Following a long-awaited introduction last month, Intel's lower-power Core 2 Quad processors are now propping up at various etailers.
Two of the three new 65W parts - the Core 2 Quad Q8200s and Core 2 Quad Q9550s - are available to pre-order from Scan.co.uk*, but at a notable premium. Here's how pricing compares for 65W equivalents of existing 95W parts:
| Processor | Core 2 Quad Q9550s |
Core 2 Quad Q9550 |
Core 2 Quad Q8200s |
Core 2 Quad Q8200 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CPU speed | 2.83GHz |
2.83GHz |
2.33GHz |
2.33GHz |
| FSB | 1,333MHz |
1,333MHz |
1,333MHz |
1,333MHz |
| L2 cache | 12MB |
12MB |
4MB |
4MB |
| Manufacturing process | 45nm |
45nm |
45nm |
45nm |
| TDP | 65W |
95W |
65W |
95W |
| Price |
We're sure there are users to whom each degree in temperature makes all the difference, but a price hike of £108 and £74, respectively, currently make both the Q9550s and Q8200s seem far too pricey.
They might be out of reach for the everyday consumer, but 65W quad-core chips are a welcome addition to Intel's line-up and we'd expect them to appear in numerous systems in the coming weeks - and perhaps in a refreshed iMac, too.
*As always, UK-based HEXUS.community discussion forum members will benefit from the SCAN2HEXUS Free Shipping initiative, which will save you a further few pounds plus also top-notch, priority customer service and technical support backed up by the SCANcare@HEXUS forum.
