Which CPU is better for gaming?

Question

Intel® Core™2 Q6600 Quad-Core (8MB L2 cache,2.4GHz,1066FSB)
or
Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor E6850 (4MB L2 Cache,3.0GHz,1333 FSB)

I'm going to be playing a high-performance game this summer ( www.ageofconan.com)

I've heard that its better to have two faster CPUs, than four slower CPUs and I'm trying to find out how true that is.

Is that enough information to determine the answer? I could find out more if needed.

ThePug628 · Answer

How long are you going to keep this PC? For now, dual cores are better because newer games are only coming out with dual core support. However, if you are planning on keeping the computer for a while, you should get quad core to be more future proof. Either is a good choice.

lge70 · Answer

I am pretty sure that games for quad cores are already popping up. For instance Crysis supports 4 cores. You can't really go wrong with either.

xrogly · Answer

Well first of all a Dual-Core is only One processor that has two cores. And a Quad-Core is only one processor that has four cores. And for gaming it would be best to go with the Dual-Core 3Ghz than the Quad-Core 2.4Ghz. This is because no games use all four cores yet and the clock speed on the Dual-Core is a lot faster and will perform better in a game than the Quad-Core. For applications however the Quad-Core would perform best because it has those extra two cores to handle processing with. So it all depends on what your main priority for the PC is. For gaming go with the Dual-Core for applications go for the Quad-Core. Hope this helped

elika · Answer

go quad core but remember that that the video card is where you need to put the most amount of money for improvements in gaming. don't skimp!

ThePug628 · Answer

Quad core is more future proof. I'd choose the quad core CPU because it handles more applications at once, more games will support quad core in the future, and is better at doing more intense applications.

Sabradin · Answer

I just got info that the game I'll be playing will utilize all four cores in the quad-core CPU

so does that change things?

again

Intel® Core™2 Q6600 Quad-Core (8MB L2 cache,2.4GHz,1066FSB)
or
Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor E6850 (4MB L2 Cache,3.0GHz,1333 FSB)

Sabradin · Answer

gonna get the 8800GT 512mb :) :P   still unsure about the CPU thing though X(   part of me would rather have two powerful cores handling the processing rather than four average, i just dont know! :smileymad:

gdwrnch3 · Answer

If you have an XPS 720, try the new Wolfdale E8400, or E8500 dual core. I've been messing with an E8400 since last friday, and this little 3Ghz 45nm processor runs super. I got this thing for 188 bucks, for my money cost vs performance, this is the way to go, for now anyway. On another note, the E6850 is no slouch either.

I have had the E8400 clocked up to 3.2GHz so far. :smileywink:

Message Edited by gdwrnch3 on 01-30-2008 05:53 AM

NovaCX12 · Answer

Now if only Intel made an Extreme Wolfdale like the QX series that are unlocked the same way and have the same overclockability and work on the 720 also. I'll wait alittle as I'm not fond of nTune at the moment.

elika · Answer

yeah something like a $500 or $600 unlocked extreme edition wolfdale would tickle my fancy! doubt that it will happen, but a man can dream :P

TurboShane · Answer

That would be sweet. If we can't have the QX9650 Give us a X8500 or something like that.

gdwrnch3 · Answer

Yes, that would be sweet!!!!

Davet50 · Answer

And a B....... smileywink

gdwrnch3 · Answer

10-4 Dave, and a B :smileytongue:

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Which CPU is better for gaming?

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