Computer crew: Are "Quad Core" Intel processors worth the price? v.helpmebuildasystem

[motivez]

I'm going to be in the market to buy a new computer at some point in the near future and I'm definitely going to go with an Intel multi-core processor of some type, but I'm not really sure whether or not the quad stuff is worth it

I want something that's going to last and be able to handle apps and games for years to come, so.. what do you guys think?


Newegg.com - Intel Core 2 Duo E6700 Conroe 2.66GHz 4M shared L2 Cache LGA 775 Processor - Retail
Newegg.com - Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz 2 x 4MB L2 Cache LGA 775 Processor - Retail

Also, what's the difference between these two?

Newegg.com - Intel Core 2 Extreme QX6700 Kentsfield 2.66GHz 2 x 4MB L2 Cache LGA 775 Processor - Retail
Newegg.com - Intel Core 2 Extreme X6800 Conroe 2.93GHz 4M shared L2 Cache LGA 775 Processor - Retail

[JaJae]

Right now there's really no programs that use dual-core. Quad core is a bit further off. Bang for the buck value, they are not worth the price.

They're both decent processors. That dual core scores better on gaming and video encoding, the quad core scores better on applications. It depends on what you're looking for. I would be more than satisfied with the 6600 to be honest. You can always upgrade in the future. Rather than paying $1000 on a processor pay $250 four times over the course of 4 years and you'll have a faster system overall. The 6700 isn't worth spending 50% more on your processor in my opinion.

[Dumpy Dooby]

Originally Posted by JaJae

Right now there's really no programs that use dual-core. Quad core is a bit further off. Bang for the buck value, they are not worth the price.

They're both decent processors. That dual core scores better on gaming and video encoding, the quad core scores better on applications. It depends on what you're looking for. I would be more than satisfied with the 6600 to be honest. You can always upgrade in the future. Rather than paying $1000 on a processor pay $250 four times over the course of 4 years and you'll have a faster system overall. The 6700 isn't worth spending 50% more on your processor in my opinion.

Multicores are useful if you do a lot work with a VM. That's one major purpose they serve.

I've been working with VMs for a few years now. I use them to develop custom Windows installations for companies. They serve as an alternative to Ghost images. Sadly, I do not have a multicore processor. I'm still using a wittle 2600+.

[Donkey®]

I am currently building a computer and I am using the Core 2 Duo. I figure that will split the difference per se between new and old technology. It won't be as obsolete as fast. Well, probably will...but I wanted to feel L33t.

[JaJae]

Originally Posted by Dumpy Dooby

Multicores are useful if you do a lot work with a VM. That's one major purpose they serve.

I've been working with VMs for a few years now. I use them to develop custom Windows installations for companies. They serve as an alternative to Ghost images. Sadly, I do not have a multicore processor. I'm still using a wittle 2600+.

That's true, but the average home user isn't running virtual machines. The 2600 overclocks like woah though. Those Socket As were fun. I'm using a s754 3700 right now and feeling the need to upgrade.

[Dumpy Dooby]

Originally Posted by JaJae

That's true, but the average home user isn't running virtual machines. The 2600 overclocks like woah though. Those Socket As were fun. I'm using a s754 3700 right now and feeling the need to upgrade.

I got it because it can overclock to perform equivalent to a 3200+. It was the best bang for my buck at the time.

I'm falling far behind in the hardware world, though. I wish I had kept up to date. About the only thing I'm up to date on are drivers for the hardware. I guess that's a good thing.

[Dumpy Dooby]

Is the technology to the point where you can take a SLI board, hook up two cards, put in a quad core cpu, and then hook up four monitors have each processor and video output display a different OS? Obviously emulation of some sort would be needed. I don't care to actually do this. I'm really just curious to know if the technology is there yet. I've been out of the loop for a while.

[DosEquis]

I need to build a new pc, but i have to buy a new dock (500-800) and waterski (650-1100) first. The g/f wants an engagement ring ( ) for some reason too.

[Donkey®]

Originally Posted by DosEquis

I need to build a new pc, but i have to buy a new dock (500-800) and waterski (650-1100) first. The g/f wants an engagement ring ( ) for some reason too.

Quad core > Girlfriend. True story.

[Nonphixion]

Originally Posted by Dumpy Dooby

Is the technology to the point where you can take a SLI board, hook up two cards, put in a quad core cpu, and then hook up four monitors have each processor and video output display a different OS? Obviously emulation of some sort would be needed. I don't care to actually do this. I'm really just curious to know if the technology is there yet. I've been out of the loop for a while.

Yes and no.

There are programs capable (with the innovation of some very talented programmers I might add ), but they are so specialized you will not see them in general use. Or rather DD, you yourself would never have a need to run such highly-algorithmic applicaitons in the manner you've suggested.

