CPUs > From 2.5 GHz to 3.0 GHz CPUs > LGA775 Socket > 500 GBP and more

Advantages: There is no faster CPU - future proof
Disadvantages: Price

I was eagerly awaiting the release of the core2 architecture last year but decided to hold out to see if there would be any bargains around Christmas time. This was also the scheduled release time of the quad core version. As the time neared I began reading reviews and seeing what programs would utilise all 4 cores and found that the list was short. However, for an equivalent price I could have bought the X6800 chip which although has a higher core ...
...proofing I decided to get the quad core. Before installing this chip a bios update was needed in order for my motherboard to pick up the chip and would fail to boot without it. Windows however does not need to be reinstalled and picked up all 4 cores perfectly and went about balancing the load from my running programs around all cores. I ran a few in game benchmarks against a friend with the X6800 chip and my QX6700 was noticably slower. However, ... Read review

Advantages: Extreme performance, very stable, low power consumption
Disadvantages: High price, in future I recommend 4 cores (distant future)

...of shared L2 cache , Intel really did a great thing for the consumers. The prices is still high but for those who can afford it is really the best dual core processor. Performance. The performance is best in all domains:games, multimedia, encoding, only loses in quad core specific applications and are few of them. Ease of Installation. Based on the socket 775, the installation is not very difficult but take care that the cooler's 4 conectors to ... Read review

Advantages: Blistering speeds
Disadvantages: Ideally needs Vista 64 bit but few software compatibility probems

Intel have really got it right with this CPU. It was easy to install and runs like a dream. To take real advantage of the power of this CPU it really needs the Vista 64bit version and there are few software compatibility problems now so it is worth taking the plunge. I've never seen software install so quickly on a PC as with this processor and running Windows updates, background tasks, processor hungry games etc. just doesn't have an impact on the ... Read review

Advantages: Price, performance
Disadvantages: Heat

A brilliant processor, can run the latest games with ease. Brilliant value too! I play the likes of crysis and cod4 seamlessly with this processor. There are a few things you must be careful of though, first of all this processor gives out a fair amount of heat! I dont feel that the supplied fan is good enough, but that could just be because of my cramped case. Secondly, the edges are sharp! I cut myself while installing it. Be careful! This is ...
...it didnt complain at all. Thats with an aftermarket cooler though. I upgraded from a single core and was surprised the massive difference it made. So, in conclusion, this is a very impressive cpu for an appealing price! Just look at the ciao price comparison and you will see it available for £75! a bargain. I bought mine at £100. I wish i had found ciao then! ... Read review

Advantages: great for office use. endures high temperatures. has average life of 5-10 years
Disadvantages: can not be used for gaming purpose. Windows Vista might not work

This is an absolute great processor for office use. It can bear very high temperatures, and with the right motherboard and bios it can be overclocked easily. Works great at Windows XP when using word, internet, reading your e-mail etc. (office use). When this processor is installed properly and doen't have to endure very high temperatures it will have probably a lifetime of 5-10 years (maybe even longer). I used it for about 7 years and never got ... Read review