Conclusion

While AMD and Intel launched their first dual-core processors in 2005, the technology didn’t really take off until a year later in 2006, thanks in large part to reduced prices and to a lesser extent, greater software adoption. If Intel has their way, the adoption rate for quad-core will be much faster (Intel plans to ship 1 million quad-core processors within three quarters after launch), and today’s introduction of the Core 2 Quad Q6600 is Intel’s first step in that direction. So is the Core 2 Quad Q6600 ready to take on the mainstream market?

Yes and no.

Hardware-wise, Intel’s Core 2 Quad Q6600 is primed for success. Because Intel’s quad-core processors are compatible with most of the Core 2-compliant 975X and P965 motherboards already on the market, the hardware infrastructure is already in place for the Core 2 Quad Q6600, it’s practically a drop-in replacement for most folks who already own one of these motherboards. All you’ll likely need is a BIOS update for Q6600 support. The processor itself is also a terrific performer, outpacing AMD’s 3.0GHz FX-74 4x4 system in many of our tests, although keep in mind that in apps that don’t take advantage of multi-threading (read: games), it performs similarly to a Core 2 Duo E6600.

The biggest obstacle that the Core 2 Quad Q6600 will have to overcome, at least in the short term, is pricing. As of right now, the CPU carries an $851 price tag. As we mentioned in the intro, that’s an awfully expensive price considering that for less than $150 more, you can get a Core 2 Extreme QX6700 which runs over 200MHz faster and more importantly, has an unlocked clock multiplier, allowing you to OC the CPU to your hearts content provided you’ve got the right motherboard.

The bottom line is that as it stands today, the Core 2 Quad Q6600 is priced too close to the Core 2 Extreme to really be a good value.

All this is expected to change in Q2’07 however, when it’s rumored that the Q6600 will sell for under $550. At that price point, the Q6600 would be a much more enticing upgrade, and as such, that’s the time we’d suggest you pick up a Q6600 if quad-core interests you, but you can’t afford to drop $1K on a new processor.