Workhorse PC - spec?

Hi Neil,

Try Performance Charts Processors - Benchmark
where you'll find all the details.

Success,
Sam

Any Intel quad core will do... it kind of depends on your budget though.

If your budget is on the higher end side then I'd go with a solid LGA1366 mobo with a Core i7 processor (check the 920 out or if you want super high-end crazy stuff, check the 965) + 4GB-6GB of DDR3. If you go with over 4GB you'll want to be running a 64 bit OS, otherwise it's totally useless.

If you're just compiling software then you probably won't need more than 4GB anyway... plus you'll want to be working in a 32 bit environment I'm assuming?

If your budget is a little lower, check out a LGA775 mobo that's compatible with the latest 45nm processors. If you go this route, the Q9550 is a good choice... the Q9650 is a little faster but not worth the extra cost IMO... add the 4GB of DDR2 as well.

In short, LGA1366 = latest tech. therefore more expensive. Not so much with the processors but when you factor in the mobo price + current DDR3 costs it gets quite expensive.


Hope that helped!