Intel Core 2 Extreme QX9650 Quad Core Processor Review

Dashken · 16th Feb 2008, 10:44 AM

The Intel Core 2 Extreme QX9650 quad-core processor is no mere upgrade of the Kentsfield-based Core 2 Extreme processors. Underneath the heatspreader lies a radically-different processor, built not only using the smaller 45 nm process technology but also Intel's new high-k dielectric and metal gate technology.

The result? A smaller, cooler and more efficient processor. Oh, let's not forget... a 50% larger L2 cache! The Core 2 Extreme QX9650 sports a massive 12MB L2 cache. All with the same TDP of 130 W. Amazing, isn't it?

But how fast is it really? After all, this is a high-end enthusiast-grade processor with a hefty price premium. It had better be a couple of Mach numbers faster than the previous generation! Well, this is what we will be looking into in this review. Not only will we examine its performance in games, we will also take a look at its performance in 3D rendering and video encoding.

Link : Intel Core 2 Extreme QX9650 Quad Core Processor Review

Mac Daddy · 19th Feb 2008, 03:13 AM

Looks good and as we know L2 cache is where AMD's Phenom is weak. Overall though keep in mind we have yet to see software that utilizes the quad cores efficiently and until we do all current benchmarks provide an inaccurate result ...

On NGOHQ Regeneration O/Ced a E2140 duo core near Q6600 benchmarks .... software has a way to go yet

Adrian Wong · 20th Feb 2008, 12:54 PM

Yeah, right now, quad-cores do not benefit games much. They all need to be coded to support multi-core processors.

In any case, graphics-intensive games like Crysis will remain graphics-limited. Even the E6420 is fast enough for Crysis when paired with the GeForce 8800 GTS 512MB.

Mac Daddy · 21st Feb 2008, 08:19 PM

Yep and it seems the Intel Duo cores O/C better as well I have seen this E6550 I am installing in my new rig O/Ced to 3.7G stable .... so lets see if I can get to 4G

Chai · 23rd Feb 2008, 11:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mac Daddy

Yep and it seems the Intel Duo cores O/C better as well I have seen this E6550 I am installing in my new rig O/Ced to 3.7G stable .... so lets see if I can get to 4G

Yup, C2D is definately much easier to overclock, much cooler too.

Mac Daddy · 24th Feb 2008, 04:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chai

Yup, C2D is definately much easier to overclock, much cooler too.

For sure I have a Katana2 on a Northwood Celeron just to keep it reasonable with a 2.6 to 3.1G O/C. Power consumption on the entire C2D line is in the basement this E6550 is rated @ 65W

16th Feb 2008, 10:44 AM	#1 (permalink)
Dashken Administrator! Join Date: 21 Apr 2003 Location: Penang Posts: 30,227 Reputation: 2352 Rep Power: 60	Intel Core 2 Extreme QX9650 Quad Core Processor Review The Intel Core 2 Extreme QX9650 quad-core processor is no mere upgrade of the Kentsfield-based Core 2 Extreme processors. Underneath the heatspreader lies a radically-different processor, built not only using the smaller 45 nm process technology but also Intel's new high-k dielectric and metal gate technology. The result? A smaller, cooler and more efficient processor. Oh, let's not forget... a 50% larger L2 cache! The Core 2 Extreme QX9650 sports a massive 12MB L2 cache. All with the same TDP of 130 W. Amazing, isn't it? But how fast is it really? After all, this is a high-end enthusiast-grade processor with a hefty price premium. It had better be a couple of Mach numbers faster than the previous generation! Well, this is what we will be looking into in this review. Not only will we examine its performance in games, we will also take a look at its performance in 3D rendering and video encoding. Link : Intel Core 2 Extreme QX9650 Quad Core Processor Review __________________ \| Intel Core 2 Duo E6850 @ 3.2Ghz \| ASUS P5B-E Plus \| G.SKILL 2x1GB DDR2 800 \| 6 HDDs (2TB+ only ) \| NVIDIA GeForce 7600GT \| Dell E248WFP 24" Widescreen \| \| Intel C2Q Q9450 \| MSI P45 Neo3-FR \| 2 x 2GB OCZ DDR2 PC2-6400 Gold Edition \| 1 x Seagate 250GB HDD \| 2 x Seagate 750GB HDD \| 3 x Seagate 1TB HDD \| NVIDIA GeForce 9500GT \| Cooler Master CM690 chassis \| Cooler Master eXtreme Power Plus 550W PSU \| Dell E248WFP 24" Widescreen \| Windows 7 Ultimate x64 \| Blog : Dashken's I-Blog Gallery : Dashken's I-Paintings

20th Feb 2008, 12:54 PM	#3 (permalink)
Adrian Wong Da Boss Join Date: 10 Oct 2002 Location: In front of my ASUS F8V notebook! Posts: 32,208 Reputation: 3531 Rep Power: 75	Yeah, right now, quad-cores do not benefit games much. They all need to be coded to support multi-core processors. In any case, graphics-intensive games like Crysis will remain graphics-limited. Even the E6420 is fast enough for Crysis when paired with the GeForce 8800 GTS 512MB. __________________ Dr. Adrian Wong Tech ARP \| Blog @ Tech ARP \| The Free Trade Zone DYKT : The only offshore account I have is at the sand bank? We need PROGRAMMERS and TECHNICAL WRITERS! Contact us if you are a hot shot programmer or technical writer! My items for sale : 50x SD Card \| Memory Stick PRO \| Cyclone Energy Saver \| Seiko SS watch \| Tiger/Carlsberg beer jugs \| Travel Speakers \| Motorola V600 \| Nokia N90 SOLD! \| New Lowepro Mini Trekker AW Other items for sale @ the FTZ : Zalman CNPS9500 LED @ $20 \| Zalman CNPS7700 Cu @ $20 \| Zalman CNPS7000 Cu @ $20 \| Swarovski bracelet watches \| Dell 17" LCD \| Hi-Fi speakers \| English DIVX movies \| HP LaserJet toners! \| Office chairs

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19th Feb 2008, 03:13 AM	#2 (permalink)
Mac Daddy Pickin' Da Gitfiddle Join Date: 19 Nov 2007 Location: Canada Posts: 2,050 Reputation: 802 Rep Power: 12	Looks good and as we know L2 cache is where AMD's Phenom is weak. Overall though keep in mind we have yet to see software that utilizes the quad cores efficiently and until we do all current benchmarks provide an inaccurate result ... On NGOHQ Regeneration O/Ced a E2140 duo core near Q6600 benchmarks .... software has a way to go yet

21st Feb 2008, 08:19 PM	#4 (permalink)
Mac Daddy Pickin' Da Gitfiddle Join Date: 19 Nov 2007 Location: Canada Posts: 2,050 Reputation: 802 Rep Power: 12	Yep and it seems the Intel Duo cores O/C better as well I have seen this E6550 I am installing in my new rig O/Ced to 3.7G stable .... so lets see if I can get to 4G