E6700 vs E6600

[BouncingSoul]

I'm looking at both these cpu's on newegg.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...mpareItemList=N82E16819115002,N82E16819115003

As far as I can tell, they are identical aside from the 266mhz in speed difference. Having never owned a Core 2 Duo system before I'm wondering is that 266mhz worth the extra $94? Before anyone says anything, No, I'm not planning on overclocking it. After all my stuff breaks at its own pace, I don't need to help it along at all.

 

[Cilix]

Nope, I dont see any reason to spend another $100 for 266Mhz, but thats just my personal opinion. If you want some extra ump out of the processor, buy a better heatsink for $40.

 

[Tuffgong4]

Nope, I dont see any reason to spend another $100 for 266Mhz, but thats just my personal opinion. If you want some extra ump out of the processor, buy a better heatsink for $40.

100 percent correct. getting a good heatsink and fan can make that e6600 into much more than a e6700. These Core 2 Duos can overclock nicely without a lot of worry of damaging the cpu.

 

[BouncingSoul]

That was going to be my next question ... Is the stock cooling fan good enough? I've heard they run really hot but I can't imagine Intel would provide substandard cooling on their cpu's.

 

[Aprox]

I have heard that you can push them a decent amount even with the stock HSF. But I don't own one myself so take that with a grain of salt.

 

[LeeJend]

Standard fan is adequate for standard cooling. So if the case is well ventilated and the room temp is normal (72-78deg F) then the fan is fine.

Most likely you will be able to push the 6600 to 6700 level with the standard fan. The piddling little increase is a joke thermally as is the price delta economically.

 

[madmatt]

The stock HSF stinks. I'd recommend a ZALMAN 9500/9700 for best results.

BTW, I had the E6700 running with the stock HSF and now I have the E6700 running with a ZALMAN 9500. Much quieter and a lot cooler.

 

[Tuffgong4]

the stock hsf is fine for stock cooling, almost any decent $30+ hsf will easily get you to the e6700 performance with the e6600.

I would go with this Hyper TX
look at the bottom of the article for purchase links...

 

[mfarley]

Another Zalman user here. =) Word to the wise though, maybe spend an additional $3 and get a good thermal paste. I know I didn't and regret it.

 

[Tuffgong4]

good thermal paste is so under-rated, even adding good thermal paste to a stock hsf is a pretty big difference.

 

[Shamus MacNoob]

I say E6600 and good paste and Zalman, cant go wrong with that combo !

 

[BouncingSoul]

So what's a good thermal paste? I've still got some Arctic Silver that I used on my last system. Is that still good?

 

[Tuffgong4]

I don't know how long the stuff stays good but if it still has the same consistency it should still be good.

 

[Shamus MacNoob]

AS is the best paste ... it should be fine

 

[indyjones]

Artic Silver is a good thermal paste, but also look into the new Zalman ZM-STG1 thermal gease performs the same as the AS paste and is a damn site easier to apply 🙂 Worth considering.... http://www.bigbruin.com/2006/supergrease_1 <- random review googled