CPU Upgrade questions

GazCBG · 11-04-2009, 10:19

Hi,

I current have a Intel Dual Core E2220 - 2.4Ghz with 1MB Cache and am thinking about upgrading to a Intel Quad Core - Q6600 - 2.4Ghz with 8MB Cache

Am I going to see an improvement ?
I use the PC for Gaming (getting back into a lot), Internet, Word, Graphics.

Also would you buy one off ebay or buy new ?

MovedGoalPosts · 11-04-2009, 10:33

I'd be more tempted to buy new, that way there is a warranty.

You may see a bit of improvement. It depends on what you are actually doing. Games are more likely to be affected by the Graphics card you use. Internet, word will see no change. Few applications currently make use of dual cored CPUS, let alone quad core. The advantage is you can run more things at once with them interfering less on each other.

I'd be looking at other aspects of your spec before any CPU upgrade. How much RAM, what OS, what Graphics. Is the HD a bottleneck?

11-04-2009, 10:34

This is not really a needed upgrade. Yes it will give you quad core and may give you benefits in Graphics. A much more worthwhile upgrade would be to go for a Q9 quad over the Q6

As Rob says buy new PIB

Dai · 11-04-2009, 11:52

I'd personally NEVER buy a used CPU or mobo off eBay. I've heard too many horror stories from other people. New and from a near-100% powerseller is probably going to be OK but you do have a potential problem if it's DOA.