Power Consumption
We measured the power dissipation directly at the processor, including the motherboard’s voltage regulation modules. In order to determine each processor’s power dissipation, we put a 100% processor load on each of the cores by using Multiprime.
The results of our power dissipation measurements speak volumes. When we overclocked the Core 2 Extreme QX6850 to 3.33 GHz, which did not require an increase in core voltage, the processor drew 128.6 Watts. In other words, it draws almost the same amount of power when overclocked by 333MHz as a Core 2 Extreme QX6800 (B3-stepping) at its stock frequency of 3 GHz.
Thus, we are confident that Intel would have no problems selling a quad-core processor running at 3.33 GHz.
The Core 2 Duo E6750, on the other hand, is an impressive sign that the new G0-stepping is meant to enable Intel to launch newer, faster processors and also to offer buyers processors with better overclocking potential. This chip requires a full 10 Watts less power than a Core 2 Duo E6700 with B2-stepping running at the same frequency.
The high thermal power loss of our quad-core processor at 3.66 GHz is caused by the fact that we had to increase the core voltage to ensure stable operation at this speed.
I hope Intel doesn't start 2 get a monopoly...
You're probably right to worry, but I read that AMD has taken a big upswing this month... hopefully it'll sort itself out.
I even fear the game monopoly