Best Processor for EQ2? Core 2 Duo/i7/Phenom II/???

[Jonaroth]

So I just bought a new computer 4 months ago for myself to play EQ2, runs OK but can't get good FPS on Extreme Quality yet. I'd like to be able to RAID in Extreme Quality if at all possible (although I doubt that's gonna happen)... my current processor is a Core 2 Duo E8500, now I have to get another computer for my girlfriend.

What processor will perform on EQ2 the best? Now I've heard a lot of great things about the i7, but then it starts off at like 100 bucks more, is it worth it? Looking at the specs and knowing EQ2 does not support multi cores well, it seems like a waste of money as the Core 2 Duo's have a higher speed (3.33ghz to i7's 2.8GHz). Although I have a Core 2 Duo and kinda want something better... What do you think about the Phenom II X4 for EQ2? Looks like it could be a little faster?  I listed the Phenom II X2 as well because it's one third the price as an i7 and looks just as fast.

Or would you recommend a different processor? I kinda didn't want to spend more than 200 alone for the processor, but am flexible. Thanks in advance.

------ Core 2 Duo --------$269.99 - Intel Core 2 Duo E8600 Wolfdale 3.33GHzhttp://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...N82E16819115054$189.99 - Intel Core 2 Duo E8500 3.16GHzhttp://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...N82E16819115036------ Phenom II ---------$245.00 - AMD Phenom II X4 965 Black Edition 3.4GHzhttp://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...N82E16819103692$189.00 - AMD Phenom II X4 955 Black Edition 3.2GHzhttp://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...N82E16819103674$102.00 - AMD Phenom II X2 550 Black Edition 3.1GHz http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...N82E16819103680now I know this one isn't as good as the two above, but it is half the price and seems only a a tiny bit slower...--------- i7 -------------$289.99 - Intel Core i7 860 Lynnfield 2.8GHzhttp://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...N82E16819115214$279.99 - Intel Core i7 920 Nehalem 2.66GHzhttp://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...N82E16819115202

[Jonaroth]

oops. Looks like I posted this in the wrong forum, should be in "Performance Support" not "General Tech Support". Someone mind moving it for me? thnx

Also, I have looked at the threads thumbnailed (and linked below), but both didn't really state what the best is for a new computer... The guide is a little dated, but the other link points me to think Phenom II might be best?Hardware Guide for EQ2 Computershttp://forums.station.sony.com/eq2/...;topic_id=43897How is Everquest 2 Performing for You?http://forums.station.sony.com/eq2/...topic_id=444036

[Kigneer]

I use the 8500 as well, and don't find the processor giving me as many fps hiccups as the videocard (HD4870). I turned anti-aliasing on and it runs it at 35fps average at 1650x1050. It can get laggy in some zones, but it's a trade off from seeing some god awful jaggies.

A friend said he didn't notice much different between a dual or a quad, either.

[TSR-DanielH]

The I7 is definitely the best chip in your lineup.  If you are looking for something cheaper then I would actually recommend a Core 2 Quad Q9550 over anything you have listed. 

I'd have a hard time recommending your other 2 options.

[Jonaroth]

hmmm you say the i7  is better, but the i7 920 @ 2.66GHz should be slower than a Core 2 Duo E8600 @ 3.33GHz ? I mean its 2.66ghz compaired to 3.33ghz right? EQ2 doesnt really make use of the extra cores.

Or is the i7 only better if you get one of the fastest of its model, like an i7-950 @ 3.06GHz?

Also, mind why you wouldnt recommend a Phenom II? Personal opinion? don't like AMD? or won't give work any better than result a Core 2 Duo or whatever?

[TSR-DanielH]

Jonaroth wrote:

hmmm you say the i7  is better, but the i7 920 @ 2.66GHz should be slower than a Core 2 Duo E8600 @ 3.33GHz ? I mean its 2.66ghz compaired to 3.33ghz right? EQ2 doesnt really make use of the extra cores.

Or is the i7 only better if you get one of the fastest of its model, like an i7-950 @ 3.06GHz?

Also, mind why you wouldnt recommend a Phenom II? Personal opinion? don't like AMD? or won't give work any better than result a Core 2 Duo or whatever?

Clock speed isn't everything these days.  In the high $200 price range you seem to be shooting for, the I7 is currently the top of the line.  The sub $200 Phenom chips are ok in their price range.  If you want to save some cash then the budget phenom chips aren't a bad choice. 

Since the Core 2 chips came out the market hasn't been very competitive, honestly.  There's still some back and forth on the lower end of the spectrum but everything $200 and up is dominated by Intel when it comes to price vs performance.  Benchmarks clearly show that the Intel options are superior in that price range.

I don't have any interest in brand loyalty and will always choose the best option available in each generation.  For this generation I feel confident stating that Intel is in the lead.

[Jonaroth]

Thanks for your recommendation, Daniel! That was very helpful.