Thoughts, comments on E6600 or Q6600 System

Hi Folks,

I'm a college student considering buying a new stationary computer. For the last two years, I have only been using my laptop, which is very convenient but it has it limitations.

I will for most part use it for software programs that is needed regarding my education, example; Matlab, etc.
But with a new system, it would be nice to play a game or two now and then.

In the end, the cost is what will affect my decision most. One system is almost two hundred $ cheaper but one doesn't buy a new computer that often. With any recommendations, please try to keep the system price below 1800.

Considering two different systems; either Duo core or Quod Core

Common Components
1x NZXT HUSH Black SECC Steel/ Aluminum/ Plastic ATX Mid Tower Computer $90
1x EVGA 320-P2-N811-AR GeForce 8800GTS 320MB GDDR3 PCI Express x16 HDCP Video Card $280
2x CORSAIR XMS2 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) $248
1x Western Digital Caviar RE WD5000ABYS 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s $135
1x SAMSUNG 226BW Black 22" 2 ms (GTG) DVI Widescreen LCD Monitor – Retail $350
1x LITE-ON 20X DVD±R DVD Burner with 12X DVD-RAM $32
1x ARCTIC COOLING Freezer 7 Pro 92mm CPU Cooler - $35

E6600
1x MSI P6N SLI-FI LGA 775 NVIDIA nForce 650i SLI ATX Intel Motherboard $115
1x Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 Conroe 2.4GHz LGA 775 $226

Approximated price = 1550 + Keyboard, etc

Q6600
Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz 2 x 4MB L2 Cache LGA 775 Processor $345.00
GIGABYTE GA-P35-DS3R LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Intel Motherboard $130

Approximated price = 1690 + Keyboard, etc

Power Supply
Antec NeoHE 430 ATX12V 430W Power Supply $80
With either of these system I'm not sure if the power supply may be too week or not.

I have not included, Keyboard etc... price should be $75 +/- $20.
All prices here are taken from Newegg, which isn't the best choice every time.


If anyone has recommendation to either system, it will be greatly appreciated. I say it doesn't hurt to get a second opinion.