Intel Core 2 Extreme QX6700 Processor Review - Page 13

Value

The Core 2 Extreme QX6700 will have a retail price of over $1,000, due to the standard Core 2 Extreme 1KU price of $999. This will also not immediately replace the 2.93 GHz Core 2 Extreme X6800, as Intel understands that power users may want the choice between quad cores and a higher operating frequency. Depending on your requirements, the 2.66 GHz Core 2 Extreme QX6700 is a better overall deal, as it provides significant gains in many multimedia applications, while the higher-clocked Core 2 Extreme X6800 is preferable only in a purely gaming environment. As for value comparisons against other Core 2 Duo processors, it's tough to put your hand up in favor of any Core 2 Extreme processor, but most hardware enthusiasts aren't exactly counting their pennies either.

* Please note that these prices were taken at the time of review and are not meant to reflect long-term trends.

Conclusion

Intel launched the Core 2 line to great fanfare, and these dual core processors literally took the market by storm. This huge success has been followed up by the launch of the quad core Core 2 Extreme QX6700, and while the product itself impresses on many different levels, the overall software landscape is barely ready for dual core, let along a quad core powerhouse. The 2.66 GHz Core 2 Extreme QX6700 does offer ultra fast media encoding times, as well as significant performance gains with other multi-threaded applications, but gaming is pretty much a wash. The real benefit of a quad core architecture is something more ethereal, as system response times are insane and multi-tasking is unmatched, something that hardcore users will appreciate more than a jump in clock speed.

Pros:

• Blindingly Fast Media Encoding
• Multi-Threading and Multi-Tasking Demon
• Compatible with some LGA775 Platforms

Cons:

• Only 2.66 GHz
• Core 2 E6700-level Gaming Performance
• 130W TDP

Ratings: