Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Quad-Core Processor, 2.40 GHz, 8M L2 Cache, LGA 775 Reviews

• For the money, this is the ONLY option!

  
  By A3CCO9EZSN1NKA on 2008-01-04
  I did not purchase my G0 Q6600 from Amazon. Back in late October, 2007 the G0's were scarce, so I went with a vendor who guaranteed that I would get one (versus the distinct possibility of getting the older "B3" version of the processor with most other vendors, including Amazon).
  
  For the uninitiated, the usefulness of a quad-core CPU versus the more ubiquitous (and less expensive) dual-core version is dubious for most desktop users. Most applications are not multi-threaded and therefore are not able to make use of the extra CPU cores packed onto the Q6600. Your operating system (Windows, Apple OSX, Linux, etc) can, to some extent, "balance" (sometimes) different tasks between cores, in which case a multi-core CPU can yield noticeable advantages.
  
  However, many software developers are adding "multi-thread" capability to future versions of their applications to take advantage of the new processors. Therefore, at this moment, a quad-core CPU is the best bet for "future-proofing" your computer (if there is such a thing), and Intel is the leader of the pack -- by a wide margin (substantiated by every review on the planet).
  
  Why the Q6600?
  
  For starters, the price/performance ratio of the Q6600 is nothing short of remarkable. This processor has single-handedly given the average desktop user high-end, workstation-caliber performance for a price that is simply unimaginable. The Q6600's dual-core sibling, the E6600, is only a few dollars less expensive. The Q6600 is essentially TWO Intel E6600 processors, for only a few dollars more. It's a no-brainer, especially since the Q6600 will run on most of the same motherboards that support the E6600.
  
  Second, the Q6600 (especially the newer G0 model) can be easily overclocked to a speed that rivals or exceeds Intel's latest flagship $1000+ quad-core "Extreme" processors (as-of this writing). With just 60 seconds in the motherboard BIOS, my Q6600 is running at 3.2GHz, air-cooled (ie: heatsink and fan), at all stock voltages and RAM FSB (800MHz). Only the CPU is actually overclocked (using a GA-P35-DSR3 motherboard) again, at stock Vcore (1.3v). It is rock-solid stable (Prime95 "Torture Test" for 24 hours) and the four cores never exceed 50C (SpeedFan, corrected) under load and run at 20-30C idle. I have run it at a fully-stable 3.6GHz, but prefer the cooler temps that 3.2GHz operates at. I am reasonably certain that I could get to 4GHz if I wanted to move to water cooling, though I haven't experienced any lust for more power with the current setup (a first in my computing life).
  
  I run 8GB (4x2GB) of Patriot Extreme Performance DDR2-800 RAM (at stock Bus and VLU) and an EVGA 8800GTX-OC GPU and this is the fastest desktop computer I have ever used (Windows Vista Ultimate x64).
  
  I am NOT a gamer. I've never played a game on this computer. I do use Photoshop CS3, Lightroom, InDesign CS3, Illustrator CS3, Dreamweaver, Premiere Pro CS3, AfterEffects CS3, and a number of other CPU-intensive (and multi-threaded) applications. I can process PARs, rip RARs, convert x264 HD video, download NNTP, and write this review all at the same time, all without ANY noticeable slow-down or system "sluggishness." This processor has single-handedly ushered in a new era of personal computing productivity I never would have believed possible.
  
  Behold, the power of four cores!
  
  
  

• Very, Very Good.

  
  By A1AOK8IY4F9OKZ on 2007-11-20
  I just read somebody saying overclocking was for kids...? There must be a lot of smart kids nowadays then. Purchased on November '07 and got the G0 stepping. After quite a bit of fiddling; got it stable at 3.333Ghz using 800Mhz DDR2s and a EVGA MOBO! This processor is VERY, very good. Got it running Crysis at 1900x1200 with ALL options at high settings and 4x Antiasling! Frame rate at that level is not acceptable, it is amazingly playable. Just read a gamespot review the couln't get the QX67xx with a 600MB nVidia GTS 8800 to run at 1600x1x00 with the options at high. I gues that's where my SLIed 8800GTx2 got into play. I would suggest for the money this is a extremely smart choice. Overclocking IS HIGHLY recomended (not overspending on the QXs...) BUT DO get a smart motherboard. My EVGA 680i A1 was not quite up to the task.
  I am feeding it 1.5Volts and 2.1 to the memory chips. As a whole, I am within factory specs and my temps at 44x4 while idle. On demanding tasks they are just shy of 60 degrees C. I guess this is wallet savy choice and with a very good peace of mind on your investment.
  
