Intel R0 Stepping is produced on 45 NM technology - on it is based all processors with small cache volume in the second level. After recent Intel Price- list updates the processor core 2 Quad q8200 (2.33 GHz) with 2 X 2 Mb cache in the second level became the cheapest official four core processor, if we do not consider the mysterious Core 2 Quad q7500 (2.6 GHz) processor. The processor core 2 Quad Q8200 is already present on the market; therefore, it is not surprising that it is transferred in a new stepping.
As reports official Intel document , in case of Core 2 Quad Q8200 we deal with passage from M1 to R0 stepping. Processor marking in this case changes from SLB5M to SLG9S. The main technical characteristics update will be directed predominantly to a decrease in the energy consumption level and the appearance of additional monitoring functions , and also XSAVE and XRSTOR instructions. Packing will be made with the use of more ecological materials.
The processors core 2 Quad q8200 stepping R0 will begin to be supplied from 23 February through 20 April, 2009, and the first models will be accessible already from the middle of February. As practice shows, R0 does not bring essential improvement in the overclocking potential .