[Cew27]

are the low end quads (q6600 ect) the same processors as the more expensive ones but with a different clock speed ...
would a q6600 overclocked to 3ghz be the same as a 3ghz quad

[alex]

If you're referring to the Q6700 etc then yup, just a lower clock Cewy.

That's what makes it such a fine chip. The fact it's cheap, and with the new GO stepping an awesome overclocker. I'd go so far as to say it's one of the best cpu's ever.

[Cew27]

but it is 45nm (whatever that is ) and the very top intel quad is 65nm

[alex]

Ah, right. No, it's not the 'penryn' 45nm cores, its conroe 65nm (switches further apart, requiring more power which creates more heat).

There's new quads, based upon penryn, which ran on a 1333mhz fsb, (which is in turn based upon conroe), coming out very shortly, as in this month. New Yorkfield core.

Actually the QX9650 is out now. With a 1333mhz fsb. The new cpu is the QX9770, 1600mhz fsb. But both are extremely expensive. Around £700 for the 9650 and £800est for the 9770.

I'd guess that the 9770 is a taster for the new quads coming out later in the year. Think of a Q9440 or whatever, clocked at 2.4ghz running on a 1333mhz or (I suspect) 1600mhz fsb. Also 45nm.

That'd be an awesome cpu. And if the Q6600 is anything to go by, I reckon it would be rather cheap.

AMD's Phenom has been nailed already.

[Cew27]

yep lol i used to like amd but not so much anymore i dont really like ati or the phenom .... its pants