Intels 65W Core 2 Quad cpu up for pre-order

Intels lower-power Core 2 Quad processors are now propping up at various retailers. Two of the three new 65W parts - the Core 2 Quad Q8200s and Core 2 Quad Q9550s - are available to pre-order from Scan.co.uk, but at a notable premium. Here is how pricing compares for 65W equivalents of existing 95W

Processor	Core 2 Quad Q9550s	Core 2 Quad Q9550	Core 2 Quad Q8200s	Core 2 Quad Q8200
CPU speed	2.83GHz	2.83GHz	2.33GHz	2.33GHz
FSB	1,333MHz	1,333MHz	1,333MHz	1,333MHz
L2 cache	12MB	12MB	4MB	4MB
Manufacturing process	45nm	45nm	45nm	45nm
TDP	65W	95W	65W	95W
Price	£339.04	£231.12	£220.79	£146.61

Were sure there are users to whom each degree in temperature makes all the difference, but a price hike of £108 and £74, respectively, currently make both the Q9550s and Q8200s seem far too pricey.

They might be out of reach for the everyday consumer, but 65W quad-core chips are a welcome addition to Intels line-up and wed expect them to appear in numerous systems in the coming weeks - and perhaps in a refreshed iMac, too.

Core 2 Duo vs. Core 2 Quad by Intel

The contrast between dual and quad-core CPUs.

Intel claims that dual-core is best for:

1. Maximizing productivity for multi-tasking business users
2. IT builds with numerous background applications
3. Demanding office applications and collaboration software

Intel Quad-core is best for:

1. CAD design and 3D rendering for advanced business applications
2. Complex calculations such as Monte Carlo and Black-Scholes
3. HD Video Encoding for business video authoring

In Office productivity Sysmark 2007 test, dual-core is actually some 15 percent faster than the Quad-core and Intel is comparing E8600 at 3.33GHz and Q9400 at 2.67GHz, both priced at around €220 price tag. In Complex calculation Excel 2007, Monte Carlo Simulation this same quad-core can end up 21 percent faster than the dual-core. Intel left out 3D gaming from this equation simply as it tries to sell the PCs to business customers who should not be playing Call of Duty at work hours, but at the same time tells most of you that you might not need a Quad-core.

New low-cost CPU from INTEL

New Intel low-cost quad-core and Core 2 Duo desktop processors. A new Celeron D model was also listed.

Intel lists the Q8200 at $224, one of the most inexpensive quad-core chips that Intel now offers. The venerable Q6600 is the only Core 2 Quad that is less expensive.

Intel Core 2 QuadThe 45-nanometer processor has a core clock speed of 2.33GHz and 4MB of cache memory. This is a relatively small amount of cache memory as most Intel desktop quads offered now come with 6MB, 8MB, or 12MB of cache memory. Generally, the more cache memory the better the performance.

The chip has a front-side bus speed of 1333 MHz. The front-side bus carries data between the processor and other silicon.

Intel also shows a new E series Core 2 Duo processor. The E5200 is priced at $84, the lowest-cost Core 2 Duo chip on the list. It has a core clock speed of 2.5GHz, 2MB of cache memory, and an 800MHz front-side bus.

Intel also lists a new Celeron D processor for $53. The 450 slots in above the current 440. The 450 runs at 2.2GHz, has 512K of cache memory, and an 800MHz front-side bus.