Legit Reviews

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Hey guys,

I'm going to be building a new computer soon but my plans changed when I found out I could get the following processor for free

Intel Core 2 Extreme Quad Core QX9750

Specifications:
* Quad-core
* 45nm
* 3.16Ghz
* 1333Mhz FSB
* 12MB L2 Cache
* Socket-775

I'll be spending a fair amount of money just to build the computer, so I want to be sure this is a good processor to build around. I would like to know how this processor stacks up against what's out there today.

Many Thanks!

The Intel QX9750 is a great processor... Used to be the fastest desktop processor Intel had for a long time and is a true enthusiast CPU as it is 'unlocked' and a friendly overclocker.

The new Intel Core i7 series of processors are the new flagship part, but if someone gave you a QX9750 you can't pass it up.

Get a solid overclocking LGA775 motherboard with a good 4GB DDR3 memory kit and you'll be rocking in no time and blasting through the games like no other.

Here is a CPU Performance chart that I was editing today to show you how well it still does today. It doesn't have the QX9750 on it, but it would perform just under the QX9770.

Apoptosis, thank you very much for the incredibly informative response. I truly appreciate it.

Do you have any recommendations on which motherboard, ram, and powersupply to get for this thing? I do want to buy good stuff since this is a good CPU.

Many thanks!

The Biostar Tpower i45 are great boards

czarnybaran wrote:Apoptosis, thank you very much for the incredibly informative response. I truly appreciate it.

Do you have any recommendations on which motherboard, ram, and powersupply to get for this thing? I do want to buy good stuff since this is a good CPU.

Many thanks!

How much money do you want to spend?

The ASUS P5E3 Premium has served me well over the years with not a problem and can be found for $189 shipped after a $50 rebate. I personally have that board and have used if for over a year without one problem... The BIOS is a breeze to update with just a USB key and the overclocking is superb. The only negative is the Intel ICH9R south bridge, which isn't as SSD friendly as the Intel ICH10R. If you want to go with that south bridge then I'd suggest something like the GIGABYTE GA-EP45T-EXTREME, which is the same price. Or you can save some money and go with a P45 board.

Again, thanks again for the quick responses. Given that this is a good CPU, I'll spend between 1k to 1.5k for everything.

What's the difference between the North and South bridge?

czarnybaran wrote:What's the difference between the North and South bridge?

Since it would take a long time to write out I'll reference wikipedia for this one...

North Bridge - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northbridge_(computing)
South Bridge - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southbridge_(computing)

The only thing I ever inherited was an old cat

Alright, I'm a little confused now.

I've heard conflicting reports on what socket this thing is. It's between a 771 or 775. The attached screenshot says its a 775, but the following story says its a 771.

http://hardwarezone.com/articles/view.p ... =2745&pg=2

Does anyone know for sure?

Im not really sure. I thought it is, but I can't find anythign other than info on a qx9775

EDIT. I looked on intels site and didn't have too much info either, but I saw a 9770 listed as 775. So I would bet yours is too.CPU-Z never lies either(usually)

InspectahACE, yeah this is kind of a weird case (didn't mean to make that rhyme;) The lack of info is very frustrating.

If it's a 775 then I'm in business. I'll have many motherboards and components to choose from.

But if it's a 771 then I'm in trouble. Just about all socket 771 stuff has been discontinued. Newegg has one, yes ONE socket 771 motherboard (skulltrail) and it costs $600!

i could be wrong but i think the QX9775 is 771 and the QX9750 is 775.

Since that chip was never released to the public it will be hard to find much on it without extensive searching. Only Intel people got them from what i heard, and if you look at the cpu-z screen at the end of the line that says "specification" you will see (ES) which means Engineering Sample. So i would trust CPU-Z on that.

That is an LGA775 processor

Darkstar wrote:at the end of the line that says "specification" you will see (ES) which means Engineering Sample.

Darkstar, that's an excellent point. I didn't know that's what ES meant.

And yes, the reason I'm getting it is because I have a relative who works at the company. So perhaps it is a 775 after all?

All QX9750s, ES or retail, were LGA775 parts.

Thanks the info Gomeler!

Alright guys, so I finally have the chip in my hands! So this is what I'm thinking about (so far) purchasing here to round out the computer. However, I'm confused like hell on what type of RAM to buy and what video card to purchase.

You guys have been an incredible help to me and I really appreciate it.

MOTHERBOARD

ASUS Rampage Extreme LGA 775 Intel X48 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6813131334

$209.99 w/ rebate

HEATSINK FAN

Cooler Master V8

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6835103055

$59.47

CASE & POWER SUPPLY

Antec Signature 850w

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDeal ... mbo.209009

$342.98 (Combo saves $40) only until 7/20

Antec 1200 Black Steel Atx

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6817371018

RAM: ?

VIDEO CARD: ?