Is there a noticable difference between Q9550 E0/C1? Whats the best heatsink for this

[Reanimation_LP]

Trying to figure it out, hoping maybe someone can chime in and give me a bit of advice.

I'm looking at the Intel Core2 Quad Q9550 processor, to be paired with a Gigabyte EP45-UD3P http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128358 and 8GB of G.skill DDR2 1066 RAM, using a Corsair 850w PSU and a Sapphire Radeon X4850X2.

I am hoping to hit 3.6-4.0GHz on air, using my Antec 900.

I see that there is two different steppings of this CPU, and I'm wondering what the real big differences are in overclocking, and where I can guarantee I'm getting an E0 if it is the much better CPU.

I also have no idea what a decent heatsink is for this processor. I am budgeting around 40-60 for the heatsink/fan assembly.

I'm hoping some of you can help me get this all completely figured out, so I can finally retire my PentiumD 805 / ATI Radeon X1950 Pro rig.

 

[Jean-Claude]

I'm in the same boat as you; started a similar thread:

http://www.hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=1392828&highlight=q9550

I've seen 3.6-3.8's and 4.0 plus achieved over on some other forums- mostly c1's; both air and water. Hunt/google around and you'll find a lot of info.

I'll be using a Tuniq Tower or a TT Spin Q in either a 900 or a Skeleton (depends on whether I do a complete pull from the current 900 setup and swap over to the Skeleton).

 

[Zero82z]

E0s are definitely better overclockers. C1s generally top out at 3.8GHz stable on air cooling, whereas E0 chips tend to reach 4-4.2GHz or better at the same or better voltages. I don't know about guaranteeing that you'll get an E0, but most of the chips currently in the channel are E0s now anyway, so there's a pretty good chance that you'll get one. Even if you do end up with a C1, you'll still have a good chance of hitting 3.8GHz though (and 3.6GHz is pretty much guaranteed).

As for the heatsink, the Xigmatek HDT-S1283 is a great choice. Pair it with the bolt-through kit and it'll fit nicely in the lower range of your budget, while providing performance almost as good as the Thermalright Ultra-120 Extreme, which is generally regarded as the best air cooler available (albeit considerably more expensive than the Xigmatek). Another good option would be the OCZ Vendetta 2 (not the original Vendetta though).

 

[setter]

E0s are definitely better overclockers. C1s generally top out at 3.8GHz stable on air cooling, whereas E0 chips tend to reach 4-4.2GHz or better at the same or better voltages. I don't know about guaranteeing that you'll get an E0, but most of the chips currently in the channel are E0s now anyway, so there's a pretty good chance that you'll get one. Even if you do end up with a C1, you'll still have a good chance of hitting 3.8GHz though (and 3.6GHz is pretty much guaranteed).

As for the heatsink, the Xigmatek HDT-S1283 is a great choice. Pair it with the bolt-through kit and it'll fit nicely in the lower range of your budget, while providing performance almost as good as the Thermalright Ultra-120 Extreme, which is generally regarded as the best air cooler available (albeit considerably more expensive than the Xigmatek). Another good option would be the OCZ Vendetta 2 (not the original Vendetta though).

Im seriously considering a q9550/q9650, been reading up on them and the newer stepping q9550's are hitting 4.0ghz relatively easy. Im currently on a 3.8ghz q6600, which is a very nice speed for that cpu, i fancy the challenge of geting a 45nm quad and pushing it to 4.0 or above (if i get a good chip) ive had some great fun clocking the q6600 on air so id like to see what i could do with a newer quad and my freezing cold air cooling setup.

 

[waffle]

Trying to figure it out, hoping maybe someone can chime in and give me a bit of advice.

I'm looking at the Intel Core2 Quad Q9550 processor, to be paired with a Gigabyte EP45-UD3P http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128358 and 8GB of G.skill DDR2 1066 RAM, using a Corsair 850w PSU and a Sapphire Radeon X4850X2.

I am hoping to hit 3.6-4.0GHz on air, using my Antec 900.

I see that there is two different steppings of this CPU, and I'm wondering what the real big differences are in overclocking, and where I can guarantee I'm getting an E0 if it is the much better CPU.

I also have no idea what a decent heatsink is for this processor. I am budgeting around 40-60 for the heatsink/fan assembly.

I'm hoping some of you can help me get this all completely figured out, so I can finally retire my PentiumD 805 / ATI Radeon X1950 Pro rig.

Well, I'm rocking about the same setup, Antec 300 w/the same motherboard and an E0 q9550, I'm actually using the G. Skill DDR2 800 RAM rather than the 1066. I bought everything through Newegg about 2 weeks ago. I went to MicroCenter and got a deal on a Xigmatech S1283 + mounting plate (I walked out at 30 bux on a couple of open boxes). Here is a screenshot of what I'm able to run at...