CPU Upgrade P4 - Pd940 3.2

[cusis]

Im looking to upgrade my current system:

P4 3.0Ghz HT
1Gb ddram
Geforce 6600GT
Asus P4p800 se
X-fi Elite pro

As you can see its not pci express and most components except the sound card arnt really top of the line.

I would like to move to the pci express which would involve me replacing all but the sound card ( i would want to move to ddr2 aswell)

Ive been looking around and ive seen this cpu Pentium D 940 3.2 dual core

Is this a good cpu for gaming? is it worth the money to upgrade now or should i wait, and do you think that is a fair price for that cpu? or could i gett an equivilant amd performing cpu for less, i get confused between the 2, and i am not a fan boy of either.

Also can someone update me on the latest socket for amd and intel, so can get and understaning of whats old, and whats coming.

 

[mdd1963]

If you can possibly stand pat for even three more months, I would, as Conore (intel's next dual core) should be out in July, and will likely drastically outperform the current 9xx series, as well as nearly everything else.....

 

[cusis]

well that would be great, but i am unable to fold out for the latest processors, and im guessing conroe will be £600?

 

[ltcommander_data]

Pricing of current and projected pricing of future Intel processors.

The 2.4GHz E6600 should be the best deal at $316 while lowered models are projected down to $209.

The original article is here:
http://www.dailytech.com/article.aspx?newsid=1619