Neoseeker has published the E4300 Intel Core 2 Duo Review and Overclocking Analysis. The E4300 (and soon to be released E4400) are based on the new Allendale core, and as such, have 2MB of cache allowing a smaller die - which results in more chips per wafer - than the E6300 and E6400, which have half of their 4MB of L2 cache disabled. Given that the E4300 has a physically smaller die, runs at a lower default Vcore and having a maximum 9x multiplier, it should be a pretty good overclocker - but exactly how good?

What settings did I use to reach 3.6Ghz with the E4300? Here's a list: A non-standard chilled water cooler with water at 4'C, Corsair TWIN2X2048 PC8888 memory 400MHz FSB, 9x multiplier, 1000MHz memory, 1.65V core voltage, 2.4V memory voltage, 1.55V northbridge voltage, 1.5V southbridge voltage, 1.215V ich voltage 4-4-4-12 memory timing, But what is truly impressive is that the chip was stable at stock voltages at 3.2GHz (400x8) with the stock cooler! It was also stable at 3.42GHz with a Noctua at 1.575Vcore.

If you go by "stock" speed vs. maximum stable overclock, the Intel Core 2 Duo E4300 is THE BEST overclock I've ever achieved. A true 100% overclock. Running a 1.8GHz chip at 3.6GHz pleases me to no end. And remember, this is a 100% stable result with the system running over 20-30hrs as we continuosly run benchmark after benchmark on it.

The E4300 is the best bang for the buck for an overclocking chip I've had the pleasure to work with to date. I'm getting one personally. Intel has a sure fire winner on its hands, and it is an even better chip for enthusiasts than the 805 D that we first found to be an awesome overclocker. Personally, I prefer the E4300 to an E6400 even though I've managed to overclock the E6400 somewhat higher as you can achieve huge overclocks with more reasonably priced memory and motherboards. Spend the difference on superior cooling :) I mean, seriously... here is a chip selling for $180 or so, nominally rated for 1.8GHz, that will out of the box run at up to 3.2GHz with stock cooling and stock Vcore. Add a nice Noctua 12, and a decent motherboard, and 3.4GHz should be attainable for most people. That is an incredible amount of bang for your buck.