CPUs > 400 GBP to 499 GBP CPUs > by Socket

Advantages: Insanely efficient, SS4 instruction capabilities, unlocked multiplier
Disadvantages: fairly expensive, some more programs need to be multi threaded

...were looking very dire for Intel indeed. Massive job cuts, poor PR and above all they had an outdated series. Their main rivals AMD were trouncing them at every step. They left no stone unturned and Intel seemed to be in major trouble. Then the Conroes hit the market. Instantly the tables were turned. The new 65nm process Intel adopted, dominated the market. They ran cool, extremely efficiently and above all they overclocked. Fast forward to today ...
...overclocks even better than before. Intel knows what consumers want. Value for money. On my meagre rig ;) I managed to overclock the QX6950 to over 4.3Ghz on watercooling. Unfortunatly my motherboard cannot go anyhigher so for the time being im limited. However being the Extreme version, this chip allows you to drop the multiplier to negate the limitations of the other components. Would I recommend this chip though? Maybe. As much as I have raved ... Read review

Advantages: Fast, Efficient
Disadvantages: None I can notice

...recently bought a laptop containing Intel Core 2 Duo T7600. My experience with it was just fun. The laptop is very fast at every thing. This processor is based on the latest micro architecture from Intel. It has several very advanced features. Some are discussed below. The processor has a Front Side Bus of 667, which is impressive for laptops. The processor has a speed of 2.33 GHz, which makes it one of the fastest mobile processor. This proceesor ...
...has got a 4 MB cache. This helps to bost its performance alot. The unified cache for both the cores of the processor makes it perform very well in single threaded applications. Its dual core, so, it can handle multi threaded applications with eas. Its power consumption is very phenomenal. It is rated at a 34 W level, which is very good for the battery life. It also contains advanced features like enhanced security, virtualization, and 64-bit computing. ... Read review

Advantages: Stable Temperature.
Disadvantages: -

...XP SP2. I like this AMD processor because have dual core system and more faster than Intel Pentium Core Duo 2.2Ghz. I use ECS GeForce6100PM-M2 mainboard, DDR2 1Ghz, onboard VGA sharing up to 512MB. Then I try run The Sims game and wow.... I don't believe it, run stable and quick load when play. I can play NBA Live 2007 game too without using PCI-E VGA card. This AMD processor very quiet and the temperature is always stable. I try it all using original ... 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: Quite Fast, Overclockable, Cheap
Disadvantages: 1mb cache

I have had this processor in my PC for around 7 months and it is probably the best value processor around. I put it i my first ever build and it was very easy to install and very fast,probably the fastest PC I had ever used! After a few days I messed aroung with overclocking and this is when I really unlocked its potential. I don't really have a clue about memory timings etc. so anything extra I could get out of it the better. I could get it up ...
...but its now sitting at 3Ghz as it has been for 7 months and it flies! I have played quite a few games with it including COD4, PES 2008, FIFA 08, GTA SA, Half Life 2 and more, very smoothly. I can also convert a 2hr film to DVD in around 50 mins, on my old computer it would take 4hrs. Overall a cheap and Cheerful processor ... Read review