QX6800 vs. Newer Core 2 Quads (8xxx, 9xxx)

[monbackey]

I'm looking to upgrade from the C2D e6850 for as cheap as I can. I'm staying on the LGA 775 socket. I have found a used QX6800 for 150 and was wondering if I should get it, or play a little more for a new q8300, q8400, q9300, q9400. The QX6800 is even older than my current processor, but it performs really well. However, the newer quads run on less power and have newer architecture. What would you guys do?

 

[jsc]

I wouldn't put any more money into a working C2 system. Save for i3/i5.

 

[outlw6669]

No, stick with your current E6850.
The QX6800 will perform exactly the same.

I second jsc, save your cash for a new system.
In the mean time however, why not give your self a free performance boost?
Take a read through the Core 2 Overclocking Guide then give it a try!
Assuming you have a halfway decent cooler, it is quite easy to get major performance gains through overclocking your current CPU.

 

[monbackey]

I'm not getting a new system any time soon. I'm looking to get a quad without upgrading sockets. I'll be using applications that take advantage of having multiple cores (>2).

 

[outlw6669]

Still not worth getting a new CPU.
There is little extra performance to be had from any other stock LGA775 quad core CPU as you already have a 3Ghz quad core.
Get a good cooler and overclock it as far as you can.

 

[japps2]

About a year ago I upgraded from a QX6850 to a QX9770...and noticed nothing. Most applications and games are starting to utilize 2 cores...not much need for 4 yet. If you clock your 6800 to 3.6GHz...you wouldn't notice a difference to the QX9770 except in synthetic benches.

 

[saaiello]

Stay away from highly overpriced core 2 quads they are not worth the money especially the Q8x00s if you do go for a Q9650 or something but they are way overpriced you could go to an I5 system for the money you will spend on the high end core 2 quad. Unless you find a Q9650 under 200 which you wont would be the only one i would consider, but like i said way way overpriced intel has got balls for still chargeing that kind of money for there dead socket CPU, but until AMD steps up to the plate and starts putting more competion you prob won't see and downfall of those prices for atleast a year.

 

[Raidur]

Find out if you live near a microcenter.

If you do they have a great deal on the q9550 (assuming your mobo can use 45nm). Lga775 isn't as bad as its made out to be. They perform about the same as phenom ii (yorksfield does anyways) so don't let them scare ya!

Outlw, he is using a dual core.

 

[megamanx00]

The 45nm C2 Quads have a slightly higher IPC than the older ones. Basically clock for clock they are a little bit faster. They also overclock better ^_^. Still, if you can verify that the QX6800 isn't damaged, either by misuse or sever overclocking, then it's a decent upgrade for you for $150, more so if you have a good aftermarket cooler. If you're not sure, then it's best to go with something like a Q9550 and overclock it. The Q8000 series is crippled in cache, while the Q9300 and 9400 are only slightly crippled in cache . The Q9550 has all it's cache, is clock for clock faster than the QX6800, and should overclock better, assuming your board supports it anyway.

 

[wlaziu]

Stay with your Core 2 duo.
Try to grab core i5 750 as cheap as possible. You can try to get second hand, without warranty. CPU's very rarely fail (if you keep em at the spec).
Selling the whole core 2 duo platform should give you enough money to get a 1156 motherboard with the same amount of DDR3 RAM.

 

[geofelt]

I'm not getting a new system any time soon. I'm looking to get a quad without upgrading sockets. I'll be using applications that take advantage of having multiple cores (>2).

Since your applications can take advantage of more than two cores, then a quad is in order.
I see the QX6800 as a good upgrade for the price.
1) You get a quad vs. a duo.
2) You get a good clock rate.
3) The unlocked multiplier in the X will give you simpler overclocking if you are into that.

The newer quads are perhaps only 10% faster, clock for clock. When you factor in the price and available clock rates, $150 seems like a good deal.
Do verify that your motherboard supports a Qx6800.

---good luck---

 

[monbackey]

Find out if you live near a microcenter.

If you do they have a great deal on the q9550 (assuming your mobo can use 45nm). Lga775 isn't as bad as its made out to be. They perform about the same as phenom ii (yorksfield does anyways) so don't let them scare ya!

Outlw, he is using a dual core.

Holy hell. They have Q9550s for 180...

 

[someguy7]

What in the world are most of you guys talking about? The OP has a DUAL CORE. The 6850 is a dual core people. He is looking to upgrade to a quad core because he USES programs that will use the extra two cores. It will not perform the about same. It will beat the snot out of the dual core 6850.

Ignore all those saying upgrade to i5/i7. You would need a new board/cpu/ram. No need for all that. Just either get the q9550 from microcenter if you can or go with the old qx6800. Just make sure your board supports what ever cpu you end up going with.

 

[monbackey]

Yeah, thought something was funny with everyone saying there would be no noticeable increase. Hell, any program that requires rendering would benefit.

 

[megamanx00]

^ yeah pretty much

Anyway a Q9550 for $180 is darn cheap. If it was me I'd go for the unlocked multiplier and lower price of the QX6800, only if I was sure it wasn't pre-fried ^_^