Dual Core vs. Quad Core? (Now about E8400 CPU)

[Elesirdur]

Got my E8400 and ASUS P5K-WiFi mobo in the mail today - can't wait to put them together tomorrow. Hopefully my 8800 GT comes soon, the model I purchased was on back order so hopefully it won't be long.

[mootsfox]

Keep her under 1.45v, until you get something better than the stock cooler.

I'm curious to see how high it will go on stock voltage (1.125?) too.

[Elesirdur]

So a quick follow-up to this thread.

Got my E8400 based computer set up yesterday and I can say I'm very happy with it so far. Stock cooler is great so far, sitting at 12*C doing most mundane PC tasks so far. FFXI is pretty sick now. 1680x1050 FG res with 2048x2048 BG res gets me over 25 fps in a busy Jugner campaign battle (including NPCs) and pegged at 29fps everywhere else. I was going to give Oblivion a whirl but I realized that I must have thrown out or forgotten my Oblivion DVD at my old place when I moved so go-go ISO torrent -_-`

The only issue I had was needing to do a full re-install of Windows XP, as my ancient pre-SP1 disk could not repair the system OS properly. Other than that it was smooth sailing and I'm extremely happy with my purchase. Only thing I know I'll need in the future is a bigger power supply. I went out and picked up a new case, but it only came with a 450W PS; I know it's going to burn out pretty quick with the E8400 and a GeForce 8800 GT.

So, thumbs up to the E8400 so far!

[Shuemue]

[brokenrecord] Yeah, definitely make sure you have a decent PSU. [/brokenrecord]

[mootsfox]

Remember to look at the amount of power on the 12+v line(s), NOT the overall wattage rating. If you buy in store, looks for OCZ, FSP, Antec, Enermax, PC & C Power and Cooling, or Thermaltake. There are other good brands, but that should be enough to choose from.

Stay away from gray case PSUs, cheapass looking ones, PowMAX (or anything similar).

I would suggest 40A or more on the 12+v line.


Also, the E8400 has a broken sensor. 12C is 53F.

[Shuemue]

I put an Antec 650w neopower blue modular psu in my gf's machine last week, total of 57a on the 12v and a pretty reasonable price. I suspect I'll only buy modular in future, so neat and tidy having just the wires you need.

[Cephius]

Also, the E8400 has a broken sensor. 12C is 53F.

Normally I would also think this to be far-fetched, but the person in question does live in Canada so.. it may actually be above the ambient temp in his house (igloo? )

[Elesirdur]

Also, the E8400 has a broken sensor. 12C is 53F.

Normally I would also think this to be far-fetched, but the person in question does live in Canada so.. it may actually be above the ambient temp in his house (igloo? )

I'm pretty poor right now - as evidenced by the new computer parts, heh - and I would much rather put on an extra sweater than turn on my electric baseboard heaters than turn on the heat. I leave the Q-Fan thing off as it's pretty much unnecessary as the CPU fan is quiet enough. That, and my computer sits next to an exterior concrete wall on the floor so I don't have much problem believing sub-20*C core temperatures. I was monitoring the stats while playing some FFXI and FarCry and it did warm up to the high 20's C and even went into the 30s a bit but otherwise it's just fine. I don't have much trouble believing these CPU temps in the winter with a well-cooled case.

[levish]

I don't have much trouble believing these CPU temps in the winter in Canada, outdoors with a well-cooled case.

FTFY
you did say -20c =P

Can't really determine CPU temps well tbh its completely impossible for CPU temps to be under ambient temps unless you are using some sort of peltier, phase change or chilled liquid cooling (you said idling at 12c which is 53f which is damned cold for indoors much less for cpu temps).

All that aside, did you overclock yet? I want one of these Penryns myself. Might hold out for the e8500 though.

[Elesirdur]

I don't have much trouble believing these CPU temps in the winter in Canada, outdoors with a well-cooled case.

FTFY
you did say -20c =P

Can't really determine CPU temps well tbh its completely impossible for CPU temps to be under ambient temps unless you are using some sort of peltier, phase change or chilled liquid cooling (you said idling at 12c which is 53f which is damned cold for indoors much less for cpu temps).

All that aside, did you overclock yet? I want one of these Penryns myself. Might hold out for the e8500 though.

No overclocking; especially with only this wee 450W supply.

[mootsfox]

I wasn't kidding when I said the E8400 has a broken sensor. It might only be some batches, but based on your temps, I dunno.

[Reality]

my Q6600 can run at 3.6 (400x9 : 1.55 vCore in Bios, 1.49 vDroop), but the temps are pretty high even with my TRUE-120 + 2000rpm 120mm fan, about 50'C idle, 60+ load

as far as going q6600 or e8400, i'd have a hard time recommending the Q6600 right now when E8400's can hit 4+ on air cooling with lowish (1.4) voltage settings, they're really sexy

[grover]

my Q6600 can run at 3.6 (400x9 : 1.55 vCore in Bios, 1.49 vDroop), but the temps are pretty high even with my TRUE-120 + 2000rpm 120mm fan, about 50'C idle, 60+ load

as far as going q6600 or e8400, i'd have a hard time recommending the Q6600 right now when E8400's can hit 4+ on air cooling with lowish (1.4) voltage settings, they're really sexy

Just out of curiosity, does anyone know when these new processors will be available in pre-built computer systems? I'm looking to buy a new machine, and it seems like this E8400 is a good processor, but I don't really have the know how to build my own.

[Akucaen]

I put an Antec 650w neopower blue modular psu in my gf's machine last week, total of 57a on the 12v and a pretty reasonable price. I suspect I'll only buy modular in future, so neat and tidy having just the wires you need.

Protip: If you own an Antec PSU and your computer refuses to stay off after hitting shutdown from windows, it's on it's way out.