Core 2 Duo E8600 3.33GHz 6M L2 Cache 1333MHz LGA775 Desktop Processor

This is the best processor, and only processor available to use to to upgrade this particular desktop PC Inspiron 530s, it helped immensely with speed, performance, functionalitu, the price for the processor was a good value, and it has proven to be highly durable at every task I gave performed, even when placing my own version of a stress test on it.

Before buying the E8600 processor, I was torn between the E8400 (3.0Ghz), E8500 (3.16 Ghz) & E8600 (3.33 Ghz) processors. The 8600 is priced considerably higher than the 8400 and 8500 for only a minor boost in speed. Either processor will provide oustanding performance. In my case, I own a 680i SLI board that is not compatible with Yorkfield Quad Core processors. This Wolfdale 8600 is truly the maximum baseline performance processor that I can put into my system, so I felt I should go with the higher 3.33 Ghz for more "stable" overclocking potential.** Overclocking is generally not recommended due to the potential to damage the components; Safe overclocking is possible with the right hardware, the right expertise, the right voltages, the right cooling and the right guidance **If you do not overclock your PC, then the E8500 or E8400 will give you the most bang for your buck. If you DO overclock your PC, the E8500 or E8400 will still give you them most bang for your buck. Any of the these 3 processors will overclock nicely. For a little extra $$$, you can get this E8600 and have a higher "starting point" of 3.33 Ghz at 1333FSB. In my case, I run a 680i board with a maximum declared FSB of 1600Mhz. I also run 8 Gigs of Hyper X DDR2 at 800Mhz. Doing the Math, I found that I can adjust my FSB Overclock to a flat 400Mhz, giving me a resulting 1600FSB at a 1:1 Memory Ratio, giving me a Solid 4.0GHZ for CPU!!Here is the math in case you were wondering...- default settings = 333Mhz CPU X 10x Multiplier = 3.33Ghz..... 333Mhz X 4 (quad pumped FSB) = 1333Mhz- my Settings = 400Mhz CPU x 10x Multiplier = 4.0 Ghz..... 400Mhz X 4 (quad pumped FSB) = 1600MhzI have no intention to go beyond the 4.0Ghz specification, since 4Ghz is plenty fast for my needs. I have heard this can safely hit the 4.5Ghz mark, but I am not really tempted to go there. I use a coolermaster V8 cooler in my Antec 900 case (very very tight fit with some cutting!). I found that my idle Tjunction core0 and core1 temps idle at 40 degrees C, and my Tcase temps hover close to 30 degrees celcius using the speedfan application. I still need to test 100% loads, but so far at considerable loads the Tcase temp has not gone higher than 46 degrees.So, In Summary:Pros:- Fast baseline 3.33 Ghz clock- Cool Temps!- Higher base clock allows you to hit that 4Ghz mark with little overclocking effort- Low Voltage! Never goes above 1.32 volts even with overclocking to 4Ghz.- Scores 7.1 in Windows 7 experience index when at 4GhzCons:- Costs considerably more than e8500 and e8400 for only a minor boost in performanceSummary:If you are an enthusisast and own a 680i board, this is the best you can get with great overclockability. Otherwise, the E8500 and E8400 will be better choices for you at better prices. You will be happy with either of these processors, as long as you don't fry them :)Other thoughts: e8600 3.33 Ghz (running at 4Ghz), antec 900, 1000 BFG PSU, 8G HyperX PC26400 RAM, Dual 8800GTS 640MB GPU's in SLI, Coolermaster V8, Windows 7 64-bit Professional--- Update 1 Month Later ---I was able to load the CPU using my Coolermaster V8 cooler and the Intel Burn test Utility:IDLE> CPU Temp: 27C> Core 0: 40C> Core 1: 40CMAXIMUM LOAD @30 Mins using Intel BurnTest (max temps attained, not sustained temps)> CPU Temp: 62C> Core 0: 62C> Core 1: 63CCaution: Intel BurnTest really puts a load on your CPUTemperature Utility Used : Speedfan ; My Core0 and 1 temps are probably "stuck" at 40c on idle--- Still going strong! ---

I'm currently using this CPU on the computer I am writing this review on. It breathed new life into my old motherboard. Now I can actually play more modern games. Nice to be able to upgrade to a dual core processor for such a reasonable price. The chip came well packaged in nice anti-static packaging with foam to make sure it traveled safe. It came clear of heat sink compound and installed easily.

I upgraded an older Dell machine (which originally had a Pentium dual-core CPU) with this puppy, along with other hardware upgrades (more memory, 2nd hard drive, DVI video card. Kit came with everything I needed for the installation, including the thermal paste, an anti-static wrist strap, and clear instructions. The upgrade process went without a hitch and the system has been running with this new processor for six months, no issues.

Nice fast cool duo. Died after 2 years, but thats cause I didn't get it in the blue box. Used OEM.Other than that I loved the thing.

Very fair price and fast delivery

Llegó en el tiempo estipulado. Lo usaré para potenciar una computadora obsoleta.Actualización: Le rebajé a 3 estrellas porque no vino con la pasta térmica como se anunció.

This thing will take any slightly older machine and pretty much supercharge it. If you're lucky and can adjust your bus speed or voltage, I've heard you can quite easily overclock this thing to 4.0Ghz. Even stock, though, this thing will run games like Fallout, Rift, RuneScape, and Left 4 Dead 2 flawlessly on high settings, provided you have a nice graphics card as well.