  

• Excellent processor, but don't buy it here!

  
  By A1FNPEYIJGPQ4V on 2007-10-30
  
  The processor is very good and you can learn more about that over the internet.
  
  The problem is Amazon. The processor has a new revision (G0) for some 4 months now but Amazon is still selling the old and much worse one (B3). I feel cheated for having bought this processor here paying the same price as other people do when buying the much better G0 from other retailers.
  BEWARE!
  
  

• 45nm Quad: Not a good investment, yet

  
  By A1WSBD90EWMCJU on 2008-01-28
  I've seen way too many people being convinced about Yorkfields by the paper. I, however, oppose going to 45nm at all, yet.
  
  Price vs. Specs
  
  Think about it, what do you get from and for how much can you get a Q6600 these days? A Q6600 is about $270-$280 on average and it's almost certain that the B3 stock has been flushed so you can be safe to assume that it's a G0. It does come with a 1066MHz FSB and most importantly, a 9x multiplier.
  
  Now looking at the 45nm version we can throw out the Q9300 as it has less L2 cache (only 6MB) and a 7x multiplier. The only comparable quad would be a Q9450 it seems, with 12MB L2 cache and 1333MHz FSB. Given that Q6600 wasn't exactly priced at what the early chart said ($266) because then you'd have to buy so many of them, it's pretty safe to assume a Q9450 would be around $350 when it surfaces.
  
  We've seen so many 45nm quads (or was it merely a few?) getting 4GHz on air. That all sounds good, don't you think?
  
  Overclocking
  
  I doubt it can be as good. Why would an overclocker care for 1066MHz vs 1333MHz FSB first of all? As you overclock that levels out. At 3.6GHz (450x8) both the Q6600 and Q9450 would be on 1800MHz anyway.
  
  Now look at the multiplier. Apparently there is no way to get 9x multiplier on a 45nm quad unless you go all out and buy a QX9650 or QX9770 which most of us won't. Even with a $500+ Q9550 you would still be getting a 8.5x multiplier.
  
  Of course then you would think: "Who cares? They still overclock better." No, they won't overclock better. Earlier, CD posted about how Wolfdales aren't hitting the magical 4GHz, and both Wolfdale and Yorkfield are on the C0 stepping, so why would anyone think the quad would overclock better than the dual if they're on the same core stepping? Nevermind that, add in the 8x multiplier. Are you certain your motherboard can achieve 500FSB on a quad? After all that's what it takes to hit 4GHz. With a 9x multiplier you'd only need 445FSB.
  
  It's pretty obvious those 4GHz on air chips were cherry picked.
  
  But there's one more reason: voltage. You have to realize that if you use what you think is the max safe 24/7 voltage on a 65nm on a 45nm, you can potentially damage the chip. It's know for a long time that 45nm makes these chips much more sensitive to higher voltages. So therefore, you might be limited even more on overclocking if you want it to live.
  
  Why?
  
  Why buy a 45nm quad now? SSE4 isn't gonna be implemented in major, everyday applications anytime soon, and the extra 4MB L2 would make a minimal, unnoticeable performance difference in real world applications. Certainly you wouldn't enjoy overclocking it as much either.
  
  If anything, don't even wait for the next core revision, wait for the marriage of a higher multiplier and better core revision. By then, wouldn't we be close enough to Nehalem to not waste more money on a shrinked version of what we already have?
  
  For now, the Q6600 is the best quad overall.
  
  Wolfdale vs Yorkfield vs Kentsfield
  
  This part should make it very clear why you shouldn't get a Yorkfield.
  
