Strengths: Handles any task with ease.

Weaknesses: Way to expansive!

Summary: One of the better CPU I have come across of, easy to install. Overclocked to 3.3 with no problems with heat or performance. May not be for everone due to the price, but you get what you pay for.

Strengths: Fast, powerful, great for multi-tasking

Weaknesses: price

Summary: This processor is great, it is fast, it is great for multi-tasking due to the quad cores. It is a little pricey, but you get what you pay for and this takes the cake. This processor leaves AMD chips in the dust, they aren't able to compete right now with the Core 2 chips, and it may well lead to the end of their business.

Strengths: Speed

Weaknesses: cost

Summary: Processor worked when received which is a huge plus. Nobody wants to RMA a new part which is broken. Bought this processor for gaming and photography. Big investment but worth it.

Strengths: VERY Fast

Weaknesses: Hot Loud

Summary: Ok, so be careful not to bend any pins on your motherboard when installing, I did not bend any but I could see how easily it could be done especially with the trap door lid lever they used these days. The good news is this processor screams. The bad news is the included fan is louder than my home's furnace (even when I turn down the perfomance level) and the system is probably more efficient at heating my office too. Also, if you run Vista 64-bit good luck getting games to run, I haven't had much luck yet, probably will have to dual boot my system with Vista or XP 32-bit to get back to my gaming life. But applications scream along with this processor!

Strengths: Very fast performance.

Weaknesses: Very expensive!!! Runs hot.

Summary: For cutting edge, this processor is the King for 2007. As part of Intel?s progressive march forward for ever faster performance, this processor takes off sprinting. Unfortunately, software manufacturers need to catch up in order to fully utilize the up-and-coming multi-core architecture of the future. They are working on it though. In the mean time, this processor does superior job with any application. At this time, there is no equal on the market and so the price reflects this. The price is not for the faint of heart but for hardcore enthusiasts. Until other processor manufacturers can match or beat this, it will remain King of the processors. The way things look though, that may be for some time. There is one thing to consider if contemplating a purchase. Intel is rolling out their new 45nm processors. While they are expected to be cheaper because they use less silicon it may also be a while before there is any price drop somewhat on these processors until late into 2008 or 2009. Since you would be spending about the same amount for the QX6850 as the new QX9650, it may be worth it to wait.

Strengths: Fastest current CPU and it shows.

Weaknesses: None that I can think of.

Summary: It runs cooler than I expected considering. Stock FANHS idles at 44c (using CoreTemp) at 3ghz. 3.33ghz jacks it only an extra few degrees. 47c (CoreTemp) most other temp appz show between 28c and 33c respectively. No doubt you can lower those temps considerably with a better FANHS combo or liquid cooling..I wanted the fastest and least amount of hassle with my CPU choice. I made a point (with my new build) that I didn't want to worry about upgrading for some time. If you're concerned about heat or upgrading later, put those concerns aside and get this CPU already!