From our tests we can definitely say that Core 2 Extreme QX6850 from Intel is the fastest desktop CPU available on the market today.

Buying this new CPU, however, only makes sense for people really needing the extra performance brought by it, which averages 7% compared to Core 2 Extreme QX6700.

The best result for Core 2 Extreme QX6850 was on Cinebench – i.e. 3D rendering – where it was 15% faster than Core 2 Extreme QX6700. So if you work professionally with 3D rendering buying this new CPU is definitely worthwhile, especially because it is coming with the same price tag as Core 2 Extreme QX6700 – we think 15% more performance for the same price is a great deal.

Intel is setting Core 2 Extreme QX6850’s pricing at USD 999 for distributors in the USA for 1,000 quantities, the same price of Core 2 Extreme QX6700 (which we expect to have its price reduced this week), what is very interesting, especially when we think that Core 2 Extreme QX6800 was quoted at USD 1,199 (under the same conditions) and should be also have its price reduced this week.

This is a good news if you are a hard-core user that was thinking on buying an Intel quad-core CPU. Now you can get a faster CPU for the same price. Or can buy an “older” CPU for their new lower price.

Of course the price range we are talking about is a distant dream for almost all users, and if you are just a regular mortal like everybody else, you will do just fine with a Core 2 Duo CPU.