This CPU is just astounding for the price. If you want to upgrade from a low to mid spec Core 2 Duo, look no further. Sure, there are better Core 2 Quads out there (I own a Q9550 for my computer, and it's a beast) but in terms of bang for buck, the Q8300 beats the Q9550 hands down, especially at current prices.
The Socket 775 technology (i.e. the motherboard that accommodates all Core 2 Duo/Quad processors) will in the not too distant future become an out of date line. The i3/i5/i7 Intel processors all require either socket 1156 or 1366 motherboards and DDR3 RAM, so if you wanted to buy one of these new-line CPUs, you are in reality buying a new motherboard and RAM too. The costs add up quickly in this case: A modest i5 CPU/motherboard/RAM trio would be
Intel i5-750 Quad Core Processor - 2.66 GHz, 8MB Cache, 2.5 GT/sec, Socket 1156, 45 nm, 3 Year Warranty, Retail Boxed
Corsair TWIN3X2048-1333C9 DDR3 1333MHz Memory
Intel Desktop Board DH55HC - Motherboard - ATX - iH55 - LGA1156 Socket - SATA-300 - Gigabit Ethernet - video - High Definition Audio (8-channel)
which, after p&p, will set you back the better part of £300. If you are prepared to commit that sort of money to upgrading your computer, then go for it, because it will be money well spent. However, However, if you want to retain older components (motherboard, RAM) and give your computer a boost, this is absolutely the CPU for you.
I bought one of these CPUs to upgrade my brother's E6300 1.86GHz (the very first Core 2 Duo). In Windows 7's Index, this CPU scores 7.2. Obviously this isn't the most rigorous benchmark, but it does give a broad indication of a CPU's power, and to put this in context, my Q9550 scores 7.3, but at current prices is more than twice as expensive.
There is only one draw-back with this CPU - it requires a motherboard capable of 1333MHz FSB. If you're upgrading from an older Core 2 Duo, it is not a given that your existing motherboard will automatically support the Q8300. If it turns out your motherboard only runs at 1066MHz, then try finding the Q6600 for a reasonable price. It's another great CPU, and if you hunt around a bit you should be able to find it for around £160.
In terms of overclocking, I have never really bothered, so I'm not in a position to say anything about this here. There are plenty of references on the net about this, so you may want to look it up if that's your thing. A stock, though, it's strong anyway.
I'll also add that Intel seemed to have improved the standard heatsink that comes with the processor - I had no problems fitting it, and according to the BIOS, the CPU idles at a comfortable 30 degrees.
All in all, a brilliant buy for a cost-effective upgrade.
More time to return.
Buy today, and get extra peace of mind with extended Returns until 31st Jan 2022. See conditions.
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