Candy
New Member
Ok this might seem like a bit of an odd comparison but I'm contemplating buying a new CPU because I have a bit of spare money and I think I can afford it.
Now before anyone yells i7!!! at me, I'll just tell you what I'll be using it for. Main purpose would be gaming, I don't really do anything like photo/video editing very often, I occasionally do 3D modeling (3DsMax), I usually have a number of programs running at once. For example I like having my own music while gaming so I want to be able to run fairly intensive games and iTunes at the same time. I've been playing Saints Row 2 lately and its either a very poorly scripted game or my E6750 doesnt cut it because when I'm driving around I sometimes get lag, its not the graphics because I can run Far Cry 2 on max and the graphics in Saints Row are no where near as good.
Here's the prices:
E8600 3.33Ghz $270
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115054&Tpk=e8600
Q9550 2.83Ghz $270
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115041
i7 920 2.66Ghz $289
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115202
As you can see they're all pretty close. I wont be buying off newegg but the price differences are very similar here in Australia anyway.
Is it still the case that a faster CPU is better for gaming? Or is the i7 just better hands down for what I want? I realize I will need a new mobo too if I buy the i7 but if its really going to be worth it I will because I've been thinking of getting a new one anyway for other reasons.
Or might it be a good idea to get the Q9550 and overclock? Or will the E8600 do what I want? Although they are both the same price...haha confusing.
Anyway, your input would be much appreciated
Now before anyone yells i7!!! at me, I'll just tell you what I'll be using it for. Main purpose would be gaming, I don't really do anything like photo/video editing very often, I occasionally do 3D modeling (3DsMax), I usually have a number of programs running at once. For example I like having my own music while gaming so I want to be able to run fairly intensive games and iTunes at the same time. I've been playing Saints Row 2 lately and its either a very poorly scripted game or my E6750 doesnt cut it because when I'm driving around I sometimes get lag, its not the graphics because I can run Far Cry 2 on max and the graphics in Saints Row are no where near as good.
Here's the prices:
E8600 3.33Ghz $270
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115054&Tpk=e8600
Q9550 2.83Ghz $270
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115041
i7 920 2.66Ghz $289
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115202
As you can see they're all pretty close. I wont be buying off newegg but the price differences are very similar here in Australia anyway.
Is it still the case that a faster CPU is better for gaming? Or is the i7 just better hands down for what I want? I realize I will need a new mobo too if I buy the i7 but if its really going to be worth it I will because I've been thinking of getting a new one anyway for other reasons.
Or might it be a good idea to get the Q9550 and overclock? Or will the E8600 do what I want? Although they are both the same price...haha confusing.
Anyway, your input would be much appreciated