The Intel Core 2 Extreme QX9650 quad-core processor is no mere upgrade of the Kentsfield-based Core 2 Extreme processors. Underneath the heatspreader lies a radically-different processor, built not only using the smaller 45 nm process technology but also Intel's new high-k dielectric and metal gate technology. The result? A smaller, cooler and more efficient processor. Oh, let's not forget... a 50% larger L2 cache! The Core 2 Extreme QX9650 sports a massive 12MB L2 cache. All with the same TDP of 130 W. Amazing, isn't it? But how fast is it really? After all, this is a high-end enthusiast-grade processor with a hefty price premium. It had better be a couple of Mach numbers faster than the previous generation! Well, this is what we will be looking into in this review. Not only will we examine its performance in games, we will also take a look at its performance in 3D rendering and video encoding.
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