Hi, I'm currently building a video editing workstation. Upon looking over the processors I noticed a very close price differance between the QX6850 and the QX9650, anywhere from $10.00 to $50.00. Am I wrong, wouldn't the 12mb be much better than 8mb? Am I missing something? If I am please let know. Thanks, Ray

QX6850 3ghz 1333mhz 8mb

QX9650 3ghz 1333mhz 12mb

The QX9650 is a much better processor. Its part of the newer Penryn line, while the QX6850 is part of the older Kentfield line.

However, if you go with the QX9650, make sure you either have an X38, X48, or 7xx series motherboard, since the 6xx nvidia series boards do not support the QX9650. If your building a video editing station, then i'm sure you'll be picking up a nice motherboard that can handle the Penryn processors.

Yeah, check the motherboard's website out first to make sure the Penyrn QX9650 will run on it.  As good as LGA 775 is, it is not a single standard. 

In my opinion it is not much of a difference. If the new applications will be able to use the SSE4 then it will be a major speedup but other than that not much. Plus if you are going to be overclocking the processor at QX6850 will be just enough. As a matter a fact I heard that the older Q6xxx series overclock better than the new Q9xxx series.

QX6850 3ghz 1333mhz 8mb

QX9650 3ghz 1333mhz 12mb

There is a BIG difference,trust me.The QX9650 clocks better,is a better performer when compared clock to clock and with the QX9650 you get 4Ghz on air without any problems.There are tons of QX6850 that cannot reach 4Ghz on air.You can imagine then what speeds you can reach with water,phase or LN2.It is insane! 

Wow! Thanks for all the great info. The QX9650 appears to be the one. Thanks again, Ray

No problem Ray!Be free to ask other questions when you have time! 

 I think QX9650 runs on a 45 nm technology. Which is good.

SqUiD267:

 I think QX9650 runs on a 45 nm technology. Which is good.

yea the Yorkfield are the new 45 nm quads =)