Trinity International (TI) has a great record in PC Authority so we had high hopes for the C2D Extreme 6800. As the name suggests it sports the top-end Core2 processor, the Extreme Edition (EE) X6800. Unlike previous EE chips, this doesn’t differ from standard Core 2s with features like larger cache, it’s simply a Core 2 with its multiplier unlocked. It’s like the consumer-level E6700 with 4MB of Level 2 cache a 1066MHz FSB, but it runs at 2.93GHz instead of 2.66GHz. You pay a whopping $900 more for that privilege, but is it worthwhile?
Unfortunately, TI made a mistake when setting up our system. The multiplier was set too low. Consequently we achieved a score of just 1.46 – fast, but 13% slower than Altech’s A-Listed, E6700-based Gameforce Mercenary. Resetting the BIOS to default settings (as TI has assured us it will do with retail units) saw a leap in performance to 1.70 – 11% faster than the Altech. Other components include 1GB of PC2-6400 RAM and two Seagate 7200.10 320GB hard disks, with 16MB buffers, running in RAID0. It’s impressive stuff.
It’s no slouch at 3D either, with a 7950 GX2 providing more than enough power to play the latest games at high resolutions. As such it averaged 55.1fps and 52.1fps respectively in our high-end, 1600 x 1200 Far Cry and Call of Duty 2 tests.
The peripherals are good too. The Viewsonic VX2025wm is a 20.1in LCD with a 1680 x 1050 resolution and an 8ms response time. There’s no glossy coating but colours looked good in our HD movie and lag wasn’t a problem. The desktop was crisp and sharp too. It also includes speakers, though they’re not very loud and have little bass.
Logitech’s excellent MX 3000 desktop set is included so typing is comfortable and the laser mouse is responsive enough for hardcore gamers.
Other features include a dual-layer DVD-RAM writer and a second optical drive for disc to disc copying. The usual two USB 2 ports, FireWire and audio jacks adorn the side panel towards the front, while the back sports Gigabit Ethernet, four USB 2 ports, FireWire, parallel, serial, optical and coaxial S/PDIF out and 7.1 audio jacks.
Two PCI, two PCI-E 1x and a PCI-E 16x slot are useable for expansion (though the latter has only 4x bandwidth). Two of four DIMM slots are used, you can add two more hard disks and a second floppy drive along with two more optical drives if you wish. The case is sturdy enough, not ugly and, though audible, isn’t distracting.
With a 2-year RTB warranty, it’s reasonable value at $4420 considering the expensive components. However, few will need the extra power over Altech’s $1100-cheaper Gameforce Mercenary which still offers Core 2 speed, a 7950 GX2 and a 20.1in LCD. But if supreme power is all you want, this C2D Extreme is a good buy.
