Quad core conroe / 8800 GTX

Zardon · Feb 28, 2007, 12:20 AM

Not really sure this is exciting anymore but here are a few sandra benchies of my Quad system which I basically have to play the upcoming games this year. Just nice air cooling (and a very quiet system too). We at Driver Heaven love these cpus ! stu has his on vapo at 4.2ghz..... tasty.....

ChaosMinionX · Feb 28, 2007, 01:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zardon

Not really sure this is exciting anymore but here are a few sandra benchies of my Quad system which I basically have to play the upcoming games this year. Just nice air cooling (and a very quiet system too). We at Driver Heaven love these cpus ! stu has his on vapo at 4.2ghz..... tasty.....

What batch chip did ya get Z?

**temeteus82** · Feb 28, 2007, 08:47 AM

Nice

makes me wish that I had the money to get one ....

Zardon · Feb 28, 2007, 09:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChaosMinionX

What batch chip did ya get Z?

To be honest man I never looked at the stepping, its a Q6600 (2.4ghz) overclocked on air to 2.8ghz. nice processors if a little expensive.

GutterPunk · Feb 28, 2007, 12:56 PM

Nice Z
This is the reason why I bought a c2d for now, and when Quads get cheaper I'll upgrade.

You think the OCZ GameXStream 850 will handle 2x 8800gtx in your case?

Zardon · Feb 28, 2007, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GutterPunk

Nice Z
This is the reason why I bought a c2d for now, and when Quads get cheaper I'll upgrade.

You think the OCZ GameXStream 850 will handle 2x 8800gtx in your case?

yeah it does, ive two 8800's here, however im not that keen on SLI in vista right now. im sure it will improve soon though.

GutterPunk · Feb 28, 2007, 02:44 PM

Thanks

I wish I would have switched to the OCZ, I got the enermax galaxy 1Kw instead

dipstick · Feb 28, 2007, 03:34 PM

Nice cpu Z, those quads are killer. I'm hoping to jump on the same boat by the end of the year if all goes well but them benches make it hard to resist pulling out the plastic lol

Btw GutterPunk, I've popped my GTX in my bros AMD sys and it's 600w ate up two in SLI like it was nothing. You should be more than fine; the enermax is a great unit

Edit- Btw Z, does that Intel mobo support SLI? That'd be sweet!!

Zardon · Feb 28, 2007, 04:55 PM

Yeah the abit mobo is SLI, but Im not running it in SLI as I dont really think I need the benefits just yet in vista, and the nvidia drivers arent that solid yet with SLI. single card is fast enough.

I mean the figures above are pretty easy to get, I havent pushed the graphics card at all, its running stock but im not really a big believer in running GFX cards massively overspec on air 24/7.

its just a quad 6600 running 400mhz over the default (2.8) with a nice quiet zalman cooler on 1.4volts.

Im really liking vista, i saw gains in supreme commander over XP.

Judas · Feb 28, 2007, 05:17 PM

your seeing gains to?

I swear half the people i've told that Vista is showing actually a pretty nice improvement over xp thought i was absalutely nutz.

I'm still finding crossfire to show fairly significant visual performance just within vista lone, the aero effects and whatnot look WAY smoother then without them. I'd really like to see how well SLI works.

Another thing i'm thoroughly enjoying in Vista is that every single 3D application starts nearly instantaniously, even with crossfire (crossfire would cause a lot longer load times for everything). And that every 3D app can't be tabbed out of without a hitch. XP has a habit of not liking this sometimes.

dipstick · Feb 28, 2007, 05:50 PM

Nice, I will definitely look into Abit boards if they can do SLI (nice to have the option) as I refuse to run anything without an Intel chipset. I have honestly forgotten what a bsod looks like and I'd like to keep it that way

As for vista, I have been using it as my only os for the past month and have nothing but good things to say about it. I haven't tried supreme commander but FSX definitely runs better. Also i say this a lot but even though my max fps are lower in most games, there is a certain smoothness to game play which I was not able to experience with the same hardware in XP.

