Help in understanding the better option of using a CPU QX9770 or Q9650 on Asus P5Q Pro Turbo for running ACAD etc...

[AGeor8]

Hi guys,

I know this might be a little outdated however I would still appreciate your help.

I have been trying to revive my dad's PC (which he is extremely fond of) as it had a faulty MB. The MB has been replaced with a ''refurbished''

Asus P5Q Pro Turbo motherboard, and new 4x 2GB Ballistix Ram.

Now I would like to purchase a refurbished processor for it and am hoping you can guide me on this:

I have the option of purchasing either an Intel core 2 extreme QX9770 or a Core 2 Quad Q9650.

They are both roughly the same price so it is not an issue.

My Dad uses this PC for running ACAD and Photoshop primarily and sometimes some basic video editing.

Could you help? I would like to understand which CPU is better.

I have looked at the stats and can only differentiate by comparing the numbers outright

For this illustration : X=QX9770, Q=Q9650

So for example:

X is 3.2 Ghz as opposed to 3 Ghz..(higher is better?).

X operates at a lower temperature than Q

X consumes more power than Q.

X is older than Q (6 months)

However in terms of performance and longetivity and the fact that they are both used, would it be safe to say that the QX9770 is the better CPU?

Could someone please be patient enough to educate me on the implications of these different specs.

Thank you for your time

Best

Andrew

[AP16]

Your Asus MB is based on P45 chipset, which was not officially support CPUs with FSP 1600, like QX9770 http://ark.intel.com/products/35133/Intel-82P45-Memory-Controller-Hub Intel® P45 Express Chipset (Intel® 82P45 Memory Controller Hub) Specifications . Its likely Asus made override in BIOS for such CPU support, and there can (and was http://www.overclock.net/t/1264652/asus-p5q-pro-turbo-cpu-upgrade-problem-advise-welcomed ASUS P5Q Pro Turbo CPU upgrade problem - advise welcomed ) be incompatibility issues.

[AGeor8]

Thanks JFFulcrum.

I read the thread from the ''CPU upgrade problem''. It seems like the guy sorted out the issue after increasing his voltage.

He was also running an earlier version of BIOS 0602. Now there is a https://www.asus.com/us/Motherboards/P5Q_PRO_Turbo/HelpDesk_CPU/â&# 128;&# 140; 0701 version which the QX9770 should work with.

According to Asus the Motherboard https://www.asus.com/us/Motherboards/P5Q_PRO_Turbo/HelpDesk_CPU/ supports the QX9770.

However, I am still interested in knowing which the better CPU is, even though I think the safer option for me is opting for the Q9650 (as I probably will ruin the PC if I start tweaking things)

Well look forward to any new input and thanks for your feedback JFFulcrum.

Cheers

[Anonymous]

Hi AndrewGS,

There are many variables to determine which processor is better. Now, in your case with processors with socket type 775; processors with better speed, more Cores more cache memory and more FSB will be the best option.

You want to build a desktop computer, so the power consumption is not very important; the power supply is always plugged to the outlet. The Intel® Core™2 Extreme Processor QX9770 (12M Cache, 3.20 GHz, 1600 MHz FSB) has a TDP of 163W; however, this is the maximum, the consumption depends on how much resources the system needs (application requirements).

A processor with lower temperature is better if you are planning to build a computer inside a small case (Low air flow). In your case the motherboard is a full ATX.

The best option is the Intel® Core™2 Extreme Processor QX9770, it has a FSB of 1600MHz and 3.2GHz.

Bear in mind the compatible memories are DDR2 1300/1200/1066/800/667 Non-ECC, maximum 16GB.

I suggest you to review motherboard specifications available at

https://www.asus.com/Motherboards/P5Q_PRO_Turbo/HelpDesk_CPU/ https://www.asus.com/Motherboards/P5Q_PRO_Turbo/HelpDesk_CPU/

Regards,

Mike C

[AGeor8]

Hi Mike C,

The information you gave sums it up nicely, Thank you.

I am still in 2 minds about whether to go for the QX9770 as I'm not sure if the QX9770 will run without having to go through complicated configurations.

Just fyi I am using 2 x http://eu.crucial.com/eur/en/p5q-pro-turbo/CT2417939# productDetails Crucial 4GB kit (2GBx2) DDR2 PC2-6400 Unbuffered NON-ECC 1.8V 256Meg x 64

Thank you again for your input.

Best regards

Andrew

[Anonymous]

Hi AndrewGS,

According to Asus website, you just need to update the BIOS. It is not necessary to do any other change. The memory controller is inside the motherboard.

Regards,

Mike C