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Built on the innovative Intel Core microarchitecture, the Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 processor features two independent processor cores in one physical package operating at 2.4GHz with a full 4MB L2 cache and a 1066MHz FSB to provide truly parallel computing for enhanced multi-application performance.
PC users are running multiple, intense software applications simultaneously and demanding more on hardware resources. In office, PC usage has changed from data entry and word processing to e-Commerce, online collaboration and an ever-increasing need for continual security and virus protection. In the home, interests have shifted from low-bandwidth photos and Internet surfing to downloading and viewing high definition videos as well as advanced photo and video editing. The all-new Intel Core 2 Duo processor was developed to meet all these demands. There are reviewers who say that this is a CPU design for Intel which will really change the industry and what gamers consider as the CPU of choice.
Other features including Intel Wide Dynamic Execution, Intel Smart Memory Access, Intel Advanced Smart Cache and Intel Digital Media Boost, all help the processor do more in less time.
Learn more about Intel-powered ultrabooks. Check out our Ultrabooks store page.
Pros: This CPU is sitting at the optimal Enthusiast Performance/Price point in the Fall of 2006. Uses the LGA775 socket, which will also accept Quad Core CPUs in the future -- so if your Motherboard will get a BIOS update for Quad Core (My Asus P5B Deluxe already has one), then there will be a really GREAT upgrade path for Intel hardware such as has never happened before in the history of Personal Computing. Wide range of stable operating parameters. (Intel has re-acquired my Enthusiast respect!)
Cons: The Stock cooler was a little difficult to install correctly in my motherboard (Asus P5B Deluxe), and the thermal paste that comes pre-applied on the heat sink is not very good. I had to reseat the cooler after applying better thermal grease (Like Arctic Silver) in order to get my temps down. (They were initially in the low 70 C range under light load, but came down to the low 40 C range after these minor efforts.)
Overall Review: It is difficult to find ANY information on safe operating temperatures for the Core2Duo series, but many users seem to think that 35-61 C might be reasonable under idle and light loading, with 70's OK for brief periods. The "throttling back" temperature is apparently set by Intel in hardware at 85 C. The freeware WinXP program "Core Temp" (Beta v0.93 by A. Liberman) opens the hood and tells you the temps of the 2 cores directly inside the CPU package. These sensors are reportedly what Intel uses to determine if the chip is overheating and needs to be "Throttled back." Some folks report seeking only stability with this chip and not being too worried at all about the resulting temps since Intel is already monitoring and (reportedly!) has a plan to protect the cores. On the other hand, I have NOT seen anyone writing to say that they have actually seen these CPUs throttle back and protect themselves from overheating!