We chose the Intel Core 2 Extreme quad-core QX 6800 for our testing, to observe what kinds of noise levels a desktop built around this type of high-end processor would manifest. At the time we requested this processor from Intel, they hadn't yet released the QX 6850 model, so it represented the pinnacle of CPU desktop power. We chose the new Gigabyte P35T-DQ6 motherboard because it not only offers plenty of features and capabilities, as well as DDR3 memory support and durable components, but also because it's passively cooled as well.

The heatpipes and cooling fins on the Gigabyte P35T-DQ6 posed some interesting challenges as we put our system together. Many of our favorite LGA 775 coolers simply wouldn't fit within the clearances left over after memory was installed and the CPU seated. None of the conventional flower style coolers we tried would fit, including a couple of Zalman models (the Fatal1ty and the CNPS 9500) that we keep around for system builds. We ended up choosing a modified flower design, the Thermaltake TMG i2 CL-0372, because its design lets it fit into the close quarters available on the P35T-DQ6 motherboard. This was an interesting situation, because case clearances posed no problems; rather, it was the motherboard we had to fit very closely here. On the other hand, the Super Talent DDR3 modules were relatively low profile and posed no installation problems whatsoever, despite their breathtaking cost.