beside the 400$ difference what else makes the x model so much better?
and is it really even worth it?

QX9650:

• Unlocked multiplier
• C0/C1 (older) stepping
• Higher TDP (doesn't really make much difference for real power consumption)
• Lower maximum temperature (for some strange reason).

Q9650:

• Locked multiplier
• E0 (newer) stepping
• Lower TDP
• Higher max temperature

just to explain: the unlocked multiplier is useful only if you are overclocking, and since you don't know the difference, i'm willing to be you aren't

Yea, I should have been a bit clearer. In addition to what spuddyt said, a newer stepping often brings about slightly lower power consumption and better overclocking capabilities. In this case, the unlocked multiplier on the QX9650 negates any stepping improvements to overclockability because it allows you to reduce FSB strain. Read the overclocking sticky for more info

The x takes it out of my desire to buy it.
$400 for the same chip, lol ppl will buy anything.

bobbknight it's not really the same chip when one is multiplier locked and the other ain't, you pay extra for the overclocking ability

You don't see the Q9650 breaking world records.

I was at Coolars site and he hit 6.4GHz with the QX9650 and the E8600.

To the OP, the X itself means a lot. The unlocked multiplier will allow much higher OCs than the regular Q9650. But the Q9650 can still hit 4GHz on air easily thanks to its stock 11x multiplier.

In the end, unless you are planning extreme OCing the QX9650 is a bit overkill unless you work at a place that allows you the once a year giant discount that brings those to about $300 dollars.