Intel Core 2 Extreme QX9650: it's clobberin' time!

Review: Intel Core 2 Extreme QX9650: it's clobberin' time!

Conclusions, HEXUS Certification & Awards and HEXUS.right2reply

Tick-tock, tick-tock goes the Intel clock. The current tock is the quad-core Intel Core 2 Extreme QX9650, which - if you hadn't realised in the commentary on the previous pages - is now the fastest single-socket desktop processor around.

A number of evolutionary architectural improvements gives the 45nm processor an up-to 10 per cent performance lead over an equivalently-clocked 65nm (QX6850) part. That good news is compounded by the fact it also draws, somewhat oxymoronically, considerably less power when doing so. Lower power-draw isn't much of a concern for this particular headline processor, sure, but will come into play when the inevitable raft of 45nm quad- and dual-core Yorkfield/Wolfdale models are released shortly. Ally the energy-efficient design to significant frequency headroom on display here and we have the makings of some supreme overclocking on upcoming midrange SKUs. Indeed, basing the following advice on the safe assumption that 45nm parts will come in at the same price-points as current 65nm's, there's really no to consider the older technology, assuming your motherboard supports it.

Gripes? Intel could easily have released the Core 2 Extreme at 3.2GHz+. The architectural bolt-ons don't provide significant increase in performance when evaluated on a clock-for-clock basis and in a desktop environment. A shared-FSB design always brings memory contention into play. The Core 2 Extreme QX9650 is priced at exorbitant levels that are in keeping with a company that has no competition at the very high end of the consumer market.

What about AMD? Its performance riposte will arrive with the Phenom. Right now its brought out the paddles, added gel to the K8-based Athlon 64 X2's chest, and is trying to rouse it once more, to carry on the good fight. Trouble is, midrange 65nm dual-core Intel processors have it licked and gasping for breath, so how's it going to stand and deliver against the leaner, meaner, punch-you-in-the-belly-really-hard 45nm Penryn? Let's hope it's saved by a bell named Phenom.

Most readers will be best-advised to wait until slower and cheaper 45nm processors are released. Clock 'em up and enjoy sky-high frequencies.

Bottom line: utterly predictably, the Intel Core 2 Extreme QX9650 takes the mantle of world's greatest desktop processor - bumping the incumbent QX6850 aside and sitting magisterially on the performance throne. Phenom X4, whachya got?

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Intel Core 2 Extreme QX9650

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We expect the Intel Core 2 Extreme QX9650 to go on sale from November 12th and at around £600.

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At HEXUS.net, we invite the companies whose products we test to comment on our articles. If any of Intel's representatives choose to do so, we'll publish their commentary here verbatim.

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Come on, where's the bang for buck rating? Stonking performance no doubt but is it £600 well spent? How about a test against 2x socket F 2218s with change for a second hand for escort or something?

Why would I want one? There's hardly a huge improvement over Core 2, which is more than fast enough for most of todays stuff, while Nehalem is going to crush this when it comes out next year.

The thing is - all current 65nm chips will switch over to this manufacturing process and the transition will be quick…. so you might not want this top of the line one but imagine the possibilities on the lower end SKUs

Possibilities for what though? Sure, given the choice between two chips at the same price I'll always go for the faster one, so it's nice for people who needed to buy a new chip anyway.. but I can't imagine this would actually change anyone's mind about their planned purchase.

DR
The thing is - all current 65nm chips will switch over to this manufacturing process and the transition will be quick…. so you might not want this top of the line one but imagine the possibilities on the lower end SKUs

Argh!

I'd JUST settled on my new PC spec, and someone mentioned 8800GT. So, thinks I, hang on a bit and order today if, as seems expected, goods are announced.

Now this.

Do I wait or do I not? That's hypothetical, by the way.

Oh, beggar it. A Q6600 will do me. Or I'll never get around to actually ordering.

Actually, that's a point. Maybe my existing system will do just fine, and I don't need a new one. I can save myself about £1500. :)

Yay, extra holiday! :rockon2:

Thanks for the holiday, Intel. :D