INTEL CORE 2 QUAD Q9550 Review

The Intel Core 2 Quad Q9550 is marginally better performer than the AMD’s most powerful quad-core processor, the Phenom X4 955. Since both Core 2 Quad Q9550 and Phenom II X4 955 are priced almost the same, the Q9550 is any day a better choice. Only advantage in Phenom II X4 955 is that, it features an unlocked multiplier which makes over clocking a breeze. However, the Q9550 can be over clocked much higher i.e more than 1 GHz by increasing the FSB.

Clocked at 2.83 Ghz, the Q9550 is the second most powerful after the Q9650 in the Core 2 Quad family. Just like the other quad-core processors from the Core 2 family, it features two dual-core dies with 6 MB L2 cache each and supports Intel Virtualization technology. It is like two Core 2 Duo E8300 CPUs fused together in a single package.

The Q9550 has a good amount of oomph to handle demanding tasks, but it is too way too powerful for a gaming machine.

Pros: Great Performance, over clocks well.

Cons: Price.