Need help choosing new Processor!

[mmrajotte]

I'm in need of a new processor for my computer. I was trying to decide between two models. I use alot of Google Sketch Up and will be venturing into using a lot more Blender.

The two models I was trying to decide between are:

• Wolfdale based C2D e8400 which is a dual core 45nm 3.0ghz
  
• Conroe based C2D q6600 which is a quad core 65nm 2.4ghz

Keep in mind I am not an overclocker so either processor will stay at rated specs.

I am currently using a Core 2 Duo E6400 2.13ghz

[mmrajotte]

Figures I post this and then read this:

Intel debuts new chips

[mmrajotte]

Anyone?

[Mach Crit]

I just got the new Q9300 2.5Ghz quadcore. I also got 2 more GB of memory (I now have a total of 4GB). The new quadcore is EXTREMELY nice and runs quite well in blender. Since blender's render engine is all CPU driven having the 4 cores really speeds things up. The memory really didn't help much at all, since the motherboard really can only use 3GB and anything over that is reserved to remap the video card functions. There is a switch you can enable, but when I did that, it stopped recognizing my video card.

My biggest problem is that my P965 motherboard, while recognizing the proper speed and the 4 cores, doesn't understand the CPU identification and pauses during the BIOS bootup to tell me that a BIOS Upgrade (already on the newest for my Motherboard) would really help me get the full benefit of the unknown CPU. But, I just press F1 and keep on cruising.

All in All, for graphics heavy processing that requires the CPU, the 4 core is hard to beat. Q6600 is now around $230USD at Newegg. Q9300 is hovering around $290.

[mmrajotte]

What board do you have? I have a Asus P5B that is also P965 based as well....

[Mach Crit]

That's my board exactly. Well, P5B-E. I got the latest BIOS update (11/27/07) and it included support for the Q9450 and Q9550, but not the Q9300. It is supposed to support the Q6600, but the ASUS boards suggest that folks still get that "unknown CPU" error.

It still works well, it just has that annoying message and beep code. It also took 3 or 4 tries to get the bios to understand the 1333Mhz Frontside bus.

[Mach Crit]

Update: Asus just released another beta BIOS and it now recognizes my Q9300 CPU. The "unknown processor" beep code is now gone and all I have to do is figure out how to get the "CPU Fan Error!" to go away. Apparently, I have a nice couple of PWM (4 pin) fans and only 1 4pin connector on the MB. The chassis fan has this wierd attachment that lets you share the 4 pin connector with other fans. It even has a nice extra connector so it can send its RPM signal to a regular 3 pin connector. The problem is that one of the fans (can't figure out which) is now the CPU fan and spins really slow (430 RPM) and that freaks out the motherboard fan error. The system is nice and cool, but the error is annoying because it slows the boot up and freaks out the family when they use the PC.