Those that have gone quad core + Nvidia graphics...

[TimeTomorrow]

So I got an unexpected good deal on a "fixed" nvidia 570m board, so now I'm looking at my motherboard as a lot less disposable than I used to... I'd like my machine to be very very quick. I'm basically looking at only these three CPU's.

T9500 Fastest drop in
T9900 Fastest 35w TDP part
or
QX9300 Fastest.... but extensive mods needed + cooling issues.

For those that have Quad cores on a frankenpad, how is it? regret it? is the battery life absurdly low? Overheating?

I will be running t61p heatsink with t500 fan.

[RealBlackStuff]

Instead of wasting all that time and money, just install Middleton's BIOS and get a T9300, best bang for your buck!
No need for T500 fan either, T61p fan will do great.
I've only done that at least 50 times or so, while building FrankenPads.

[TimeTomorrow]

Instead of wasting all that time and money, just install Middleton's BIOS and get a T9300, best bang for your buck!
No need for T500 fan either, T61p fan will do great.
I've only done that at least 50 times or so, while building FrankenPads.

As for the time, this whole thing is a hobby, so the time is part of the fun for me. For the expense, with what I've got into this machine already, it really doesn't matter - I just want it awesome, and i know the qx9300 will deliver if it works right, so i just want to make sure it works properly before I chop up a motherboard I realistically have very little chance of replacing.

[QWERTY Andreas]

I ise a QX9300, with a 256mb FX570m.

If you can get a QC cheap, its worth it. I dont use it on battery, but performance is far better than any other processor. A T9300 or T9400 cannot compete.

The cooling can handle the processor, but don't except to run prime95 and furmark without the machine getting a Little too hot for your likings
The CPUs heat alone is handled fine. It will become rather hot, but even under gaming the cooler handles it and it do not overheat or anything. (using eGPU)

[TimeTomorrow]

I ise a QX9300, with a 256mb FX570m.

If you can get a QC cheap, its worth it. I dknt use it on battery, nut performance is far better than any other processor. A T9300 or T9400 cannot compete.

The cooling can handle the processor, but don't except to run prime95 and furmark without the machine getting a Little too hot for your likings
The CPUs heat alone is handled fine. It will become rather hot, but even under gaming the cooler handles it and it do not overheat or anything. (using eGPU)

Thank you so much! What is your heatsink/fan setup? QX9300 here I come.

Maybe asking a bit much, but if you happen to already game... Ever try playing Dota 2 on this setup? Obviously this is pushing waaaay beyond what a 570m can comfortably handle, but on complete crap settings maybe.....

[QWERTY Andreas]

I do not play DOTA 2.

But it gets 4039 in 3Dmark 06

It plays CoH1 rather well. Its getting an average of 40fps in bench with mixed settings (some high, some medium, some low)

CoH2, which is far more demanding than Dota2, can be played at the lowest settings possible (1400x1050, everything lowest 50% gameplay res). But there do occur some FPS drops

I use a unmodified T61p cooler. But remember some good thermal paste. Some would recommend AS5, but go with MX2 instead. Its better, non conductive and cheaper...