Best CPU for 16:9 rendering?

[Blackheart6004]

I'm thinking of upgrading my CPU to a Quad Core up from a Dual Core CPU (Intel Core 2 Duo E6550 2.33 GHz) just to do 16:9 renders as the ones seen from freelancah's renders on DeviantArt.
Any ideas?

Here is my computer's info via System Information (removed useless crap):

OS Name   Microsoft Windows 7 Professional
Version   6.1.7600 Build 7600
OS Manufacturer   Microsoft Corporation
System Manufacturer   System manufacturer
System Model   System Product Name
System Type   X86-based PC
Processor   Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo CPU     E6550  @ 2.33GHz, 2333 Mhz, 2 Core(s), 2 Logical Processor(s)
BIOS Version/Date   Phoenix Technologies, LTD ASUS P5N-E SLI ACPI BIOS Revision 1406, 11/18/2009
Installed Physical Memory (RAM)   4.00 GB
Total Physical Memory   3.50 GB
Available Physical Memory   1.52 GB
Total Virtual Memory   6.49 GB
Available Virtual Memory   3.57 GB
Adapter Type   ATI display adapter (0x68B8), ATI Technologies Inc. compatible
Adapter Description   ATI Radeon HD 5700 Series

Thanks.

[Andrew March]

What makes you think that your CPU will have any bearing on your renders aspect ratio?

[Henry Blewer]

It may help to speed things along render timewise. Other than that, tweaking the file will improve the render time.
You should not have a problem rendering at 1920 x 1080. The exception would be memory limits.

[PorcupineFloyd]

Go quad for serious rendering. An old, used Q6600 would be fine - it can be easily overclocked to 3.2 GHz. I have one and it takes me from 6 to 48 hours to render final scene (depending on complexity) in 3600 x 2400. Gosh, I haven't rendered for ages...

[Andrew March]

If you really want your machine to 'fly' while rendering take a look at either the six core AMD's if you're on a budget, or if money is no object then try an intel i7 setup or xeon, of course the problem with all of those is you are going to need a new mobo, ram and gpu.

[Blackheart6004]

I did some small research on my motherboard from its site and according to the specifications to the CPU:

Intel Socket 775 Core™2 Quad/Pentium® Extreme/Pentium® D/Pentium® 4/Celeron Processors
Compatible with Intel® 05B/05A/06 processors
Support Intel® 45nm CPU
Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology ready
* Please update the latest BIOS to support Intel 45nm CPU

Though I'm not sure if it also supports an AMD CPUs since it doesn't say (though they've updated the CPU support list on it from the BIOS history) but this one here is on its special here in Vancouver, Canada - http://ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=54961&vpn=ADX635WFGMBOX&manufacture=AMD&promoid=1053

And for the CPU Support List for Quad:

Core 2 Quad Q6400 (2.13GHz,1066FSB,L2:2X4MB,rev.B3,4 cores)
Core 2 Quad Q6600 (2.40GHz,1066FSB,L2:2X4MB,rev.B3,4 cores)   
Core 2 Quad Q6600 (2.40GHz,1066FSB,L2:2X4MB,rev.G0,4 cores)
Core 2 Quad Q6700 (2.66GHz,1066FSB,L2:2X4MB,rev.G0,4 cores)

And for the rest here - http://support.asus.com/cpusupport/cpusupport.aspx?SLanguage=en-us

And to be honest, PorcupineFloyd , I actually don't know how to overclock a CPU

[PorcupineFloyd]

Go for Core 2 Quad Q6600 (2.40GHz,1066FSB,L2:2X4MB,rev.G0,4 cores)

Check if its codename is "SLACR" - this is rev.G0 which overclocks better. Do not buy B3.

In order to overclock this CPU you simply need to increase voltage from 1.25 to 1.375 (in my case, can be different), set FSB to 400 MHz and reduce multiplier from 9 to 8. Also, set RAM to CPU ratio to 1:1 (FSB:RAM). And that's basically it ;-)
There are plenty of tutorials and guides on how to do basic overclocking and every motherboard should allow at last basic overclocking. You'll have to check it in the manual.

Oh, and don't forget about some nice cooling. Air cooling is fine for this configuration but buy something big. I'm using Scythe Mugen and it keeps my rig steady even when doing days long rendering.

[Blackheart6004]

Go for Core 2 Quad Q6600 (2.40GHz,1066FSB,L2:2X4MB,rev.G0,4 cores)

Though I can find prices on it, it ranges from atleast $300-$500.

And since NCIX doesn't have it as well, I'm looking into Q8300 here at $167.99 and would like to know if I can use that as a close-relative to the Q6600?

A comparison chart here at Intel's website: http://ark.intel.com/Compare.aspx?ids=29765,39107,

And thanks for the info and tips on how can i overclock the CPU

[PorcupineFloyd]

Q8300 has a lower TDP. It should overclock better. At last in theory ;-) It also has four cores so it should be good for starters and it's half the price of Q6600.

[Blackheart6004]

Damn, it look's like they're out of stock

[Zairyn Arsyn]

Damn, it look's like they're out of stock

be sure you get a good aftermarket heatsink/fan before you OC' & get a good, powerful PSU when you do.
(when you get your CPU)

[Blackheart6004]

Damn, it look's like they're out of stock

be sure you get a good aftermarket heatsink/fan before you OC' & get a good, powerful PSU when you do.
(when you get your CPU)

It should come with them - Box Contents - Intel Core 2 Quad 8300 processor, Heatsink and Fan

I'll see if I can contact a friend of mine. He work's at the store and maybe I can get it specialty ordered from the warehouse.

[Blackheart6004]

Ok, update: According to my friend, he said I cannot use the Q8300 on my motherboard because it doesn't support it plus the Q6600 has been discontinued for the mother board I may need to upgrade it.

He said to go for the P5Q Pro Turbo, which by the way is $122.99, to have support for Q8300.

[PorcupineFloyd]

Forget about box cooling. It's noisy and has a poor performance. If you're interested in overclocking (in which you should as it gives virtually free performance boost) then it's necessary to invest in good cooling solution.

[PorcupineFloyd]

Ok, update: According to my friend, he said I cannot use the Q8300 on my motherboard because it doesn't support it plus the Q6600 has been discontinued for the mother board I may need to upgrade it.

He said to go for the P5Q Pro Turbo to have support for Q8300.

Check if there are no BIOS updates for your motherboard. Maybe it supports it with BIOS flash.