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    help me pick a CPU for gaming please

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by Phoenix888, Aug 6, 2009.

  1. Phoenix888

    Phoenix888 Notebook Enthusiast

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    This is for the Alienware M17x, comes with 4G RAM and NVIDIA GTX 280m in SLi.
    Which CPU should I get for gaming? Will I notice a big difference considering the big difference in price? Should I go for quad instead?

    Intel Duo P8600 2.4GHz (3MB Cache, 1066MHz FSB) [Included]
    Intel Duo P8700 2.53GHz (3MB Cache, 1066MHz FSB) [add $50]
    Intel Duo T9600 2.8GHz (6MB Cache, 1066MHz FSB) [add $200]
    Intel Duo T9800 2.93GHz (6MB Cache, 1066MHz FSB) [add $450]
     
    Phoenix888, Aug 6, 2009
    #1
  2. moral hazard

    moral hazard Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    I would either take the P8600 or the T9600 and overclock if you want the same speed as the T9800.
     
    moral hazard, Aug 6, 2009
    #2
  3. garetjax

    garetjax NBR Freelance Reviewer NBR Reviewer

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    The videocard you choose will have a much more prominent effect on gaming performance than your CPU.
     
    garetjax, Aug 6, 2009
    #3
  4. sgogeta4

    sgogeta4 Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    The P8600 will be fine. It's not worth upgrading since performance benefit is negligible.
     
    sgogeta4, Aug 6, 2009
    #4
  5. Deks

    Deks Notebook Prophet

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    Stick with P8600 unless you have the ability to jump to a quad core (and do this only if you intend on doing something akin to 3d art that requires a lot of cpu power).
    :D
    The speed differential is negligible in games for the most part for the prices as you stated them.
    P8600 will do you just fine ... focus on the gpu instead.
     
    Deks, Aug 6, 2009
    #5
  6. spradhan01

    spradhan01 Notebook Virtuoso

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    Just get a SLI 260m or 280m and just get any CPU from the list. It doesnot matter as games are GPU hungry rather than CPU hungry.
     
    spradhan01, Aug 6, 2009
    #6
  7. sean473

    sean473 Notebook Prophet

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    Get the SLI and a P8600. If ur a comp expert, buy a QX9300 of e bay or somewhere and install it. It will save u $600.
     
    sean473, Aug 7, 2009
    #7