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Which of the following CPU results in the better performance overall, and in future games:

1. Core 2 Quad Q6600 (2.4ghz, quad core)
2. Core 2 Duo 45nm E8400 Wolfdale (3.0ghz, dual core)
3. AMD phenom 9900 (??Ghz, quad core)
4. AMD AM2 FX-74 Windsor

Please list which one is better, benchmarks if applicable, and why you think it is better!!!

Thank you!!

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Dani AI

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There is no single "best" answer — pick the CPU that matches what you actually do most. The key trade-off is per-core speed vs. core count: most games from that era (and many years after) relied on one or two fast threads, so a higher-clock dual‑core often gives better real‑world frame rates today. Quad cores shine for multithreaded workloads (video encoding, heavy background tasks) and when games or engines start using more threads reliably.

If gaming is the top priority and the budget is tight, favor the higher‑clock 45nm dual‑core for snappier single‑thread performance and lower heat. If multitasking, media work, or "some future proofing" for multi‑threaded titles matters, a midrange quad is a solid value. Both parts can be overclocked; as said, cooling and a quality board/PSU matter — quads tend to run warmer and need better cooling to reach safe overclocks.

Practical checklist before buying: decide whether games or multitasking matter more; compare game-specific benchmarks where possible; pair the CPU with a GPU that actually uses the CPU headroom (a weak GPU will hide CPU differences); choose a motherboard with a good VRM and recent BIOS; budget for an aftermarket cooler if overclocking. Given s budget concerns, waiting a little to either save for the model that fits your workload, or buying a balanced combo (mid CPU + stronger GPU) will usually give the best gaming experience.

Basic rule: prioritize single‑thread speed for current games, choose quad for non‑gaming multithreaded work, and always check real benchmarks for the specific games or apps you run.

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Member Avatar for chris5126

i would go for the 1st one amd quad cores are good but quite new to the market and cannot match intel for both cost and speed, if you can afford a quad core i would spend your money on the best you can buy and also overclocking them is easy and can produce a very fast system. Just make sure you sort your coolin out!!

Member Avatar for forumdude123

yeah, i wish i could get the extreme, but i can barely afford the q6600. i think i will wait until the money permits!!

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