Intel’s dual-core strategy is pretty clear with the release of the 840EE, 840, 830 and 820 CPUs. Intel launched the dual core CPUs with the idea of making a dual-core for every user from the enthusiast wanting the highest multi-threading performance to the more casual user wanting a lower priced model. Unfortunately, for Intel, AMD has released their dual-core CPUs at the same time. With similar price points and better overall performance, I would have to recommend the AMD Athlon X2 series of CPUs rather than the Intel version in almost every case. The 670 is simply the fastest single core Intel CPU I’ve ever tested in terms of clock speed.

With the cancellation of the 4GHz CPU last year, this is likely to be the upper limit for now on clock speed. At the projected price point of $930.00, however, the competition is likely to be AMD’s FX-55 and 4000+. Both of these CPUs offer better gaming performance. What they don’t offer is better performance in applications that take advantage of HyperThreading which they don’t support. As to the 2.8GHz Pentium 820, I think the inclusion of every feature from its bigger brother the 840 except HyperThreading to make the CPU a pretty good choice for the market it’s targeted at. Performance in single threaded apps like gaming with this CPU is less than stellar. If you want the highest fps in games like HL2 and Doom3, this CPU is not for you. In multi-threaded applications and for multi-tasking this CPU is a good choice.