CPUs > Processor upgrade CPUs > 100 GBP to 199 GBP

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: 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

Advantages: Fast, energy efficiant, cheap
Disadvantages: intel have announced 6 core cpus on the way

Excellent Processor, the usual simple to install and the stock fan does its job well. Very overclockable and can easily reach speeds of 3.0ghz without having to change the cooler. In my oppinion certainly worth picking up as great value for money also with the release and rapid take up of quad core cpus the price of these dual core processors is only going to carry on going lower, meaning if you dont have a need for 4 cores pumping out your office ...
...graphics work that need the extra cores, grab one of these. They will amaze you at the performance you will receive especially if upgrading from something a lot lower, i personally upgraded from a lowly AMD Athlon 2600 and was happier than a sandboy in a jam packed pub. ... Read review

Advantages: Fast, runs quietly, doesnt overheat.
Disadvantages: None so far.

Intel are the leading company in world for selling processing units fors desktop and laptop computers. You can expect from them, to strive to produce newer and top of the range processors that are way above and beyond any other competitors products. This processor is another excellent example of their continual improvement in laptop technology. Customer service is excellent through intel and any questions and support you have about their products ...
...fobbing off with false answers through my correspondence with them. I am currently sat my laptop with this exact processor in, and I have not met a single problem with it. One can expect laptops to be slightly slower than desktop computers, but this processor makes the gap between the two appear very minimal. As a non-tech person myself, I have did some background research into core 2 duo processors before i purchased one as I wondered how long ... Read review