The QX6700 from Intel is a CPU like no other, it is the first quad core CPU that you can buy at almost any computer store. I must say that Intel rightly deserves to be called performance king.

First, I would like to comment on Intel's Extreme CPUs in general. I love any extreme product, even if it isn't that great. Why? When I see anything that bears the name "Extreme", it is not so much the product I am interested at first - it is the fact that a part of the community, and that could be any community, has been recognized. Extreme "anything" shows that the manufacturer has realized that there is a big enough market for it to sell goods to those that think about price second, performance first. On the other hand, an extreme product will not last, if it is not good enough - the process of natural selection will automatically eliminate it. Take the memory market for example. Once a manufacturer starts to produce "extreme" memory, people looking for the best are likely to try it. Other manufacturers will join in, they obviously don't want to loose potentional customers. Through Extreme CPUs, Intel is definitely promoting healthy competition on the CPU market. Also, mere mortals already have something to look forward to - the technology from extreme merchandise is often used in "normal" versions, once the manufacture process is cheap enough. The rule is applicable in our case, too - Intel's quad core CPU that won't cost an arm and a leg is scheduled for the start of next year...

Next, I would like to comment on the multi-core path Intel has decided to follow. Intel has stood up on its feet again, delivering the performance we were all used to. There are certain problems that Intel will have to face - it will not only have to develop CPUs, but also aid in the production of other components to keep up. I am glad to see that Intel already has products - compilers and Intel's Building Blocks software - that aids programmers in making their applications as multi-core friendly as possible.

I am much fonder of this CPU than of its other Extreme colleague - the X6800. While the latter does have a higher clock speed, it really doesn't bring anything that new - let's face it, the same clock speed can be achieved with any normal E6600 or E6700, which both cost much less. The QX6700, on the other hand, is a whole different story. Intel has accelerated the multi-core era with this CPU by squeezing two E6700s under one heatspreader. However hard you try, you will not be able to squeeze any more cores into your dual core processors, that is what makes this CPU unique.

So, is this CPU for everyone? No. In order to enjoy the full benefit of having a quad-core "engine" under the hood, you must have a equally high-tech PC. It is sort of like stuffing a Hemi 427 into an Opel Corsa - without upgrading the whole drivetrain, you have no chance of utilizing its full potential (or, without breaking something real quick). Before one invests into a quad-core CPU, I feel that he should have at least 2 GB of RAM and a fast graphics card - Radeon X1950 or GeForce 8800 series would do. You must also remember - an investment into any quad-core CPU is an investment into your computer's future. Most applications are not ready to support multi-core CPUs, but the situation is slowly improving. It is also a risk - the technology is not quite mature yet, so perhaps waiting for 45nm quad-core CPUs would be wise. Then again, you could wait forever...