CPUs > Dual-Core CPUs > Processor > 100 GBP to 199 GBP

Advantages: Cheap, fast and cool
Disadvantages: it's not a quad core, £130 may be too much for some

It took a while for Intel to wake up and smell the prices of AMD shares recently (AMD being Intel's main competitor). After years of AMD taking bite after bite out of Intel's market share with innovative, efficient, fast and affordable processors, Intel finally did something about it and released the Core 2 processor. The dual and quad core CPU's completely blew AMD away and AMD still haven't caught up two years later. The Intel Core 2 E8400 is the ...
...advantage of quad cores and Intel has released it's next generation architecture called Nehalem, it's well worth saving your money - with the E8400 costing less than £130, it's value for money, especially if you're overclocking, is undeniable. Whether you're buying a new system with an E8400 in it or upgrading your existing system, the E8400 should be top of your list. ... Read review

Advantages: Fast, good overclocking potential; the best for games (and virtually all other applications)
Disadvantages: Runs fairly warm, but nothing terrible

As a gamer, I needed the best processor out there. Searching around, the only real debate in this price range was whether to go for the E6850, a dual core CPU, or the Q6600, a quad core at a lower clock. After looking at many different benchmarks and reviews, the answer was clear - the higher clocked part (the E6850) was a more power processor, giving better performance in games, and better performance in most ofther software applications as well. ...
...6 months ago when I bought this product; current applications do not need 4 cores to run quickly, especially games. If I was particularly interested in video editing, then I may have gone for a quad-core, but for my purposes it wasn't nescessary. Not only that, but I have used video editing software on this, and it will render incredibly quickly - I was blown away. So, the upshot is - what do you need to use your computer for? A few specialised ... Read review

Advantages: Dual-core performance for true multi-tasking
Disadvantages: Price a little bit more, but makes sense.

...in today's mainstream notebook PCs AMD Athlon 64 X2 6400+ / 3.2 GHz processor has given me a sigh of relief. So what's it bringing with itself? AMD64 technology brings your notebook PC to life with dual-core performance, superior graphics, and wireless technologies from AMD's technology partners. It's everything you need for an enhanced Windows Vista™* experience you can take with you anywhere and coming with a price that makes sense. # Key features ...
...and wireless capabilities from AMD technology partners ~AMD PowerNow!™ technology for performance on demand and extended system battery life ~Enhanced Virus Protection** (EVP) helps protect against certain viruses, worms, and other malicious attacks ~HyperTransport™ technology boosts overall system agility so applications are more responsive and deliver incredible performance # Compatibility wise: AMD Athlon 64 X2 dual-core processors for notebook ... Read review

Advantages: power
Disadvantages: price

...cannot compair it to other intel core 2 duos because i havent tested them but i love this one i can compair it to the intel pentium 4 HT and performance doent even come close to this one i havent tried converting but i think it should be a good candidate as it has 4mb l2 cache tried it with halo 2 and performance was unbelievable for me anyway i though vista being power hungry as it is would have made it lag but it didnt at all ... 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