  Since the only so-called "worthy" 45nm quad is the Q9450 due to it being the lowest priced 45nm quad with 12MB L2 cache, we'll use that to represent the Yorkfield. Both the E8200 and E8400 will represent Wolfdale, and Q6600 will represent Kentsfield.
  
  Let's start with the E8400. There's no doubt that this is the best dual core release since the early good batches of the E6600. With a 9x multiplier and 45nm shrink, it's a sure win if you're in the market of getting a dual core, especially with the not low, but reasonable price tag of roughly $220. It's actually that 4GHz 45nm chip everyone's been waiting for.
  
  But what about that E8200? Not so good it seems. On average, it's not hitting that 4GHz that you would sell your kidney for. Yes......blame the 8x multiplier. Now that you need 500FSB instead of 445FSB, things can be quite different. Now you're gonna need more voltage, a really good motherboard, and better cooling.
  
  Oh snap, here comes that Q9450, or should I say dual E8200? Given that quads don't overclock as well as their dual core equivalents according to history, I really don't expect that Q9450 to do better. I'm sure that your motherboard won't clock as high either with 2 more cores onboard. Now I really wonder, why would anyone want all this trouble for a whole $100 more than the Q6600?
  
  Q6600 has a 9x multiplier and if anything, it's got a better chance of clocking higher. And you can spend that extra $100 on a kickass cooler, so why not? Remember the days before the E6750 G0 was in your shopping cart? You probably saw a lot of 4GHz results before buying one but you probably never got there. Thanks to the 8x multiplier, not much people were happy with the E6400, E6420, E6750, E8200, and now, most likely, the Q9450.
  
  Does the Q9450 really worth its price then? Your money, your choice. I've given more than enough advice for you to decide. Whether you get one or not, it's your money. Oh by the way, reselling isn't always an easy thing.
  
  I have mines folding 24/7 at 3.712GHz 1.5V on air and I love it!
  
  

• Nice, but wait

  
  By A2JBNPPLPSW85M on 2007-06-27
  On July 22, this product will take a significant price drop, but if you can't wait, it is an awesome Processor.
  
  
• Worth the money
  By A216J8O3D8X2TF on 2007-09-02
  I am very pleased with this processor. When I first built the system I had big plans to overclock it to 3GHz or better if possible. Once I had it I found that no matter what I did I could not maxout this processor, overclocking it was not really necessary and when I did overclock it to 3GHz I did not really notice anything different about the performance. Tasks that used to take most of the night such as video rendering now only take a few minutes. If something is stable and 'fast enough' then why push it over spec and shorten it's lifespan. Just for bragging rights? That is for kids. Clock speed is no longer important, the number of cores is and I probably wont upgrade until they come out with a 6 or 8 core CPU.
  
  
• G0 Stepping at Amazon
  By A1LL3JX88B16YB on 2007-08-16
  Just got my Q6600 from Amazon and it is indeed the newer G0 stepping version. I ordered on July 28th, so I'm guessing if you ordered after that date, you'll get G0.
  
  
  
• B3 Stepping here
  By A9QTJ7T4CWKFK on 2007-08-21
  Got B3 stepping- ordered August 17.
  Was really hoping to get the G0...oh well it still has 4 cores!
  
  
• Maravilloso !
  By A5BL0E7LDR0AE on 2007-09-28
  Muy buen procesador, bastante rapido, eficáz, trabaja a una temperatura genial ! y lo mejor de todo es su precio, su relación precio valor es increible!. Si no tiene el dinero suficiente para comprar un Extreme, le recomiendo esta opción! Este procesador lo compré conjunto a una Video Card Nvidia 8800 GTS 640MB y 2GB RAM, les digo que cualquier juego actual, hasta los ultimos titulos salidos hast ahora, ( Bioshock, World in Conflict, Medal of Honor Airborne, Dirt) Todos a FULL nivel de gráficos y a Resolución de 1440x900, corren a la perfección !!!. Sin duda estoy mas que satisfecho con todo este equipo, ninguna queja.
  
