From the Manufacturer

The Intel Core 2 Quad Q9650 brings four computing cores running at 3.00 GHz in a single processor for the ultimate in efficiency and performance. It features 12 MB of L2 cache and a 1333 MHz front side bus, and it uses the LGA775 socket for wide compatibility with motherboards. The processor features Intel's 45nm architecture and delivers multimedia experiences with greater speed and responsiveness. With the Q9650, demanding users can now accomplish more in less time.

For users, this means the latest and most advanced software applications can open and run faster with superior responsiveness. When used with the latest multimedia software and next-generation games, dropped frames, long waiting times, and stuttering performance are things of the past.

New Technologies Provide Higher Performance and Better Energy Efficiency
By using hafnium, a naturally occurring element, Intel engineers were able to shrink the size of new Intel processors and pack more computing technology into less space. The processor also features Intel's Intelligent Power Capability, which allows it to turn off parts of itself when it isn't in use. The result is improved performance with less energy wastage and a reduction of heat and noise.

Intel has packed the Core 2 Quad Q9650 with cutting-edge technologies for better performance. Wide Dynamic Execution allows the processor to do more tasks simultaneously by enabling the delivery of more instructions per clock cycle. Intel's Advanced Smart Cache technology improves performance by physically placing data closer to the processing cores. And Smart Memory Access, which increases available data bandwidth, means you'll experience less slowdown while multi-tasking, so you can get more done.

Multimedia Acceleration for Faster Content Creation
If you are editing HD video, manipulating professional-grade photos, or working with music, the Q9650 will let your computer keep up with your imagination. The processor features Intel's Advanced Digital Media Boost for accelerating performance of a wide range of applications including video, gaming, speech and image, and photo processing among others. Additionally, Intel's HD Boost technology further improves the performance of SSE4-optimized applications, such as video editing and encoding in high definition.

Fewer Multi-tasking Slowdowns
With four processing cores, you'll be able to juggle more projects and more applications without experiencing the slowdown that you typically see with traditional single-core processors. Processing tasks are split up and distributed to the four different cores so the Q9650 doesn't get bogged down.

Get a Leg Up on the Latest Games
Next-generation gaming is more than just pretty environments and smooth motion. Behind the incredible visual realism of waterfalls or the unlucky ricochet of a bullet are intense, high-speed calculations of asset streaming, terrain generation, 3D rendering, and physics effects. When running select next-generation games, each of the cores in the Q9650 can be dedicated to each of these individual processes, resulting in smoother, more lifelike graphics and further blurring the line between virtual and reality.

The Intel Core 2 Quad Q9650 is backed by a three-year warranty.