45 is cheaper and more stable.