CPU upgrade

I’m looking to swap out my processor, but after spending two hours down this rabbit hole, I feel like I’m understanding less and less with every new model name and codename I encounter. It turns out just because something is "faster" doesn't mean it's actually an improvement for my specific setup.

Here’s the gist:

My motherboard is an ASUS motherboard, and these are the supported processors

Right now, I’m running an Intel Core 2 Duo E5300. Compared to the Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600, mine is technically newer, pulls less power, and actually wins in single-core performance—which covers most of what I do. So, how do I choose? Any advice would be a lifesaver. 🙂

To give you some context, Adobe Photoshop is my main heavy hitter, but I definitely don't want to go broke trying to hunt down an Intel Core 2 Extreme QX9775. Thanks!

PS. I did find this one: the E6800. It’s from the same family and uses the same architecture and power draw as mine, just with a higher clock speed.
I’d love to move up to a quad-core, but honestly, it feels like everything for the 775 socket is basically ancient history—huge power hogs that run incredibly hot.

So, should you go for a quad-core or just skip the upgrade entirely? Honestly, you might just end up throwing money down the drain—if there's even a noticeable difference to begin with...

You'll definitely get the most bang for your buck with a Core 2 Quad Q6600, and you'll actually feel the difference compared to an E5300. Plus, they aren't exactly expensive. They don't run too hot or pull an excessive amount of power either.
If you want something a step up from that, look for a Core 2 Duo E8400 or better; those are also around $67, and while the upgrade will be noticeable, you won't feel a massive leap until you jump to a quad-core processor.

The Core 2 Duo E8400 is actually pretty solid—it’s got that 6MB cache and I can overclock it more easily than the Core 2 Duo E6800—but my motherboard won't support anything higher than a 1066 FSB, and this one is rated for 1333. Honestly, might just be throwing money down the drain here.
The Core 2 Quad Q6600 packs 8MB of cache, though it lacks hyperthreading, and it's an older chip that pulls 105W compared to the 65W of those previous ones (is that extra cache and hyperthreading really such a game changer?). I'm also not entirely sure how much headroom I actually have left, since my power supply is only 400W.
http://www.cpu-world.com/Compare/495...ore_E5300.html

PS. According to what's listed here, running a Q6600 would put me at 392W out of my 400W total. That's assuming I don't plug in an external USB hard drive or any other small peripherals. What do you guys recommend?

Honestly, I’d probably go with the $283 Pentium G4560 + H110 combo with 4GB of RAM for about $283 instead of dropping 400-$150 on an old s775 quad core. 🙂

The G1820 is actually slightly better than an E8400, 8500, or 8600.

Plus, you actually have the option to upgrade to some beastly s1150 processor later on.

I guess the real question is whether you're running a SATA HDD or if you're still stuck with (P)ATA...

crimsonstag84 said:Personally, I’d probably just grab a Pentium G4560 + H110 combo with 4GB of RAM for about $283 $283 rather than dropping 400 to $150 on some old LGA 775 quad-core setup. 🙂

The G1820 is actually a bit more capable than an E8400, 8500, or 8600, I guess.

Plus, you actually have a path to upgrade to a really beastly s1150 processor later on.

The only thing to consider is whether you're still running a SATA HDD or if you're stuck with (P)ATA...

Definitely. You can get a Celeron G1610 brand new with a three-year warranty, integrated graphics that handle HD movies just fine, and a cooler included $77 🙏
It seems like a steal considering everything you get, and eventually, that same socket lets you pop in an i3, i5, or i7 processor.

Ryan Hayes82 said:For sure. A Pentium G4560 + H110 setup is cheap, comes with a 3-year warranty, decent integrated graphics for HD movies, and includes a cooler. $77 🙏
It's a steal considering everything you get, plus that same socket lets you swap in an i3, i5, or i7 later on.

Yeah, because everyone’s definitely going to pair an i5 or i7 with some bottom-tier junk motherboard. $100 🙄 😛

Regarding the Core 2 Quad Q6600, I would hunt for the G0 version with the 95W TDP for about $300, max $117. I wouldn't go a penny higher. The E8X00 series is actually quite affordable if you have a compatible motherboard, but since yours isn't, your upgrade path is extremely limited.
The idea of a total overhaul isn't bad at all. $800-$850 isn't a massive amount to spend; for that price, you get a decent $100 (CPU/Motherboard) plus $17 per GB of RAM, and you walk away with brand-new components backed by a full warranty 🙂

Robert Rodriguez2 said:People will definitely try to slap an i5 or even an i7 onto a bottom-tier motherboard for $100 🙄😛

Why not? If they aren't planning on overclocking, they don't need SATA 3, USB 3.0, or extra PCIe/DDR3 slots. Personally, I wouldn't opt for anything better than a basic H81 board either.

crimsonstag84 said:Personally, I’d rather grab a Pentium G4560 + H110 combo with 4GB of RAM for about $283 $283 than drop 400-$150 on an old s775 quad core. 🙂

Core 2 Quad Q6600 on eBay $90 🙂

Ryan Hayes82 said:Absolutely. A brand new Celeron G1610 comes with a 3-year warranty, integrated graphics that handle HD movies just fine, and a cooler $77 🙏
—it's practically a steal considering everything you get. Plus, that same socket lets you eventually swap in an i3, i5, or i7 later on.

Joseph Barrett said:Regarding the Q6600, if I were looking, I'd hunt for the G0 version—the one with the 95W TDP—for maybe up to $300, $117 but honestly, I wouldn't go a cent higher than
.

Well, this is my final push with this current rig. My plan is to take that Q6600, bump the RAM up to 8GB, and toss in a small SSD just to keep the essentials running smoothly through the end of the year (all for about $233). Then, next year, I'm going all out with a beastly Octa Core, 32GB of RAM, and an NVIDIA RTX Titan. It's what I really need for work 😁

I’m actually all for crimsonstag84's idea... I mean, you can't deny there's something special about something being brand new 😉

I’ve been looking over this idea for a bit... and honestly, I have to admit, it makes more sense. There’s really no point in trying to max out an old rig when a modern entry-level build actually outperforms it for the same price tag.
I think I'll just stick with what I've got for a while longer—it'll get me through. Once it finally gives up the ghost, I'll take that $700-$267 and put it toward a completely new

It’s probably better this way... Honestly, just save up your cash and you can grab a whole new motherboard, an Intel Core i9, and some RAM all at once.