Zardon · Feb 28, 2007, 06:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Judas

your seeing gains to?.

not always, but certainly some of the newer games, up to 10% FPS in cases. I also agree with dipstick, quite a few are running "smoother", with less dips. I believe some of this is down to vistas superior multi core CPU implementation.

Neshi · Feb 28, 2007, 10:56 PM

im wondering how much improvement do you see with the 4 cores then just a dual core? I mean, all i heared was that a quadcore would be only benefical with heavy videomodding and editing and that sorts of thing.. but its showing improvement with gaming over a dual core too?

Judas · Mar 1, 2007, 12:38 AM

two is better then one, and 4 is better then 2........

i think with vista's many services and handling capabilities, i think it won't be long till see see more cores yet.

Lowfat · Mar 1, 2007, 04:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GutterPunk

Thanks

I wish I would have switched to the OCZ, I got the enermax galaxy 1Kw instead

nothing wrong with a Galaxy man. Personally i think it is the best PSU out there.

Lowfat · Mar 1, 2007, 04:18 AM

The only improvement I've seen so far with Quad Cores in Supreme Commander. Although I am sure in the near future it will be become more and more useful.

Zardon · Mar 1, 2007, 10:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lowfat

The only improvement I've seen so far with Quad Cores in Supreme Commander. Although I am sure in the near future it will be become more and more useful.

Yeah for gaming not many are using four cpus/cores yet. Has a lot of other benefits in vista though..... Photoshop CS2 is a monster with 4 cores.

Zardon · Mar 1, 2007, 10:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GutterPunk

Thanks

I wish I would have switched to the OCZ, I got the enermax galaxy 1Kw instead

Thats a good PSU, are you experiencing problems mate? the only reason I got a gamexstream was I had brilliant success with a lower end model last year and this one seems even better.

Zelig · Mar 1, 2007, 04:20 PM

Do you actually notice a difference with the 400 MHz overclock? If so, mostly in single core apps, or in multi-threaded apps as well?

ChaosMinionX · Mar 1, 2007, 06:35 PM

I love my GameXstream 700w, solid little PSU. However almost seems like theres too many cables at times haha

Zardon · Mar 1, 2007, 07:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zelig

Do you actually notice a difference with the 400 MHz overclock? If so, mostly in single core apps, or in multi-threaded apps as well?

not really to be honest, it benchmarks higher, then again quite often overclocking is just for benchmarks right? if people were being honest I think quite a few would agree. I mean an ideal example would be the P4 I had at 5ghz, I really noticed virtually no difference doing the majority of tasks......... one thing i always notice gains though, especially moving from dual core to quad is in photoshop. that application is a prime example of why artists should upgrade to quad core.

I mean im really tame now, I used to run a promethia system, then vapo, but i am really not into the whole scene like I used to be - cascades etc...... i still like getting a few hundred mhz out of a cpu though for very little work.

Lelisevis · Mar 1, 2007, 08:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChaosMinionX

I love my GameXstream 700w, solid little PSU. However almost seems like theres too many cables at times haha

Must have been one of the lucky ones without the fan running 100% all the time. I have no confidence in OCZ products at all though there customer services and support team are brilliant. Soon as im back on track i'll be binning this OCZ 700W and trying out a BFG model.
Curious as to the inbuilt Vista performance scores people are getting. Im maxed in all areas at 5.9 apart from processor at 5.5. What you getting with yours Zardon et al?
Oh and Zardon the thought of that poor GTX graphics card sitting unloved on your desk shocks me, send it over so I can compare it to my 8800GTS

. I'll look after it.

Lowfat · Mar 1, 2007, 09:33 PM

I have a OCZ 700W, and the only problem I had was the fan is too loud. So I replaced it with a Yate Loon 120mm

Lelisevis · Mar 1, 2007, 09:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lowfat

I have a OCZ 700W, and the only problem I had was the fan is too loud. So I replaced it with a Yate Loon 120mm

Heh replaced mine with an Akasa Amber 120mm. Trouble is I think it's a fan controller issue rather than the fan so it's still spins fast but a whole lot quieter.
Back on topic I wonder if the quadcore K8L's will fit in a standard AM2 socket, I seem to remember that was the intention and promise from AMD.

