CPUs > Intel CPUs > From 2.5 GHz to 3.0 GHz > Dual-Core > 100 GBP to 199 GBP

Advantages: Blistering Speed
Disadvantages: None

...is the 2nd generation (already) Intel processor based on it's 'core' microarchitecture. The previous being called Netburst, and is still around in Pentium 4's and Pentium D 9 series processors. The beauty of the Core 2 Duo chips are the incredible power they are capable of, which producing half the heat of the Pentium 4's. On benchmarking, this processor alone increased the speed of my computer by 53%. This is a huge amount considering i payed less ...
...The processor has a very fast Front Side Bus (FSB) speed of 1066 Mhz and will work with the fastest Ram you can throw at it. It also stays very cool, even under excrutiatingly hardcore tasks, like encoding 3 DVD's simultaneously while editing my photos in the number crunching monster that is Adobe Photoshop CS2. The brilliance behind it is due to several important things. There is a 4Mb cache (which is a lot more than AMD give you) which is shared ... Read review

Advantages: Dual Core Technology, Fast, The CPU heatsink + fan are quiet
Disadvantages: Be careful with the new S775 socket motherboards when installing the CPU cooler as can bend the mainboard if put to much pressure to lock the 4 locks

I have used this processor retail version in many a custom built PC that I have done for people. I have tried the D805 (2.66Ghz) and the 3.0Ghz version but for cost and performance this CPU is the one to have for cost and performance in the series. The only problem I can see is the fact that you can get the 900 series version of the 2.8Ghz for a very similar price. The difference between the two are price (but not a lot really a few quid), the core ... Read review

Advantages: fairly good price, dual core, 2.66 ghz, 4m L2 cache
Disadvantages: fan is somewhat hard to install

This E6750 is the processor running in my computer as I write this review. In my opinion I couldn't have chosen a better CPU for what I was looking for. I was looking to spend around 200 USD for a processor and I wanted it to be very powerful so that I could run demanding programs and all of the most recent games. This processor combined with my 8800 gts 320md graphics card put on a show when it comes to graphics displays. I have yet to be disappointed ... Read review

Advantages: Overclocks amazingly well, very durable, runs really cool.
Disadvantages: 512MB Cache per core instead of 1GB, Wish OCed on less voltage

I purchased the Black Edition of the processor. The little thing is amazing. Its a very cool and low power processor. I was able to overclock it from 2.6 to 3.275 with almost no heat gain. It didn't come with a normal stock cooler so I had to buy one. http://www.ciao.co.uk/ArcticCoolingFreezer64ProProcessorcoole r 6478463 ^That is the one I purchased. This processor requires almost 1.5V for an overclock of 3.275. Any voltage above isn't ...
...mine were bent and it still works just fine, though it has to be pressed in some. The only con I really notice about this amazing little processor is that it only has 512MB per core, instead of a wanted 1GB per core. I recommend this to people on a budget who want to get the most out of their system. ... Read review

Advantages: Price,ease of instalation
Disadvantages: the cache, the speed

AMD have had some bad press over the years and this 4200 processor does not help them. With only a poor 1 mb cache it gets tasks dont but you wont find it doing them in record time. I also find amd products are overclockable but confusing to do. But on the value for money side you cant really go wrong because the price is a lot lower than an intel but unfortunately this is because the intel processor is that bit better. I would also say not to buy ... Read review