Intel’s Core 2 Extreme processors have a TDP, or Thermal Design Power, that is larger than the Core 2 Duo processors. The Core 2 Extreme X6800 has a TDP of 75W while the Core 2 Extreme QX6700 has a TDP of 130W. The hike in TDP that we see with the QX6700 is pretty much expected taking into consideration the fact that the processor has two separate Dual-Core die.

As can be expected, Intel has bundled their own certified cooling solution with the Core 2 Extreme QX6700 in order to ensure correct processor operation. The cooling solution that Intel provides is able to efficiently dissipate 130 TDP, however, it has one major drawback; the cooling fan can get pretty loud.

Above are two photographs of the cooling solutions Intel provides with three of their processors. From left to right, the heatsink for the Core 2 Extreme QX6700, the heatsink Intel for Core 2 Duo processors, and last the heatsink provided with the Pentium D 800 and 900 series. The heatsink for the Pentium D 800/900 series has the largest amount of fins. The first two have similar CPU contact bases.

The Core 2 Extreme QX6700’s fan runs at a default speed of 5,100 RPM. As can be expected, the fan generates a large amount of noise. Going into the bios, the most we could reduce the fan speed was 40%. Although operating temperatures were increased with the reduced RPM, the noise emission was much more bearable.

To give you an idea of the amount of noise emitted by the fan, we ran a couple of tests. At 100% operating capacity, the noise level from 10cm away was 76dB. When forcing the fan to run at 60%, the noise level went down to 60dB. The above temperatures were taken with Povray running; therefore the CPUs were at 100% load.