Pros: Went into an EVGA Classified Board to replace I7-965 Extreme that has a burned core. For the age of the tech it still runs modern day games. Paired it with 24 gigs of Corsair. Runs 24/7 with out missing a beat. I would buy again if needed. Don't know if it's unlocked or not, but will find out if it is. I could hit 4.2 ghz on the old one as it was unlocked. Seller was awesome as well, quick to reply to an email and quick to shipped. Arrived before it was due. Thanks.

Cons: Did not get it free. :)

Overall Review: Why can't new tech be as stable as the old tech? Wish EVGA still made these X58 Classified boards. They are awesome.

Pros: Runs 4.2 on air..Takes anything I throw at it. 8meg cache

Cons: None

Overall Review: Picked it up for $220. Be using it for awhile.

Pros: Fast processor, good at multitasking, games run well, runs cooler than the QX9775 and 9770 extremes, can be air cooled (at low fan speeds) and easily overclocked without cranking up the volts too high. Installs easily into any X58 based motherboard, cooling solutions are easy to install as well. If you have the extra money, and are willing to spend it, it's an easy fast setup.

Cons: Maybe it's just me, but the performance difference between this and the last generation of processors doesn't seem to be that great. I am not a framerate jockey, I currently own 3 systems, one with a QX9770 one with a Phenom II X4 quad core black 3.2 ghz. And I don't really notice that much of a difference in performance running the same graphics cards, (Gtx 295) and RAID 0 configured hard drives. I recently built a system for a customer with an overclocked QX9660 (oc'd to 3.6 GHZ) Ran only a bit slower.

With all of the hype I thought it'd be significantly different and better (like the jump from single to dual core) but it isn't.

Overall Review: For the average guy or gal, probably not worth it. I am running it, overclocked to 3.8 GHz, and have yet to really see a substantial performance difference. Running the same games on all of the afforementioned systems at 1920x1200 res, high graphics settings on crysis, Fallout 3, Mass Effect, Oblivion, and Saints row 2, I was still able to achieve 55 fps or better.. Which is all I really care about - a decent gaming experience.

I'd either wait for the next thing (my processor is already outdated by the 975) or if you just want the X58 architecture or FX790 just get one of the cheaper processors and overclock it.

I saw a few other reviews, and yeah, I agree, it sure isn't 1000 dollars worth of performance. specs of main machine below

Aeon - i7 extreme 965 oc'd to 3.8, dual velociraptors in raid 0, 6 matched triple channel dominator corsair 1600mhz DDR3, GTX 295 red edition, toughpower 1200 watt ps X58

Pros: This chip rocks! I don't know what people are thinking saying they get minimal system performance boosts. I changed from an Intel Dual core Preslor chip running at 3.4 800mhz fsb. This chip blows that away. Those who say a GPU upgrade only is what is needed to get your computer to work well only have half the idea. If you have a dual core that is newer perhaps then you should wait, but for me this was a good change

Cons: I guess the price, mine was $805 from an online auction, not really a con for me, I had the money.

Overall Review: The install was a breeze, there are no pins on the bottom of the chip to bend, the CPU only fits one way in the socket, and with ample air cooling you can get over 4GHZ easy. There is no need however, with 3 gb ddr 3, pny 260 and the chip running at stock speeds, I have all the power I need.

Pros: Its intel. They are the best CPU chip manufacturer out there and their CPUs are really great. No need to over clock this. I mean 4 cores very awesome indeed.

Cons: I haven't had experience with it running hot, but for some of the supposedly CPU demanding applications I run, the fan and heat sink serve their purpose.

Pros: Solid CPU. Runs 4.06GHz @ 1.375 vcore. Temps under 70 deg w/swiftech watercooling. Best cpu there is for FSX because of the available memory multipliers to run any RAM you want at any speed regardless of the bclock.

Cons: No better clocking potential then the i7 920 D0. Best I can do on the P6T Deluxe is just under 4.1GHz. Anything beyond starts to get unstable. Similar results all over the web. Recently got Rampage II Gene and will try again for higher clocks. But i7 920 D0 will clock higher for 1/3 the cost, it just doesn't have the memory multipliers.

Overall Review: Previous poster: Do your reviews before you make a condescending and childish remark like that. The i7 975 is showing no better results than the 965 (Anandtech). Anyone with a 965 has nothing to fret about because once clocked they're pretty much the same.

Pros: great cpu

Cons: runs hot

Overall Review: It sucks for those of you who bought one of these recently.. the 975 goes on the market in 3 days for the same price as these.. should have done your research before purchasing.

Pros: This puppy went into a Asus Rampage II Gene and it screams: I was able to OC very easily with the stock CPU cooler running at 3.7 GHz. There is no stuttering at all everything is smooth. I am also using Windows 7 with this i7-965 and I couldn't be happier.

Cons: None...

Overall Review: The system I put together here also uses OCZ DDR3 12 GB Kit at 1333 MHz (can be OCed too), MSI GTS 250 video card, and with the Asus 24" Widescreen monitor...