Pros: I bought this chip about 6 months ago to build a new machine for graphics and 3D modeling, and I have to say that it hasn't let me down one bit. I can be running 3 Adobe apps along with Maya and my computer just keeps rockin.

Cons: Even with running 64bit OS's, i know the applications aren't getting the maximum benefit from the quad-core. I guess i'll just have to keep this computer for a while and let the software developers catch up.

Other Thoughts: The CPU was a tad expensive when i bought it, but i can't really complain now because it's doing its job and then some. I highly recommend it.

Pros: I know some ppl have gotten DOA products of this type, or they die within a few months. Maybe just because I didn't mess with it, but it has performed well for me. I'm not really big on games, but I play COD 4, and it did great. Now I can multitask like crazy, and it won't complain. Best CPU I've gotten so far.

Cons: None since I don't overclock, I don't mind any locked features.

Other Thoughts: Since it's been over a year I thought I would do an update review. Maybe someday I'll overclock it since ppl say its a monster, and you can go a step up right out of the box. I'm only using a regular aftermarket fan-heatsink and I don't think it gets too hot.

Pros: Everything. Seriously.
It overclocks EASY to 3.2Ghz simply by turning up the Front Side Bus Speed to 1600 on your mobo. No need to increase voltage for this.
And wholly smokes Batman, does it scream with those 4 cores and the 12MB Cache. Absolutely Sick for the price. You get Core 2 Quad Extreme performance, for a third of the price! Da Bomb! Serious BANG for your BUCK$!

Cons: Locked Multiplier, but I understand. If they were to unlock it, the price would probably be double for this bad boy. No E0 Stepping, but who needs it with this?
It already runs cool and very efficient.

Other Thoughts: Increasing Voltages to gain more overclocking is not too bad either. You can get stable at like 3.4-3.6, and on some of these chips even 3.8-4.0Ghz. WOW!
I've yet to stress this thing and make it chunk. I don't think it's possible with any kind of everyday normal use.
I've opened double digits of webpages, Windows Media Player, streaming video, and full screen intense graphics games all at once, and this thing doesn't even blink.
Intel has finally provided extreme enthusiast performance and features for the mainstream buyers with the Q9xxx Quad series of CPUs.
GET ONE BEFORE THEY'RE EXTINCT! (or run into submission by their big brothers Q9550 and Q9650)

Pros: Great little chip. Runs nice and cool with a Zalman 9700 and proper case airflow. Normally a good overclocker. (see cons) 12 mb cache is huge for a processor, quad core or not. 4 cores really make multi-threaded apps shine.

Cons: I took one egg from this because, while other people have gotten great overclocking results from this chip, I seemed to have gotten a dud. Got it to a whole 3.2ghz before it started eating voltage. Can't get it any higher than 3.4ghz.

Other Thoughts: I use this for gaming and 3d gfx rendering. Performs very well in both areas. However it WILL bottleneck if you're running SLi so, if you're building a gaming rig around this, be prepared to overclock it.

Pros: great CPU with the right know how and xtras can push well into the 3.8 -4.0 range (proper cooling of course! )I wanted a 9650 but it was at the time just outside my build budget,and the 9550 just wasnt worth it for what you got compared to the lower price of the 9450.

Cons: locked multi (shame on you intel lol you lockem for a reason and we all know why come on lets us tinker )

Other Thoughts: very happy i bought this and took the time (alot) to test and get this stable at 3.8 OOCT 24 hours IBT back to back 10 runs no errors .

Pros: This CPU is tip top, easily everythingable, runs cool, blazing speed, could probably play UT3 all by itself without a video card! Seriously though, this is one nice piece of equipment, and its not even expensive!

Cons: As usual, heatsink clamp to mobo system is terrrrrrrrible, No one likes squeezing those little pins through the back side of their motherboard. This isn't the cpus fault, I just really don't like the clamp system Intel socket motherboards use for the heatsink! Expect super sore thumbs after installing heatsink! I think next time I am just going to set a glass of cold water on my CPU instead of using a heatsink! Ouch thats annoying!

Other Thoughts: This CPU is a beast, I don't know if I like all the suits and seriousness Intel stands for, but hey, they make serious hardware!

Pros: Processor runs with 8800gt card on crysis w/ all detail and near max resolution. Solid processor, I expect it to run for a LONG time. Read benchmark tests and see how the 12MB cache quads take a big step over previous generations and pointless intermediary performance steps. Runs very cool as well. No heat problems in a smaller case.

Cons: NONE!

Pros: Nice powerful CPU, powerful overclocking. Easily overclocked to be more powerful than it's more-powerful stock siblings.

Cons: None really. Just didn't use the stock heat-sink because I'm sure it runs warm, but then again I never use the stock heat-sink. So not really a 'con'.

Other Thoughts: None really. Always been a fan of Intel CPUs, and this quad is definitely a nice chip to add to the Intel line-up.

Pros: Core 2 quad what else needs to be said

Cons: Having some issues with computer in general. I just need to know what the cpu voltage settings should be. I have had to set all my voltages to the correct setting but i dont know what to set the cpu to. At the moment it is set too default and so far default has been the wrong settings for example my ram. Please help.

Other Thoughts: System Information

Time of this report: 10/9/2008, 20:12:42
Machine name: Brandon
Operating System: Windows Vista™ Ultimate (6.0, Build 6001) Service Pack 1 (6001.vistasp1_gdr.080425-1930)
Language: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: XFX79U
System Model: XFX nForce 790i Ultra 3-Way SLI
BIOS: Phoenix - AwardBIOS v6.00PG
Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Quad CPU Q9450 @ 2.66GHz (4 CPUs), ~2.7GHz
Memory: 8190MB RAM
Page File: 1512MB used, 14918MB available
Windows Dir: C:\Windows
DirectX Version: DirectX 10
DX Setup Parameters: Not found
DxDiag Version: 6.00.6001.18000 32bit Unicode
Display Devices
---------------
Card name: NVIDIA GeForce 9800 GX2
Manufacturer: NVIDIA
Chip type: NVxx
DAC type: Integrated RAMDAC
Device Key: Enum\PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_0604&SUBSYS_077C19F1&REV_A2
Displ

Pros: OCed to 3.6 no issues. Not with the stock cooler though.

Cons: None.