July 21, 2007 6:00 AM PDT
2. Intel Core 2 Extreme QX6850
Editors' rating: 8.3
The good: Offers slightly faster performance for significantly less money than Intel's previous quad-core CPU.
The bad: Forthcoming next-generation parts from AMD and Intel itself may surpass this still-expensive high-end CPU in six months or less.
The bottom line: The quad-core Core 2 Extreme QX6850 keeps the desktop CPU performance belt tied firmly around Intel's waist at a price that helps offset the lack of sizable performance gains. New products at the end of the year may outclass this new chip when they arrive, but for now, the QX6850 reigns supreme.
Read CNET's full review
Photo by Intel
