AMD Phenom x6

[Sildenafil]

Has anybody looked into how well the new AMD 6 core processors would work for multiboxing WoW? I'm looking to upgrade my system, and am trying to decide between this and sticking with intel, which would require also buying new RAM, so would likely actually be more expensive than switching to AMD.

I'm seeing mixed reviews on the interweb, such as that the AMD 6 core is more for multi-tasking productivity software and such, and not for high-throughput things like gaming.

[Hivetyrant]

The reviews are kinda consistent in that they say the AMD is a nice little chip, but the performance jus doesn't come close to matching the Intel's.

I'm afraid Intel win this round.

Even price-wise, the Intel's give more bang for buck, plus the huge amount of really good motherboards available for the i7's should win this argument for you.

However if you are willing to wait, there may be some good options coming soon.

[universal]

though the usual reviews don't quite cover the multiboxing needs. with 4+instances you're going to fully utilize the 6 real cores.

for roughly the price of an amd 1090t (3.2ghz) you get an intel i7-870 or i7-930(2.8ghz) which both only have 4cores + hyperthreading, which is as far as i can remember not of any benefit in games. additionally iirc the amd isn't as far away from the intel cpus in games as in other software.

additionally the motherboards are usually a bit cheaper for amd, too

both platforms are most likely dead upgrade wise after the current cpu. but if you're having loads of ddr2 already i'd get an am2+ board which has a bios update for the amd 6cores available and continue to use it there

[Sajuuk]

Even price-wise, the Intel's give more bang for buck, plus the huge amount of really good motherboards available for the i7's should win this argument for you.

However if you are willing to wait, there may be some good options coming soon.

There's bang for buck, and getting the most out of your current hardware. If you've got an AM2+ motherboard that can support it, it's cheaper in the short run to get the six core processor vs the cost of getting a new motherboard, ram, AND CPU!

though the usual reviews don't quite cover the multiboxing needs. with 4+instances you're going to fully utilize the 6 real cores.

both platforms are most likely dead upgrade wise after the current cpu. but if you're having loads of ddr2 already i'd get an am2+ board which has a bios update for the amd 6cores available and continue to use it there

Correct, since you'll be running multiple instances of the game you will definitely use all your cores.

As far as platforms being dead, I partially agree. While AMD has been VERY VERY friendly with people with older hardware (AM3 CPUs compatible with AM2+ motherboards, anyone? GREAT way to attract business while rolling out new sockets), intel tends to release new sockets (No backwards CPU compatability) every couple years, essentially requiring enthusiasts to rebuild their system. New technology comes out, and everything seems to be great.

I agree with (if it's feasible) just getting an AM2+ motherboard that's to your liking and getting a six core CPU. Now, that doesn't mean you couldn't go the used route.