Gomeler.com

Intel is slashing prices once again as older products slide into lower performance brackets. The big hit with this round of cuts is the Q6700 quad-core processor. The Q6700 dropped from $530 to $266 while the Q6600 dropped from $266 to $224. While the Q6700 has become a piece of “old” technology, these older 65nm chips still have some kick left in them with the most recent batches hitting 3.8GHz to 4.1GHz on air cooling. Keeping in mind that the 45nm quad-core processors are both expensive, multiplier limited, and have low FSB walls, the Q6700 might be the chip of choice for budget-minded consumers. You’ll be hard pressed to get the $283 Q9300 up to 4GHz whereas the Q6700 should hit 4GHz with ease and scale to 5GHz under extreme cooling.

Hopefully these actions will help Intel clear out it’s remaining stocks of 65nm processors and help push forward 45nm adoption. With 45nm quad-core prices still at lofty prices though, it is no wonder the “cheap” $200 E8400 has been selling like hot cakes. The E8400 is by far one of the best deals short of a free QX9650 as the chip will easily scale to 4.5GHz on air and 5GHz under single-stage. Gamers should consider the E8400 over the Q6700 until more titles fully scale to 4 cores.

Sources: News.com Techgage.com DailyTech.com