I'm looking into an upgrade of my system soon, which is now an AMD X2 4200+ with 2 gigs of RAM on an ASUS I-don't-care-which-type mobo. Gonna be switching to an MSI mobo with 4 gigs of DDR-800 RAM and a new CPU. For the latter I have two options: an Intel E8500 or an Intel Q6600.

Right now I'm still rooting for the E8500 as it gives more per core (3.16 pc vs 2.6 pc) which I think is better for rendering, but if there's other opinions, I'd like to hear them. Btw, I don't game at all, if that's of any importance.

Re: graphic design: Core Duo or Quad-core?

i have that processor and i use photoshop and illsutrator i dont think you need that much power for those or 3d rendering maybe a video card can help you out.....

i do play games...so i will go for the dual core for you...best price for your need i guess

Re: graphic design: Core Duo or Quad-core?

What's the FSB on each of those?

Re: graphic design: Core Duo or Quad-core?

E8500 [url]http://processorfinder.intel.com/details.aspx?sSpec=SLAPK[/url] Q6600 [url]http://processorfinder.intel.com/details.aspx?sSpec=SLACR[/url]

Re: graphic design: Core Duo or Quad-core?

Isn't that E8500 pretty cheap nowadays too?

Re: graphic design: Core Duo or Quad-core?

Think I'd plump for the E8500 if I was put on the spot. Faster clock speed and FSB will give you a better system. I don't think the benefits of the 6600 being a quaddie would outweigh that as it wouldn't be took advantage of right now.

You could probably overclock that dual core to silly levels as well if you wanted.

Re: graphic design: Core Duo or Quad-core?

buy a real computer... Apple <MacBook Pro or Pro Desktop.

Re: graphic design: Core Duo or Quad-core?

He is looking to buy a real computer. It's tangible. [url]www.dictionary.com[/url] Try it. ;)

Re: graphic design: Core Duo or Quad-core?

[quote=scifi pi;693163]buy a real computer... Apple <MacBook Pro or Pro Desktop.[/quote]

i think apple desktops are overrated, they are crap. I mean comparing to what you can build with the same amount of money. If you are looking for laptops, Apple all the way. You can install windows on those fkers and it runs smoother than on any pc laptop. Plus the design and hardware is quite nice also.

Re: graphic design: Core Duo or Quad-core?

Haha, thanx for the input guys. I am typing this with a new Core Duo E8500 working for me, and I love it so far. Gonna get me a bigger cooler to make it quiet down a little, but performance has been superfast so far.

@Si: I've already worked with the Q6600 and it really hasn't impressed me one bit, this dual core is actually faster than that Q I've had at work. You're quite right about software not taking advantage of the 4 cores (except 3D rendering, it's the only case I've ever seen it at work).

@Scifi: can't afford an iMac now, but am working with a "24 intel CD 2,80 Mac at the studio. So I am well aware of the differences ;-).

@Ganjamo: I guess it all depends on where you priorities are...I see the good sides in both kind of systems, but have to admit that I'd love Windows to be able to recognize >3 gig of ram (which means it should be 64 bit always) and to have the same controls Mac OS leopard has. I think it is more intuitive.

Hardware-wise...apple = paying for design. Get a PC with the same components and you pay half. :D

Re: graphic design: Core Duo or Quad-core?

I had an e6300 and switched to a q6000. The only thing that I significantly noticed was being able to render video faster with video editing and be able to minimize games I was playing instantly and being able to open other applications simultaneously while playing high end games. As for photoshop it didn't really seem to change anything even working with numerous files with large pixel or pica areas. So I don't think it really matters that much especially since the q6600 2.4 ghz vs 1.86ghz. I thought there would be a more noticable difference with the quad core.