  
• SLACR - G0 Stepping
  By A29DSP553PTNP5 on 2007-09-24
  Ordered the processor on September 16, 2007 and got the G0 stepping. This is currently one of the ideal processors to go for. With a good motherboard you should be able to overclock it to 3.0Ghz. Make sure that you have a good air/water cooler.
  
  I have given this processor 4 stars because it is running slightly hotter then the normal temperatures I have seen on other forums.
  
  
• Outstanding processor
  By A2NZBCY7SO09AU on 2007-11-02
  I gave 4 stars for this processor because i could not get the newer version with g0 stepping for overclocking. I overclocked this processor up to 3.6ghz using Gigabyte GA-P35-DS3 motherboard. The temperature is at idle (50 degree) and full performance (58 degree) with Freezer Pro 7 CPU cooler; thus, I'm not very happy with its temp. I guess Thermaltake Big Typoon cooler can do better job than Freezer Pro 7 because I'm using it for my E6600 cpu ( its core 1 temp at idle is 36 degree and core 2 at 35 degree and less than 48 degree at full speed). Back to this unit, it's a no mistake purschasing Q6600. Lastly, I recommend buying at least 3 ghz memory if you are going to build a new computer with Windows Vista.
  
  
• quick!
  By A3CRSFF2TRALAX on 2007-09-27
  
  
  used with a quality motherboard this is a very quick processors, if you are a gamer (like myself) this is not the quickest processor out there, but as more games/apps support multi core processors in the future it will come into its own, g0 stepping processor here.
  
  
• Ordered Dec. 2007 and got G0 version
  By A3XLGNO1RALHC on 2007-12-06
  Just wanted to mention that I ordered on Dec. 5th and got the G0 version of this cpu. For those of you not familiar with the G0, its a much better OCer than the B3 version. SLACR = G0 SL9UM = B3
  
  
  
• THE BEST VALUE FOR THE MONEY
  By A292FHZFC0728M on 2008-02-25
  I totally agree with Brendan Getchel's review of the Intel Q6600. I bought the first generation Macpro quad 2.66 running Bootcamp and Windows XP for $2500.00. After seeing the price of the Q6600, I sold the Macpro a few months later for the same price and I built 2 Q6600 machines using the MSI p35 platinum and the GIGABYTE GA-P35-DS3R motherboards for about $1650.00 and I have never been more satisfied. Both machines are running at 3ghz. I do music so I have one computer just for recording in protools and one just running my virtual instruments. Of course both machines have the same software installed so that means that I also have a backup machine in case one goes down. What would be nice is if this chip could be used in a dual cpu motherboard...8 cores...I'm not sure if the architecture of the chip allows this but I cannot see myself even buying the Intel Extreme chips because every session that I had done on my Macpro which has Xenon chips, even sessions which had my useage meter in protools over 60% opened and worked fine on my quad machines. The best cpu for the money.
  
  
• easy install, good performance
  By ARBKYIVNYWK3C on 2008-03-15
  I function in a corporate environment but we had a special need application for a computer that controlled a steam valving system. It required more horsepower than our typical corporate workstations.
  
  This processor comes boxed with a fan and performs as advertised and reveiwed.
  
  
• GREAT product GREAT seller
  By A133X0KAX6KM5C on 2007-09-29
  This processor is the best you can buy , very fast and cheap..
  Amazon shippend on time with no problems.
  
  
• Quads Rule!!!!!!, Duals Drule!!!!
  By AG5WSXI52FPKH on 2008-03-13
  Just buy it, at this price is insane!!!!, forget the e8400, or the e6750, or any dual cores, i have them both and i still feel the quad much stronger and running vista ultimate with 3% of resources and 0-1% of resource on each core, is insane, while the dual core e8400 is always running 5-7% resources because it has lower cores, the quad core q9450 will be another great buy, not because of the ghz, but because of the new arquitecture, it will improve many things, but this baby for the price is unbelievable. buy it. REMEMBER A BETTER STEPPING RULES!!! NOT A C1 LIKE E8400 AND WITH THE TEMP ISSUES WHO WANTS IT?, i'll talk to amazon if they can let me return it again to buy another quad for another system.
  