Zardon · Mar 2, 2007, 12:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lelisevis

Im maxed in all areas at 5.9 apart from processor at 5.5. What you getting with yours Zardon et al?.

Judas · Mar 2, 2007, 12:35 AM

They REALLY need to remove the limits on the caculations.. i mean half the hardrives today can score a solid 5.9 easily... well at least a bunch of the maxtor and seagate 7200.10 sata 2 drives.

Zelig · Mar 2, 2007, 12:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Judas

They REALLY need to remove the limits on the caculations.. i mean half the hardrives today can score a solid 5.9 easily... well at least a bunch of the maxtor and seagate 7200.10 sata 2 drives.

MS is planning on adding a new level (so up to 6.9 for the next go-around, then 7.9, etc.) every so often (12-18 months IIRC).

Zardon · Mar 2, 2007, 12:57 AM

well lets be honest Judas, its a crap system, its just a general overview for the masses to roughly place their system into a category.

Lelisevis · Mar 2, 2007, 01:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zardon

well lets be honest Judas, its a crap system, its just a general overview for the masses to roughly place their system into a category.

Yep but it has it's uses for example I quickly noticed my Maxtor 9 200gb sata1 was only getting 4.5. Without that tool it would have been a case of running multiple tests to locate the reason for my slow transfers and start-up.

Zardon · Mar 2, 2007, 09:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lelisevis

Yep but it has it's uses for example I quickly noticed my Maxtor 9 200gb sata1 was only getting 4.5. Without that tool it would have been a case of running multiple tests to locate the reason for my slow transfers and start-up.

Well thankfully they changed the hard drive benchmarking from just size to a combination of size and performance. However a dedicated tool like hdtach is much more accurate IMO. still I guess as you say it has its purposes as a quick overview.

Feb 28, 2007, 12:20 AM	#1
Zardon DriverHeaven Founder Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 32,480 Rep Power: 179	Quad core conroe / 8800 GTX Not really sure this is exciting anymore but here are a few sandra benchies of my Quad system which I basically have to play the upcoming games this year. Just nice air cooling (and a very quiet system too). We at Driver Heaven love these cpus ! stu has his on vapo at 4.2ghz..... tasty.....

Feb 28, 2007, 12:56 PM	#5
GutterPunk I = Greatest Dood Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Nebraska Posts: 5,949 Rep Power: 71	Nice Z This is the reason why I bought a c2d for now, and when Quads get cheaper I'll upgrade. You think the OCZ GameXStream 850 will handle 2x 8800gtx in your case? __________________ Rock On \m/ Thank you Mousey for the Sig! --------------- Intel Core2Duo E6660 (3.4GHZ) ~ Tuniq Tower 120 ~ Enermax Galaxy 1000W ~ Corsair Dominator @ 1090MHZ 5-5-5-15 (OCZ XTC Modded Cooler)~ EVGA 8800GTX W/ HR-03 Plus 120MM ~ Asus DVD-RW LiteScribe ~ LG DVD-RW ~ Corsair Voyager 2GB ReadyBoost Drive ~ Vantec Nexus Fan Controller ~ ThermalTake Armor 25CM fan ~ Personal Finance Blog: Dent Your Debt

Feb 28, 2007, 02:44 PM	#7
GutterPunk I = Greatest Dood Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Nebraska Posts: 5,949 Rep Power: 71	Thanks I wish I would have switched to the OCZ, I got the enermax galaxy 1Kw instead __________________ Rock On \m/ Thank you Mousey for the Sig! --------------- Intel Core2Duo E6660 (3.4GHZ) ~ Tuniq Tower 120 ~ Enermax Galaxy 1000W ~ Corsair Dominator @ 1090MHZ 5-5-5-15 (OCZ XTC Modded Cooler)~ EVGA 8800GTX W/ HR-03 Plus 120MM ~ Asus DVD-RW LiteScribe ~ LG DVD-RW ~ Corsair Voyager 2GB ReadyBoost Drive ~ Vantec Nexus Fan Controller ~ ThermalTake Armor 25CM fan ~ Personal Finance Blog: Dent Your Debt

