Intel Core 2 Duo Has Arrived

Intel has launched the new Core 2 Duo desktop processors on 27 July 2006. According to Intel, the new processor is up to 40% faster and over 40% more energy efficient. Intel also claim that it’s the best CPU it has ever made - of course, the new CPU should be always better than the old one. But they haven’t fully landed in New Zealand yet. Until now, only the E6300 is in stock, but all the other models are arriving soon. So it’s time for us to talk about them.

The Core 2 Duo processor line ranges from 1.86GHz E6300 chip with 2MB of cache to the 2.93GHz Core 2 Extreme X6800 chip with 4MB of cache, all have a 1066MHz system bus. Here is a quick summary of each processor and my comments:

• Intel Core 2 Duo E6300 - 1.86GHz, 2MB Cache – Best value, best option for a budget PC
• Intel Core 2 Duo E6400 – 2.13GHz, 2MB Cache – Faster than E6300, acceptable price
• Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 – 2.4GHz, 4MB Cache – Best buy, I would buy this one if I want to build a PC soon
• Intel Core 2 Duo E6700 – 2.67GHz, 4MB Cache – A little bit faster, but more expensive, just right for people who have enough spare money
• Intel Core 2 Extreme X6800 – 2.93GHz, 4MB Cache – Fastest CPU in the market, like the fastest car in the image above - pricey but nothing more than “fast”

Click the above links for the latest pricing. Here’s the in-stock date for each model:

• Intel Core 2 Duo E6300 – In Stock Now
• Intel Core 2 Duo E6400 – 23 August 2006
• Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 – 28 August 2006
• Intel Core 2 Duo E6700 – TBA
• Intel Core 2 Extreme X6800 – 31 August 2006

Although Core 2 Duo chips use the same Socket 775 interface as current Pentium 4 and Pentium D processors, they require new chip sets, so you’ll have to get a new motherboard. You cannot just add a Core 2 Duo processor into your existing Intel-based PC and reap the tremendous performance gains. I’ll introduce Core 2 Duo motherboards in the future. Watch this space!