Intel Core 2 Extreme QX9650 (page 8: Conclusion)

Conclusion

While the AMD Phenom will not be released for another two weeks, Intel is the first to ready itself for the battle with this fine quad core processor. Performances are 2 to 8% higher compared to the current Core 2 while consuming less power and being cheaper to produce due to a 45nm engraving process.

In the end, the only problem of course is availability, because until the beginning of next year, the Penryn will only come in the expensive Core 2 Extreme QX9650 version. Also it is unfortunate that Intel hasn't pushed the processor further in terms of frequency especially given the margin in overclocking.

So for the moment, the Penryn is more a technological demo and we are impatiently awaiting the arrival of more reasonably priced versions. The only thing is, due to an unfortunate lack of competition, Intel has no real interest to hurry and prefers to take its time for a peaceful transition from 65nm to 45nm. Hello, Phenom…? Are you out there?