What To Expect

Well, when referring only to this particular product, I will say that most of what you read is credible and very easily attainable.  After testing it for many hours, I can actually confirm most of the results posted by many lucky owners of the G0. 

Before I show you just what you can expect, keep in mind that the Q6600 is a 2.4GHz processor.  To be able to push it to such levels while maintaining 100% stability is quite remarkable actually.

To summarize everything for you, the findings are that you can push this processor to 3.4GHz on standard air and as high as 4GHz with higher end cooling options.  After spending countless hours playing with this latest processor, I can confirm that these results are not only credible, but the possibilities are somewhat endless and limited to the hardware itself in this very unique case.

In this example, I was using what I consider is the best CPU cooling option for the money...the CoolIT Freezone.  Unlike standard watercooling kits, the Freezone actually chills the water, providing a much higher level of performance.  For those still unaware of this product, visit our review.  Anyways, the point I'd like to make here is that it was very clear as to just how cool this processor was running when using this product.  When you install the Freezone and adjust it properly, the block itself will be very very cold to the touch.  In my previous setup consisting of an AMD X2 processor, running it at maximum overclock would dissipate so much heat that the block would no longer be this cold to the touch.  With the Q6600 G0, no matter at what speeds or voltage you run it at, the block would be so cold, it was hard to believe it was even running to begin with. 

In our tests, we were easily able to take it to a remarkable 4GHz, while maintaining 100% stability.  At this level, the temps at Idle on this build would run between 18ºC - 22ºC.  That's pretty remarkable for a processor of its kind.  I knew these were accurate simply by touch and surface area measurement using a touch-less thermometer.  I was super shocked by this and in fact, when loading the system heavily, the average temperature was between 34ºC-37ºC.  Based on touch and surface area readings, I'm sure it was running at much lower temperatures than what the software utilities were recording.  This processor simply does not generate enough heat to worry over at all.

Final Thoughts & Recommendations

I was so impressed with this chip, that I decided to write this short article to encourage many that may be planning a Quad Core build.  Folks, it is that impressive and I haven't come across a processor this "overclock-friendly" in quite a while.  The performance itself is just as impressive.  I have seen people set the voltages up too high with this processor.  I will tell you that this is really not necessary, as long at it is paired with the right board and memory.  So here are my findings based on testing.  I did plenty of tests and these are realistic results you can expect when purchasing this processor.

Folks, spend your money wisely and do some research before you purchase your components.  There is absolutely no need to spend a considerable amount more on a Q6700 or even a Q6800.  What is very nice to see is that considering the high demand and low supply of the G0 model, people aren't taking advantage of it in terms of its street price.  If you're a smart shopper, you can actually pick one up under $300 shipped.  My recommendation? Pair this excellent processor with one of the new P35 motherboards and I'm sure you'll be pleased.  When paired with the right memory and a quality P35 motherboard targeted at enthusiasts, even those new to overclocking will be astonished as to just how little effort is required to push this processor to such impressive levels. 

Bottom line here is that this processor can unleash enough performance that will keep many happy for a few years while offering peace of mind.  Based on the ultra low temps that it operates regardless of how much tweaking you do, you can also ensure that it will last you just as long.

Update 09/16/07:  I received an overwhelming amount of emails from this short article since its initial release.  While mostly all were positive, there were a few readers that apparently completely misunderstood the purpose of this article.  This is clearly not a "review" of the product.  I would never release an actual full review of a product in this fashion to begin with.  This short article was written simply to emphasize just what a "smart buy" this is for many enthusiasts.  A majority really appreciated it and emphasized their appreciation and even asked some good questions not exactly covered in the article.  The rest of you...take it for what it is.

Got a Q6600?  Post your best overclock here and feel free to discuss the article and any questions you may have.  Official thread here.