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Introduction
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The Intel Core 2 is a very successful line of processors. They are based on the Core microarchitecture which offers a tremendous improvement in performance and power efficiency. There are currently over 30 different processor models based on three main core designs. They are split into several performance grades :
- Core 2 Extreme (QX Series) - High-end quad-core Core 2 processor with unlocked multipliers
- Core 2 Extreme (X Series) - High-end dual-core Core 2 processor with unlocked multipliers
- Core 2 Quad (Q Series) - Mainstream quad-core Core 2 processor
- Core 2 Duo (E Series) - Mainstream dual-core Core 2 processor
The Intel Core 2 Extreme QX9650 is the latest quad-core Core 2 Extreme processor for the desktop market. As such, it sports unlocked multipliers, as well as a hefty price tag.
Based on the new 45 nm fabrication process, this processor is built using Intel's new high-k (hafnium) dielectric and metal gate technology. The new process technology not only reduces the current leakage and thermal output of the new processor, it also allows for faster gate switching and consequently, higher clock speeds. In addition, the smaller fabrication process enabled Intel to increase the L2 cache size by 50%.
Like previous Core 2 processors, the Intel Core 2 Extreme QX9650 is really built using two processor dies, each with two processing cores. Although this is theoretically less efficient than a monolithic design (with all four cores on a single die), this method allows Intel to maintain a very high yield rate. It also allowed them to pair processor dies of the same speed grade to attain high clock speeds, something that is just not possible with a monolithic design.
Alright, enough about the tech-talk. What matters most to the user is really the performance of the new processor. If you are going to pay so much for this one, it had better show a real improvement over your current processor. Right? That is what we will be examining in this review. Right now, let's take a look at how the Core 2 Extreme QX9650 compares against its older 65nm brethren.
Processor |
Fab |
Cores |
L1 Cache |
L2 Cache |
FSB |
Multiplier |
Clock |
Core 2 Extreme QX9650 |
45 nm |
4 |
32 KB x 4 |
6 MB x 2 |
1333 MHz |
9x |
3.0 GHz |
Core 2 Extreme QX6850 |
65 nm |
4 |
32 KB x 4 |
4 MB x 2 |
1333 MHz |
9x |
3.0 GHz |
Core 2 Extreme QX6800 |
65 nm |
4 |
32 KB x 4 |
4 MB x 2 |
1066 MHz |
11x |
2.93 GHz |
Core 2 Extreme QX6700 |
65 nm |
4 |
32 KB x 4 |
4 MB x 2 |
1066 MHz |
10x |
2.67 GHz |
Core 2 Quad Q6600 |
65 nm |
4 |
32 KB x 4 |
4 MB x 2 |
1066 MHz |
9x |
2.4 GHz |
Core 2 Duo E6850 |
65 nm |
2 |
32 KB x 2 |
4 MB |
1333 MHz |
9x |
3.0 GHz |
Core 2 Duo E6750 |
65 nm |
2 |
32 KB x 2 |
4 MB |
1333 MHz |
8x |
2.67 GHz |
Core 2 Duo E6600 |
65 nm |
2 |
32 KB x 2 |
4 MB |
1066 MHz |
9x |
2.4 GHz |
Core 2 Duo E6550/E6540 |
65 nm |
2 |
32 KB x 2 |
4 MB |
1333 MHz |
7x |
2.33 GHz |
Core 2 Duo E6420 |
65 nm |
2 |
32 KB x 2 |
4 MB |
1066 MHz |
8x |
2.13 GHz |
Core 2 Duo E6320 |
65 nm |
2 |
32 KB x 2 |
4 MB |
1066 MHz |
7x |
1.86 GHz |
For more specifications, take a look at our Desktop CPU Comparison Guide. |
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The Intel Core 2 Extreme QX9650 may run at the same clock speed as the older Core 2 Extreme QX6850, but it comes with 50% more L2 cache. That should give it a significant boost in its performance. Other than that, the QX9650 is functionally similar to the QX6850. Here are the Core 2 Extreme QX9650's full specifications.
Specifications
Code Name |
• Yorkfield XE |
sSpec Number |
• SLAN3 |
Core Stepping |
• C0 |
CPUID String |
• 10676h |
Socket |
• LGA 775 |
Transistor Count |
• 820 million transistors total |
Fabrication Process |
• 45 nanometer high-k |
Die Size |
• 107 mm² x 2 |
Clock Speed |
• 3.0 GHz |
Front Side Bus Speed |
• 1333 MHz |
CPU Multiplier |
• 9.0x |
L1 Cache |
• 32 KB x 4 |
L2 Cache |
• 6 MB x 2 |
VID Voltage Range |
• 0.85 V minimum |
Thermal Design Power |
• 130 W |
Maximum Operating Temperature |
• 64.5 °C |
Supported Features |
• Enhanced Intel Speedstep Technology |
Okay, let's give this processor a spin!
