bit-tech Shopping: Intel Core 2 Extreme QX9770 Quad Core Processor

Rating: 10

Time with product: 90 Days

Strengths: Extremely Fast CPU...The Best of The Best, nothing can drain resource out of this processor, screaming for more, has not hit the barrier as of yet.

Weaknesses: Price is over killed, I'm sure production cost is only a few hundred bucks in large quantity, but you get what you paid for, nothing is free in America.

Summary: This processor can handle anything out there today, will handle multi task easily, must use with a good CPU cooler cause package does not include one like previous generation of Extreme Processor. Best know to date CPU cooler for this processor is the Zalman 9700NT, kept all four cores below 32C idled, at full load never exceeded 47C. This is my 2nd Extreme Edition Processor since last year and it's a big difference due to 45nm process, less heat more efficiency. If you got the $$$ then this is it, you will not regret! I can say this will last till the i7 line of processor goes out.

Rating: 10

Time with product: 2 Months

Strengths: FASTEST PROCESSOR ON THE MARKET! Had No problems installing.

Weaknesses: EXPENSIVE!! No CPU fan... for the price you'd think they'd include an awesome fan.

Summary: This processor is basically the best of the best currently, but like any processor in a few months it'll be outdated. Right now this processor is smoking and nothing can touch it. If you're looking to build an awesome gaming rig or killer workstation this is the processor you want to drop in your system.

Rating: 10

Time with product: 3 Weeks

Strengths: Speed, temps

Weaknesses: Price

Summary: Not to sound repetitive but I echo all other reviewers who note that this is absolutely the best currently available in May 2008, but is way overpriced. The argument remains the same: you can buy a cheaper model and overclock it to perform like this one, but since this one can be overclocked to even greater heights, it will be a longer period of time before you have to upgrade again. You'll find, however, that it does make some difference; pro review sites have posted 10-25% increases in game framerates when compared to, e.g., the QX6700. Strangely, considering the price point, Intel didn't include any sort of HSF, even in the retail box - so be sure to buy one, or have a spare. I'm pleased to note that a rock-stable clock of 4.2GHz is achieved with only 1.35625V on my Asus Striker 2 Extreme. Higher clocks - even 4.4GHZ - are unstable even at 1.6V, and that's while using an nVentiv Mach II GT Phase-Change cooler; therefore, it seems that temp isn't the concern here, and even LN2 and DI users may not be able to go higher.