Trouble deciding on some new hardware (paging Brandon Winkle and Dan P.)

[richard5]

So a buddy of mine has $320 store credit at compusa that he's trying to get rid of. He told me I could get use it all and only pay him back $280 because he's not gonna use it but doesn't want it to go to waste. I'm gonna take him up on the offer and I'm trying to decide whether I should get a new processor or new video card. The processor I'm looking at is a C2D E6600. I know it's a little old but compusa's stock is greatly depleated because they're going out of business. My other option is a new video card, in which case I would get an EVGA 8800GTS. I'm leaning towards the processor upgrade but I'd still like some input from my colleagues.

[dcv]

What's your current proc and video card?

[richard5]

I have a 3Ghz P4 and a 7600gt. I also have 3Gb of of fairly slow ram that will be turning into 2Gb of Corsair pc2-6400 if I go with the processor.

[dcv]

I'd go with the C2D and ditch the single-core Netburst. That thing wouldn't be able to feed an 8800.

[bgwinkel]

Dane is winner. For overall computer improvement, go with the Core 2 Duo. I mean, going to a dual core processor alone is a phenomenal difference, and getting the C2D makes it that much better.

The only thing with the video card is that you could push a higher resolution for video games, that's it. The C2D impacts the whole system.

Do you have a motherboard in mind for the C2D? Are you going to be buying things other than the processor? (Because realize that $300 C2D these days are at 3 GHz)

[richard5]

I'm getting some ASUS mobo I think. Getting it free from my grandpa along with the ram. Also, Brandon, I have to get it from compusa business, so I really don't have much of a choice. I think the E6600 will perform phenominally for me.

[dparm]

Core 2 Duo uses less power, runs cooler, and is much faster than the P4. I would do that for sure.

I mean a video card upgrade is great and all, but that P4 you have is going to start feeling slower and slower.

I would try and get one of the new E6x50 models if you can.

[dparm]

Come to think of it, I'd just get the cheapest E6xxx you can. Overclock the beast and you'll basically get E6600 performance for less. Just something to think about.

[bgwinkel]

Brandon, I have to get it from compusa business, so I really don't have much of a choice. I think the E6600 will perform phenominally for me.
I know, I'm just thinking that maybe you should buy the RAM/mobo or something with the CompUSA money if possible.