The Quad Core Intel Core 2 Extreme QX6850 3GHz of unlocked pleasure review @ Magicmc.com Reviews

The Quad Core Intel Core 2 Extreme QX6850 3GHz of unlocked pleasure review

The Intel Core 2 Extreme QX6850 is our quad core enthusiast favorite, for now. It is a 64-bit processor overclocked right at the big 3GHz line. To add to your excitement, this is not only already highly overclocked, but Intel has unlocked the multiplier and other CPU features so that hobbyists and power abusers can tweak it to their hearts content. It sits in LGA775 Sockets so a new motherboard might not even be necessary, which comes in handy when paying $999-$1400 for the Intel Core 2 CPU alone.

In benchmark comparisons with the last edition, there were nominal improvements over the previous, but there were improvements. The real surprise however came, when I found out that there was little difference between using 1066MHz DDR2 or 1333MHz DDR3 on the 6850. The biggest improvement in scores from differences in edition came on Cinebench rendering multiple CPUs, which is nice for us graphics fanatics.

If you really want to push it, but can't stand the heat, another Intel Core 2 CPU that might peak your interest, is the Core 2 Extreme QX9650. While it has almost identical specs, also runs on the newer and more efficient 45 nanometer chip set design and kicks in an extra on die MB of memory L2 Cache to boot.

With that said, the price difference between thee two top Intel Core 2 Extreme Edition CPUs might make you think less green for more scream. There is no guarantee that the new 45 nanometer design will become a standard to again the extra power efficiency. In that case, a new closed water cooling system might make you smile.

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