Features:

• Amazon is only shipping the Q6600 with confirmed BX80562Q6600 SLACR, with G0 stepping
• Intel wide dynamic and quad-core processor
• Intel smart memory access
• Intel advanced smart cache
• Intel advanced digital media boost

Editor Reviews:

Product Description:
The Intel Core 2 Quad processor is the latest in cutting edge processor technology for the desktop PC. Based on the Intel Core micro-architecture, the Intel Core 2 Quad processor delivers four complete execution cores within a single processor, delivering unprecedented performance and responsiveness. More instructions can be carried out per clock cycle, shorter and wider pipelines execute commands more quickly, and improved bus lanes move data throughout the system faster. Four dedicated, physical threads help operating systems and applications deliver additional performance, so you can experience better multi-tasking and multi-threaded performance across many types of applications and workload. A 4-pin connector is included for fan speed control to help minimize the acoustic noise levels generated from running the fan at higher speeds for thermal performance. Intel Virtualization Technology (Intel VT) Intel Extended Memory 64 Technology (Intel EM64T) Execute Disable Bit Digital Thermal Sensor (DTS) Intel designed Thermal Solution for boxed processors CPU Speed - 2.40 GHz PCG - 05B Bus Speed - 1066 MHz Bus/Core Ratio - 9.0 L2 Cache size - 8 MB L2 Cache Speed - 2.40 GHz Package Type - LGA 775 Core Stepping - G0 S-spec - SLACR Core Voltage - 0.85V 1.5V

Amazon.com Product Description:
Four computing cores in a single processor give multitasking users the ultimate edge in efficiency and performance—no matter what software application they are running. With a quad-core processor, multimedia experiences are faster and more responsive as video transfers, image rendering, data compression, and intense gaming applications are streamlined to process seamlessly with remarkable speed. As a result, demanding users can accomplish more in less time.

Amazon.com Product Description
Four computing cores in a single processor give multitasking users the ultimate edge in efficiency and performance—no matter what software application they are running. With a quad-core processor, multimedia experiences are faster and more responsive as video transfers, image rendering, data compression, and intense gaming applications are streamlined to process seamlessly with remarkable speed. As a result, demanding users can accomplish more in less time.

Intel® Core™2 Quad-Core Processor Product Highlight
By including up to 8MB of shared L2 cache and Front Side Bus speeds of up to 1066 MHz, the Intel® Core™2 Quad processor pushes the technological innovation envelope farther than ever before. For demanding users, this means the latest and most advanced software applications will open and work faster with excellent responsiveness. When used with the latest multimedia software and next-generation games, dropped frames, long waiting times and stuttering performance are history.

Rating : - Overclocks REALLY well
I have had this processor running for a year now; it is a G0 (lucky me) and I ran it for 10 months at stock speeds. Those 10 months were heaven (not mentioning a problem with the motherboard here) and so I decided to overclock. I never overclocked a computer in the past, this was going to be my first.

Before starting, note that I used the stock cooler, and the processor's VID is 1.3250V.

Now, because it is important to others, I must say I run this processor on a Asus P5E. Great board EXCEPT the memory voltages are bogus... or better stated, augmented. An increase of 0.02V in the BIOS is actually 0.05V, and the base of 1.8V is the only one that is correct. Therefore, 1.82V in BIOS is 1.85V, 1.84V is 1.90V, 1.90 is really 2.05V, etc.

Even with the rather high VID, I started overclocking. My first attempt was 2.70 GHz (300 FSB x 9). All settings in auto, and the computer works nicely. Second attempt I went for 3 GHz (333 FSB). Worked just fine on auto (not sure if it was stable, though). Next step, 345 FSB for 3.1 GHz... no boot. For the first time I had to manually raise the CPU voltage to get it to work. At this point I ran Prime95 for 8 hours and worked OK, and maximum Vcore temperature was 80 °C, 20 °C below the red. :) And all this on air, and all this with the stock cooler. I was able to OC almost 30% just by typing some numbers!

After that I decided that I wanted to OC more, so I got the OCZ Vendetta, 92mm fan, and I am now running rock stable @ 3.3 GHz (366 FSB) and below the 80 °C on the hottest core during Prime95, and attaining stability by setting the voltage to the scary number of 1.4350V in BIOS (it is scary to me anyways).

End result is a chip running on 37% OC on air, with an aftermarket $35 cooler. I cannot be happier. If I were to buy another Quad right now, I would not buy a 45 nm, I would buy this one again, especially now that Core I7 is out and should make this one drop in price.

If you have/want a pre-x58 motherboard, this is THE way to go.