Intel Celeron G1620 Ivy Bridge 2.7GHz LGA 1155 55W Dual-Core Desktop Processor BX80637G1620

Pros: Very efficient CPU. Installation was a breeze. The included fan isn't too big and fitment was idiot-proof. Temperatures maintain between 20-40 degrees under normal-heavy use, respectively. I purchased this CPU as an upgrade to my 7 year old system which is mainly used as a secondary unit providing for document creations, web surfing, email, etc. I have it paired with 4GB RAM (GSkill), ASRock motherboard (cheapest one they have), and GeForce 9500 graphics card. Surprisingly, the new setup performed beyond my expectations. I would HIGHLY recommend this CPU to anyone looking for a decent upgrade. This is my first Intel chipset and so far, I'm happy.

Cons: Could have been cheaper? Haven't noticed any, really. Will update as necessary.

Pros: Fast for the money (passmark as high as Pentium G860)
Cool
Quiet

Cons: No Vista support for the embedded graphics on any Ivy Bridge processors. I confirmed this with Intel. They support XP, 7 and 8 but specifically NOT Vista. This is not made clear, unfortunately. If you are running a PCIe Video card then this won't matter. I had a spare Vista license I had hoped to use, so this was an unpleasant suprise.

Other Thoughts: Excellent low cost choice unless you are running Vista. If you are, then stick with AMD or the previous Gen Intel chips.

Pros: A winner in terms of performance/dollar and performance/watt.
Idles at 26ºC and runs at 38ºC during stress test in a 22ºC room with OEM cooler and pre-applied thermal compound.
Motherboard draws 26 and 38 watts respectively with high efficiency power supply and only a SSD HD.
On chip video is entirely satisfactory for everyday usage.
750watt power supply anyone?
How about a giant heat-pipe cooler?

Cons: Not exactly: using an older H61 motherboard, had to flash BIOS and download drivers to run 22nm CPU.

Other Thoughts: I apparently logged into Newegg’s CPU page shortly after the G1620 had been posted but before the G1610 made the list.
Had I waited a few minutes, I’d have seen the G1610 and would have ordered it instead; 20% cheaper for a 4% speed reduction.
But $10 isn’t exactly a calamity.