Processor upgrade for FSX!!!

[BuzzDatAzz]

I have a intel 1.8 dual core LGA775, and it is not enough for FSX, it is Christmas time and I can afford an upgrade,

OK.................Did some searching and I need some opinions here we go:

Choice 1:

 Processor - 1 x Intel Core 2 Duo E6850 / 3 GHz ( 1333 MHz ) will this FSB matter if I am running at 1066 now?

Choice 2:

 Processor - 1 x Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 / 2.4 GHz ( 1066 MHz ) FSB matches what I have now

OK guys chop em up! Please let me know which one you think would be better overall not just for FSX! Thanks a MILLION for your  help!!!

[ctjoyce]

Before we do any upgrading I need to know what motherboard you have. You could buy the best chip on the market, but if your motherboard can't support it then its wasted money.

Cheers
Cameron

[BuzzDatAzz]

My bad, here are my Specs:

My Specs:

Vista Home Premium (32bit)
Gateway GT5468
MoBo: ECS 945GCT M3 (Intel)
Dual Core Intel 1.8 @3.6Ghz 800FSB I Think
2 GB Ram
8800 gts (320)MB
400GB HD
Sync Master 19" @ 1440x900

FSX:
SP1 & SP2 Acceleration

Thank You Much!!!  ;)

[BuzzDatAzz]

I went to that link you gave and it says that it can fastest CPU it can support is:

Intel Core 2 Duo X6800 (B2)

[Keep It Simple]

[quote]I went to that link you gave and it says that it can fastest CPU it can support is:

Intel Core 2 Duo X6800 (B2)

[ctjoyce]

Well you may have a problem. You have an Intel 945GC chipset. Which should accept a 1066mhz FSB processor, however you have a locked OEM BIOS which is set to 800mhz. This being the case you may not be able to use any of the Conroe core Intel processors. This being the case the best upgrade you could make would be to a E4600 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6819115032 Now this will definately imporve your overall system preformance due to its doubbled cache and faster core clock.

One last question before we make the final decision and buy a chip. Download CPU-z http://www.cpuid.com/cpuz.php and click the motherboard tab. Tell me the make and model of the board.  With this I can find the full list of supported processors for your BIOS.

BIOS updates help too http://support.gateway.com/support/driv ... =181056264

Cheers
Cameron

[BuzzDatAzz]

OK,

Make: ELITEGROUP

Model: 945GCT M3

Chipset: i945G/GZ

Also under the CPU tab I noticed that it shows the FSB speed and it says "rated FSB 800mhz". However, it does say Conroe on the processor name.

I can' t thank you enough for your help!!!

[ctjoyce]

The E2x series are actually a Conroe L not a Conroe. The difference is the slower FSB, and 1/4th the L2 Cache. Its the Porsche 944 if you will, its got a Porsche emblem on it, but its only gout about 1/4th the performance of the 911.

Anyway looking through the manufactures website it looks like the best processor you can run would be a E6700, or the X6800, however spending more on a processor than you did on the entire computer is just stupid. So going with the E6700 or E6600 would be the best choice. The E66 and 67 are the same exact chip, the E67 just has a faster core clock.

Cheers
Cameron

[BuzzDatAzz]

I really am leaning towards the x68 howver is there a way to "unlock" my bios so that I can push the fsb to 1066 or will the x68 automatically respect the 800 fsb speed and slow down?

Also I am worried about the power consumption of the x68 I have a 300w right now and it runs fine even withthe 8800 gts, but I hoping that the more powerful processor doesn't cause power issues. What do you think?

as far as cost you have to figure I have a 8800 gts, which costs a pretty penny, might as well get it all up to speed now and get it over with rather than having to to tweak FSX more that I play it, you know.

Thanks again for all your help!!!

[ctjoyce]

To review here are your choices.

Core 2 Extreme X6800 $975
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6819115001

Core 2 Duo E6700 $320
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... &Tpk=E6700

Core 2 Duo E6600 $235
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6819115003

Cheers
Cameron