  system specs
  
  msi p35d3 (DDR3)
  kingston value ram 1066 2 gb ddr3
  nvidia gts 320mb
  q6600 (KNOW) , E8400 AND E6750 (THEN)
  500 gb x2- 1tb wd sata II
  wd external 250 gb usb 2
  windows ultimate sp1
  
  
  
• So fast you barely see the boot screen.
  By AD0J5KK4WQXNS on 2008-06-11
  If you are going to update to this processor you might as well just get a new rig. Your mobo needs to support Quad processing to have this. This means if you have a Pentium 4 machine or a Duo, leave it as is and concentrate on a completely new system instead. Now is the time to upgrade anyway so for most this spells a new PC. Many of the latest games such as Crysis, COD4 and Bioshock put demands even on high-end rigs. To top it off you need Vista for Directx 10 (only 9 is available on XP) and it in turn is processor demanding. The Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 turns these problems on their head. Combine this processor with the GeForce 8800 and up to 4GB of RAM and you will be running top end games on their best settings. Overclock and you max those settings out but even without overclocking this processor is very satisfactory. Vista can boot in under 30 seconds. Office opens instantly and PDF files with 300 pages of color can be page flipped throughout without any freezing or visible refreshing. Oh yeah and in case you missed it did we add that it is so fast you barely see the boot screen? That says it all.
  
  
• Excelente procesador a un precio realmente bajo!
  By A2PBLCGKZLKYK7 on 2007-11-11
  Antes aun precio promedio de $550, ahora $270. Lo he comprado dos veces! ninguno de los dos fue un G0 ambos B3, igual sigue siendo un procesador excelente. Amazon, cada semana baja mas de precio! Creo ya se mantiene. Es excelente para aplicaciones como edición de video y diseño en general, para los juegos también es muy bueno, este bebe se comporta excelente con el juego de Crysis. Es cierto que este procesador casi no lo aprovechan la mayoría de aplicaciones en el mercado, pero por el precio y su rendimiento es excelente! Es de 2.4Ghz y fácil lo puedes llevar a 3.0Ghz con un sencillo pero buen overclock. En resumen si tu PC es tu herramienta de trabajo con este procesador será un sueño trabajar. Por ultimo, a futuro sus perspectivas son muy buenas... solo habra que ver si ese futuro llega.
  
  
• Best proc out there
  By A3UMCRC7XW9M0X on 2007-11-22
  Just received my Q6600 rev G0. Took out my old E4300 on the Giga 965P-DS3 and put in the Q6600. Vista booted up with no problem with nothing to do on my side.
  Next I overclocked it to 3.15GHz. Stable with 4 Prime95 processes running. I could clock it higher but this is fast enough.
  
  Highly recommended if you want to play Crysis at max setting.
  
  Unless you are lucky enough to score on the $199 fry's BF combo deal. This is definitely the best deal for this processor. Can't beat amazon's no tax/no shipping.
  
  
  
  
• best cpu going for the price
  By A2WV28D1FS6Z72 on 2007-12-07
  Why get the Duo when you can get the Quad for the same price? measures 5.9 on Vista Ultimate performance index. this is one smokin' processor. figurativly speaking, not literally. the chip runs acceptably cool using the supplied CPU fan. installs flawlessly on the Intel D975XBX2 motherboard. buy them together and save!
  
  
• Thumbs up for Q6600!
  By A3BS9HDN5PBJVO on 2007-12-16
  I'm very satisfied with the product.. works very well on my new computer,
  has a very good performance under Linux (amazing though!) compiling is really really fast using the 4 cores (make -j4) and it's really good on games and 3D Design / Rendering. A must have for anybody in the Multimedia Business!
  
  
• g0 stepping: reporting in!
  By A3OZW2TS3OFLP1 on 2008-01-10
  Just wanted let you guys know it does come in G0. One of the best values right now..
  
