CPU Advice

[CaldaRaric]

I need advice on which CPU to get for a new build. I will be gaming (mostly Age of Conan) and multitasking with Adobe Creative Suite 3 and web surfing and other non-gaming applications. I am looking at a Q6600 Intel CPU. Is this a good quad core? I have read on these forums that quad core does nothing for gaming, but would it be a good idea to get for the other things I will be using like the graphic design software and web browsing?

Another quick question: what is the difference between 32-bit OS and 64-bit?

[Alaron]

You used the magic word 'multitasking', that means you are a prime candidate for a QuadCore. For a purely gaming machine, Dual Cores are a better match, but for your uses, the Quad would be a good idea. Plus you can still game well on a quad.

As for the OS question, you can do a forum search for lots more discussion, but the short version is that the 64bit version will show all 4GB of RAM if its installed, while the 32bit version shows around 3GB but still uses all of the RAM it can. You might look into CS3's performance under the two versions to see if its worth it to go to 64bit.

[Doom]

If you're going to get a quad-core and have the budget... go up to a Q9300 Yorkfield as it's the 45nm line processor. That will mean less heat buildup than the older 6600. I have a Q9300 myself w/ 2x 9600GT GPU cards and can game with the best of them (Call of Duty 4 looks flawless and fluid)... plus, the quad core shines when you've got tons of applications and things going on at the same time.

[CaldaRaric]

Thanks for the advice!