Test Setup

The Core 2 Extreme QX9770 will be the new top-end of the Intel desktop range, and may well be the highest performing quad core processor on the market. Naturally, we're going to put it to the test against a selection of the fastest dual and quad core models from both AMD and Intel. The Intel side includes the Core 2 Extreme QX9650 (3.0 GHz), QX6850 (3.0 GHz) & QX6700 (2.66 GHz), and Core 2 Quad Q6600 quad cores, along with the Core 2 Extreme X6800 (2.93 GHz) dual core demon. The AMD competition is not quite in the same league, but we've still provided benchmarks for the Athlon 64 X2 6000+, and Athlon 64 X2 5600+ AM2 processors.

These high-end processors are matched with corresponding platforms and peripherals, while ensuring consistency with the overall reference system mix. The dual and quad core Intel processors have been paired with an X38 Express motherboard, while the AMD processors run on an nForce 590 SLI motherboard, The base memory capacity is set at 2-GB, with the AMD and Intel 1066 MHz processors receiving DDR2-800 (4-4-4-12), while the Intel 1600 and 1333 MHz CPUs can make use of DDR2-1066 (5-5-5-15).

The default hard disk configuration is comprised of dual Maxtor MaxLine III 250GB NCQ-enabled SATA drives set for RAID 0, which provides top-end disk performance and ensures consistent benchmarking. The video component is high-end mainstream, and consists of a PNY GeForce 8800 GTS PCI Express card. The operating system remains Windows XP SP2, as Vista is still a bit inconsistent when it comes to some popular benchmarks.

The benchmark list includes a wide range of system, CPU, memory, and gaming tests. These include PCMark05, SiSoft SANDRA XII, WinRAR, and CINEBENCH 9.5/10, along with TMPGEnc Xpress 4.0 for MPEG-2, DivX, WMV and HDV encoding. We also utilize popular 3D game tests like Supreme Commander, 3DMark06, F.E.A.R., Company of Heroes, DOOM 3, Quake 4, FarCry, Prey, and Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory. Our default game benchmark setting is 1024x768x32, which is demanding enough for CPU comparisons but still realistic as an actual game play resolution.

* Please note that unless otherwise stated, such as the media encoding times, all performance graph results equate to the standard "higher is better" routine.

Test Systems:

Intel Reference System:
Core 2 Processors: Core 2 Extreme QX9770, QX9650, QX6850, QX6700 & X6800, and Core 2 Quad Q6600
Memory (1600 MHz): 2 x 1GB OCZ DDDR2-1066 (CAS5)
Memory (1333 MHz): 2 x 1GB OCZ DDDR2-1066 (CAS5)
Memory (1066 MHz): 2 x 1GB Ultra DDDR2-800 (CAS4)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-X38-DQ6
Motherboard chip set: Intel X38 Express
Video Card: PNY GeForce 8800 GTS 320MB
LCD: Dell 2407WFP 24"
NVIDIA reference drivers: ForceWare 163.71
Hard-Drive: Dual Maxtor MaxLine III 250GB in RAID 0 Mode
CD/DVD: AOpen DUW1608 16X DVD+/-R DL
Power Supply: Enermax EG651P-VE-24P 550W EPS12V
Operating System: Windows XP Pro SP2

AMD Socket AM2 Reference System:
Processors: Athlon 64 X2 6000+, Athlon 64 X2 5600+
Memory: 2 x 1GB Ultra DDDR2-800 (CAS4)
Motherboard: Asus M2N32-SLI
Motherboard chip set: nForce 590 SLI
Video Card: PNY GeForce 8800 GTS 320MB
LCD: Dell 2407WFP 24"
NVIDIA reference drivers: ForceWare 163.71
Hard-Drive: Dual Maxtor MaxLine III 250GB in RAID 0 Mode
CD/DVD: AOpen DUW1608 16X DVD+/-R DL
Power Supply: Enermax EG651P-VE-24P 550W EPS12V
Operating System: Windows XP Pro SP2

General Settings:
Desktop Resolution: 1920x1200
Color Depth: 32-bit
V-Sync: Disabled

3DMark06 Specifics:
Version 1.10 w/ October HotFix

PCMark05 Pro Specifics:
Version 120

SiSoft SANDRA XII Specifics:
Rev 2008c

Everest Ultimate Edition Specifics:
Version 4.2