Feb 28, 2007, 10:56 PM	#13
Neshi S.N.A.F.U. Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Wellington, NZ Posts: 3,386 Rep Power: 183 System Specs	im wondering how much improvement do you see with the 4 cores then just a dual core? I mean, all i heared was that a quadcore would be only benefical with heavy videomodding and editing and that sorts of thing.. but its showing improvement with gaming over a dual core too? __________________ If one does not attach himself to people and desire, never shall his heart be broken. But then, does he ever truly live? Life is just too damn short for if's and maybe's

Mar 1, 2007, 04:20 PM	#19
Zelig HardwareHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Canada Posts: 3,187 Rep Power: 71 System Specs	Do you actually notice a difference with the 400 MHz overclock? If so, mostly in single core apps, or in multi-threaded apps as well? __________________ --

Feb 28, 2007, 03:34 PM	#8
dipstick HardwareHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: USA Posts: 3,609 Rep Power: 71 System Specs	Nice cpu Z, those quads are killer. I'm hoping to jump on the same boat by the end of the year if all goes well but them benches make it hard to resist pulling out the plastic lol Btw GutterPunk, I've popped my GTX in my bros AMD sys and it's 600w ate up two in SLI like it was nothing. You should be more than fine; the enermax is a great unit Edit- Btw Z, does that Intel mobo support SLI? That'd be sweet!!

Feb 28, 2007, 04:55 PM	Thread Starter #9
Zardon DriverHeaven Founder Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 32,480 Rep Power: 179	Yeah the abit mobo is SLI, but Im not running it in SLI as I dont really think I need the benefits just yet in vista, and the nvidia drivers arent that solid yet with SLI. single card is fast enough. I mean the figures above are pretty easy to get, I havent pushed the graphics card at all, its running stock but im not really a big believer in running GFX cards massively overspec on air 24/7. its just a quad 6600 running 400mhz over the default (2.8) with a nice quiet zalman cooler on 1.4volts. Im really liking vista, i saw gains in supreme commander over XP.

Feb 28, 2007, 05:50 PM	#11
dipstick HardwareHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: USA Posts: 3,609 Rep Power: 71 System Specs	Nice, I will definitely look into Abit boards if they can do SLI (nice to have the option) as I refuse to run anything without an Intel chipset. I have honestly forgotten what a bsod looks like and I'd like to keep it that way As for vista, I have been using it as my only os for the past month and have nothing but good things to say about it. I haven't tried supreme commander but FSX definitely runs better. Also i say this a lot but even though my max fps are lower in most games, there is a certain smoothness to game play which I was not able to experience with the same hardware in XP.

Mar 1, 2007, 04:18 AM	#16
Lowfat Xtreme Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Grande Prairie, AB, Can Posts: 4,254 Rep Power: 101	The only improvement I've seen so far with Quad Cores in Supreme Commander. Although I am sure in the near future it will be become more and more useful.

Mar 1, 2007, 06:35 PM	#20
ChaosMinionX USB 3 dot oh Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Boston, MA Posts: 1,911 Rep Power: 47 System Specs	I love my GameXstream 700w, solid little PSU. However almost seems like theres too many cables at times haha __________________ ::Heatware:: How you can help DriverHeaven by using Digg!

Mar 1, 2007, 09:33 PM	#23
Lowfat Xtreme Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Grande Prairie, AB, Can Posts: 4,254 Rep Power: 101	I have a OCZ 700W, and the only problem I had was the fan is too loud. So I replaced it with a Yate Loon 120mm

Mar 2, 2007, 12:57 AM	Thread Starter #28
Zardon DriverHeaven Founder Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 32,480 Rep Power: 179	well lets be honest Judas, its a crap system, its just a general overview for the masses to roughly place their system into a category.