Intel Core i7-965 Extreme Edition Bloomfield Quad-Core 3.2 GHz LGA 1366 130W BX80601965 Desktop Processor

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 I'd either wait for the next thing (my processor is already outdated by the 975) or if you just want the X58 architecture or FX790 just get one of the cheaper processors and overclock it.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: Excellent CPU - Fastest thing out there. Lives up to its name. With the unlocked multiplier I had it OC'd to 4.1GHz in under an hour. My CPU was very stable, very predictable with decent voltages on OC. The Quad Core with HT makes any multi-threaded app roll over and beg. Converting full length movies from full size to iPhone MP4 in 8 minutes flat. I can run it at 3.8GHz on air with low voltages for a great 24x7 op. Woot!

Cons: * Price, but if you can afford it its all you. * If you cant afford it, a 920 can easily OC to 3.5-4.0 * The stock cooler is a token gesture. Dont even attempt it. Get a good cooler and you wont be sorry.

Overall Review: If you are used to OC'ing older model Intels with a FSB, you will need to get familiar with the onboard memory controller settings, and the BCLK instead of FSB, but its not that big of a deal. And if your planning on pushing past 4GHz you will likely need water cooling.

Pros: The 2.93 GHz Core i7-940 is the performance option, while the 2.66 GHz Core i7-920 provides a entry point for interested buyers. All three Core i7 processors will have a TDP of 130W. The clock speed is the obvious difference between the three Core i7 processors, but it goes a bit deeper. Naturally, the Core i7-965 Extreme Edition will have "overspeed protection removed" (an unlocked multiplier), but the QuickPath Interface speed will also differ. The Core i7-965 XE will have a full speed 6.4 GT/s link, while the Core i7-940 and -920 feature a lower 4.8 GT/s interface speed. Supported DDR3 speeds also change depending on the model.

Cons: $Price$

Overall Review: You can overclock the hell out of a 920 or pay the money! Intel core i7 965 (4.2 Ghz) ASUS Rampage II Extreme LGA 1366 Intel X58 ATX Intel Corsair dominators 6 gig DDR3 1600 mhz 2 gtx 295s velociraptor 300 gigx2 (raid 0) Corsair 1000 watt PSU Cooler Master HAF case and V8 cpu cooler Windows vista 64bit samsung 24"x2, 92" with sim c3x 1080p pj

Pros: Great proc and a complete joke to overclock. Change multi to 30 and you have 4ghz(no other changes needed). With stock cooler you get 30c at idle and 40-55c on load at 4ghz.

Cons: First one was acting funky so RMA'd. New one has no issues. Doesnt lose any eggs though considering how rare it is to get a bad cpu.

Overall Review: Core I7 965EE, Asus P6T Deluxe, CM HAF case, 6gb Dominators, ToughPower 1200, 4870X2 gpu, 2 x VRaptor Raid 0, 1 x WD640, Vista 64bit.

Pros: Absolutely a great buy, I know it's pricey, but it's very easy to justify upgrading other components on a new computer, but upgrading a cpu is a big step. I decided to splurge on the cpu first and foremost and it was a great step and will prove to be a valuable investment down the road.

Cons: Price, but worth it. Screaming fast.

Pros: Very fast. Built a new box (ASUS P6T, I7-965, 6GB DDR3 @ 1600, WD Velociraptor) running Vistax64. This is the most responsive computer I have ever had. A true pleasure to use. Very overclockable and runs stable at moderate OC on stock heat sink, currently at 3.83GHz and I haven't tried to go higher and I am sure I could.

Cons: Costly. But you gotta pay to be on the bleeding edge.

Overall Review: I build a new box about every 3 years. This was by far the easiest and fastest build and I am very happy with the result. Although easy to get moderate OC, I do not notice the performance difference. OCing just is not necessary. If you have the money to treat yourself to a great new rig, this is the CPU to get.

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: 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...