Best quad core for the money? PhenomII vs Qxxx

[Impulse666]

Im looking to rebuild my computer for about $500 (proc, mobo, psu, ram, maybe a new case). I wanted the Q6600, but the Q8400 is cheaper, and then I saw that the new phenoms are very good as well. Not much gaming, mostly video and programming. Can anyone voice an opinion on the ~$200 quads?

Edit: forgot to mention that the proc of choice will end up with a medium to high overclock on air.

 

[mac550]

between the Q6600 and the Q8400, get the Q6600, it has more cache. I cant comment on the phenom, never used one.

 

[Mitch?]

The Q6600 is like 2% more efficient than the 940 clock for clock, people's overclocks range from 3-3.6ghz, where as the 940 is often clocked 3.7-3.9 on air, and i've seen stable air setups @ 4 ghz.

I'd suggest the 940, or even better, an AM3 quad - the new 955 is a 3.2ghz beast @ $245. Most reviews have said they got it clocked to 4ghz on air.

If you want a triple core, which will hold fine in most cases (and i have personally gotten mine to 3.9ghz.) Then the 720 is only $135, and would be a good choice if you wanted to hold out a bit for the AM3 line to evolve a bit.

Links:
720 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103649
945 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103675
955 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103674

(btw, the '5' at the end denotes an AM3 quad core chip, and all 7xx are AM3)