A dilemma

n0rd1c · #1 (**permalink**) September 24, 2008, 04:23 PM

I'm in quite a dilemma at the moment... I'm building my first ever rig, upgrading from an old Athlon XP desktop. I had chosen the q6600 as my processor, but after looking around, I can get a newer e8400 for about 20 dollars cheaper.

I'll be running linux as my main OS while using windows for gaming. I compile the bulk of my software from source. One advantage I thought that a quad core would have would be to compile code at a much faster speed than a dual core. But after reading up on the GCC compiler, I'm not sure if it's even multithreaded.

Another thing I've noticed, is it would probably be best to use a P45 motherboard with the newer proccesor, but that I can get by with just using a p35 for the older quad. A benefit I see with that, is that a lot of P45 motherboards such as the EP45-DS3L, come equipped with a TPM(Trusted Platform Module.) As an advocate of internet anonymity, and given the possibilities of the TPM chip being used as a way to identify a user online, and to restrict what software that user can use, and how they use software and other digital meda, I'd prefer not to purchase a motherboard with such capabilities.

While keeping in mind that I don't plan on overclocking what so ever, what would you guys recommend?

n0rd1c · #2 (**permalink**) September 24, 2008, 05:30 PM

The AMD 6000+ x2 is only 99 bucks canadian... If I get that, I could get a better monitor, mouse,keyboard and speakers.

Would that be an alright choice?

JD · #3 (**permalink**) September 24, 2008, 06:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by n0rd1c

The AMD 6000+ x2 is only 99 bucks canadian... If I get that, I could get a better monitor, mouse,keyboard and speakers.

Would that be an alright choice?

Intel is definitely a better route IMO.

Not saying that the AMD is bad by any means, but I find that AM2 motherboards have a lot less choice compared to LGA775 motherboards, but if you can find one that you like then go for it I suppose. Anything will be faster than what you have now.

**Eldonko** · #4 (**permalink**) September 24, 2008, 06:35 PM

I would go with 8400, it will be 600Mhz faster than the quad plus the extra L2 cache. You can get a budget board to save a few dollars, there are decent ones for less that $100.