Intel Core 2 Extreme QX6700

The Intel Core 2 Extreme QX6700 brings 4 cores and 8 threads. It drops into the LGA775 socket with a 100W TDP — about 25W per core. Clocks run from 2.66GHz base to 2.66GHz boost. Confirm motherboard socket compatibility before anything else, then size the cooler to the TDP.

Its $229.95 price tag places it squarely in mid-range territory. Drop it into the PlanMyPC builder to check compatibility with the rest of your parts and compare current processor prices across retailers. Support and warranty service run through Intel, with terms that vary by region. Scroll down for the complete spec table; the builder's compatibility checker will warn you about any conflicts with components you have already picked.