  
• Geat Buy
  By A1WBS8WDA68H5Z on 2007-09-30
  Quad Core Q6600 is one of the fatest processors right now at this price of $277.99 it is an excellent buy.
  Update: As the one I got from Amazon was the G0 version, so decided to unleash the true power of this little beast. I successfully reached 3.2GHz (FSB=356, step=9, vcore=1.35v) the MB is P5B Deluxe and CPU cooler is Zalman 9700. System is very stable. 15% increase of PC vantage. CPU Temp is 35 C at idle and 45 C at load at ambient temp 20 C. Q6600 is the most charming CPU in term of overclock ability. Some overclocked Q6600 to 4GHz. It worth every cent you pay for it. You can overclock Q6600 to 3GHz (333x9) easily to perform like QX6850 which worth $1200 for only $255. Is not it amazing!
  
  
• The blue year
  By A1J2X5ZHOA0K96 on 2007-10-17
  This year is definitivelly the Intel's year, and the next one too. The quad is 2 times better and faster than e6600. Just buy it. The games for multicore is turning the corner.
  
  
• The history has changed
  By A1C5M84V3UWB8 on 2007-08-21
  well after i purchased a DFI lanparty UT P35, the history has changed
  WOW 3.6 GHZ steady as a rock and 60 c celsius under load 4 cores yeah!
  of course needs good memory so i choose OCZ 800 Mhz platinum rev2 an cooling Tuniq Tower with two 120 mm fan
  
  
• G0 stepping
  By A3MWF5G7RSHNEB on 2007-12-06
  got the G0 stepping and it overclocks better than the B3
  amazing processor and it's worth every cent!
  
  
• Quite amazing processor
  By AG0IIOR7WX3GO on 2007-12-14
  I had a hard time choosing between this processor, and the Core 2 Duo E6850. I ended buying this one for one simple reason: 4 heads can do more than 2 heads.
  
  I just finished building my computer and this was the crown, I am more than satisfied with my purchase, except for this: I got the older B3 revision, but just because of that I won't subtract any star.
  
  
• 2 cores for the price of 4.
  By A1RMVPFU0HJ674 on 2007-12-26
  After installing this on a brand new XFX MBN680ish9 Mobo, it only showed 2 cores running. Upgraded the Bios, still only 2 cores. Cleared the CMOS, still only 2 cores. Double checked with CPUID, and only 2 cores w/ G0 stepping. Checked with Intels CPUID and it showed 1 core with B3 stepping. Something not right with this CPU. I still gave it a 4 star because of AMAZON wonderful return policy. They rock. I guess you have to expect a dud every once in a while. I hope the 2nd one works better.
  
  
• Excellent processor for an ideal price!
  By AJW2BKEN0LISL on 2008-02-04
  The Q6600 Intel Core 2 Quad processor is obviously one of the best in the market right now. Four processors at 2.40 GHz each is A LOT of power. The fan and heat sink used on it is huge and effective. Compared to my old PC with a Pentium 4 2.8 gig, there is no comparison. I would of given this product five stars, but I expected more from it. It isn't quite as fast as I expected it to be. Excellent product nevertheless, and I would recommend it.
  
  

• Microsoft Windows XP Professional FULL VERSION with SP2
• Microsoft Windows XP Professional SP2B for System Builders - 1 Pack
• Microsoft Windows Vista Business FULL VERSION [DVD] [OLD VERSION]
• Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate FULL VERSION [DVD] [OLD VERSION]
• Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium FULL VERSION [DVD] [OLD VERSION]

• CORSAIR XMS2 2GB (2 X 1GB) PC2-6400 800Mhz 240-pin CL4 DDR2 Dual Channel Destop Memory Kit - TWIN2X2048-6400C4
• Western Digital WD5000KSRTL Caviar 500 GB SATA Hard Drive
• OCZ 2 GB DDR2 PC2-6400 Platinum Revision 2 Dual Channel
• Lite-On SATA 20x Super All Write LightScribe Internal DVD/Dual Layer RW Drive (LH20A1L06)
• EVGA nForce 780i SLI 3xPCI-E x16 PCI-E 2.0 Socket 775 Motherboard A1 Version (132-CK-NF78-A1)