But yes -- they do exist. For up to 16 processors (per single system) I have seen a rendering program (3DSMAX) redistribute it's threads.

[JaJae]

Vista just dropped a lot of their support for virtual machines as well. So it seems we're gonna be stuck with Windows Server Edition for a while if that's your cup of tea.

[Dumpy Dooby]

I don't plan on using Vista any time soon.

[Kytro]

I have a QX6700, and I like it. I also have 6GB of main memory and use Vista 64 , as my previous OS XP32 does not support all the memory

[motivez]

Hm, well.. I think it's probably between the first two, just not sure if the second one is worth an extra $200

What components would you guys recommend?

Motherboard wise? I'm not up to date on what is the best.. I want something with onboard sound / ethernet, (and plenty of usb/firewire, but i think that's standard), other than that I'm not too picky.. aside from needing pci express obviously.

Ram too? Probably 2g is all I'd need.

edit:

This is the mobo a lot of people are talking about on the processor reviews: Newegg.com - ASUS P5N32-SLI SE Deluxe LGA 775 NVIDIA nForce4 SLI x 16 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail

[Nonphixion]

Originally Posted by motivez

Hm, well.. I think it's probably between the first two, just not sure if the second one is worth an extra $200

What components would you guys recommend?

Motherboard wise? I'm not up to date on what is the best.. I want something with onboard sound / ethernet, (and plenty of usb/firewire, but i think that's standard), other than that I'm not too picky.. aside from needing pci express obviously.

Ram too? Probably 2g is all I'd need.

edit:

This is the mobo a lot of people are talking about on the processor reviews: Newegg.com - ASUS P5N32-SLI SE Deluxe LGA 775 NVIDIA nForce4 SLI x 16 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail

Oh no not at all.

You want to look at the
Intel BX2 (Bad Axe 2)
Asus P5B DELUXE,
or any of the brand-spankin-new 680i SLi chipsets
(I suggest BFG 680i SLi).


You can't go wrong with any of them, as a plus the Asus has onboard WiFi.

edit: Here is a [Modular] Power Supply that can handle Quad Cores plus dual GFX cards in SLi if you choose to do so. It's getting rave reviews everywhere. (Newegg.com - CORSAIR CMPSU-620HX ATX12V)

[Kytro]

I got the ASUS Striker Extreme, nice board, but very picky about RAM, which I have heard is somewhat related to the 680i chipset, but that may just be hersay

[motivez]

Alright, so someone critique this and tell me what I can get that's either vastly superior or relatively similar for much cheaper

Newegg.com - Antec Nine Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail (case.. not 100% on this)
Newegg.com - ASUS P5N32-E SLI LGA 775 NVIDIA nForce 680i SLI ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail (mobo)
Newegg.com - BFG Tech BFGR88768GTXOC2E GeForce 8800GTX 768MB 384-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 HDCP Video Card - Retail (gfx card.. $629!)
Newegg.com - CORSAIR CMPSU-620HX ATX12V v2.2 and EPS12V 2.91 620W Power Supply 100 - 240 V UL, CUL, CE, CB, FCC Class B, TUV, CCC, C-tick - Retail (psu)
Newegg.com - Intel Core 2 Duo E6700 Conroe 2.66GHz 4M shared L2 Cache LGA 775 Processor - Retail (cpu)
Newegg.com - CORSAIR Dominator 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Retail (ram)
Newegg.com - Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 ST3320620AS (Perpendicular Recording Technology) 320GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM (2x hd)
Newegg.com - ZALMAN CNPS9500 AT 2 Ball CPU Cooling Fan/Heatsink - Retail (cpu fan)


I'm not really set on the case, or the graphics card.. I want something that'll last as long as my ATI Radeon 9700 Pro has..

I'm also concerned about sound, I'm willing to pay extra for the computer to be as quiet as possible while running cool (although I don't want something extreme like a mini fridge case.. not sure I want to consider water cooling either as I think it's too much of a hassle)

[Nonphixion]

The case is a solid one. Literally, being steel it will weigh 50+ lbs when loaded with components. Forget the E6700 and go quad core for this high-end level system. I would suspect that case, with so many fans, will not be what you're after in terms of noise.

Lian-Li is by far the highest quality computer case manufacturer out there right now. You should look into Lian-Li cases. PSU choice is excellent. But going with water cooling would add 3 hours to your build time and ~$300 to your overall cost. Bump down your 8800GTX to the non-factory-overclocked model and save yourself about $60. Overclock it yourself when you get it.

Newegg.com - BFG Tech BFGR88768GTXOCE GeForce 8800GTX 768MB 384-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 OC HDCP Video Card - Retail

edit: that RAM is crap btw, check your PM's for some sticks with much better latency timings. (You want only Micron D9 series chips)
or this link
Newegg.com - Buy Computer Parts, PC Components, Laptop Computers, Digital Cameras and more!)