The first Intel Core 2 Duo processor cores, codenamed Conroe are built on a 65 nm process and are intended for replacing the Pentium 4 and Pentium D series. Intel claims that the Conroe series provides 40% more performance at 40% less power, compared to the Pentium D. From our tests, we saw up to 55% performance difference in benchmarks and real life applications, comparing the Intel D930 and Intel Core2Duo XE6800.

The only difference between the E6600 and XE6800 Core 2 Duo models, is the clocked speed, where the E6600 is rated at 2.4 GHz, while the XE6800 at 2.93 GHz. The family has a 1066 MT/s front side bus, 4 MB shared L2 cache, and 65 watts TDP. There are two lower powered models, the E6300 and E6400 with 2MB L2 cache. Unfortunately, we didn't have the chance to test either of them and hence see the impact of a lower L2 cache.

The XE6800 is the fastest currently sold CPU from Intel. Apart from the various Intel technologies (Virtualization Technology, Execute Disable Bit, SSSE3, LaGrande Technology, Active Management Technology (iAMT2), it also supports the Enhanced SpeedStep Technology. This means that the XE6800 and E6600 can set their internal CPU multiplier and vary the running speed from 1600MHz up to 2937MHz. This is done automatically from Windows, or it can be disabled as well, provided that you have a compatible motherboard.

To sum up, the XE6800 is around ~ 19% faster than the E6600 average from all our tests. Their rating difference is around 22%, while , most importantly, the price difference is great. US$950 for the XE6800, and up to US$350 for the E6600. That's 172% higher price for only 19% faster performance. Don't forget that the E6600 showed much better overclocking capabilities than our XE6800 sample, reaching very easily 3.150GHz and overtaking the XE6800.

We have to note that Gamers who already have an Intel D9x0 CPU, don't have to buy Core2Duo to increase game frame rates. Our test results have shown that CPU has little impact on gaming. A better GPU or even the addition of a second VGA card (SLI or Crossfire), will bring higher gaming experience.

Ending our presentation of the Core2Duo CPU line, we feel that the E6600 is a wise choice for users who want affordable performance. It is also the perfect candidate for overclocking. At US$350, you get an ultra fast CPU, with the ability to outperform even the XE6800 with the proper tweaking.