Scouting out CPU's

[ja7mad]

So I'm looking into building my pc around the end of November and have a couple of questions about the CPU's. My machine would be mostly used for games.

1) which is better for a gaming pc
-2x Intel Xeon Dual-Core 5060 - 3.20 GHz (passive Thermal Solution, 4M Cache, 1066 MHz FSB) for 2x$371.99
or
-for Intel® Core 2 Extreme X6800 Conroe Processor 2.93GHz, 1066FSB, LGA775, 4MB Cache Retail for $975.00

The xeon looks over kill but sounds cheaper (this may sound totally nubbish, but that's why i'm posting )

2) would waiting for 45nm to come out be worth it? would the price be very high? my pc budget is max 2000$

I do know that games so far and most software do not use all cores efficiently but would a Core2 extreme just do it for me? I do not specifically want the above cpu's, that was a general comparison.

What are your thoughts and advise.
thanks

edit: max price 2000, already have a monitor

 

[nickc07]

I think you are going WAY overkill. What all do you need? New monitor, keyboard/mice, Speakers? Or do you just need a tower?

 

[ja7mad]

yeah its an overkill but why not if its cheaper?

Aside from the tower:

I have a
-Dell 2407WFP-HC Monitor
-Logitech Z-5300e
-optical mouse

I will need a keyboard

 

[nickc07]

MOBO: Gigabyte P35 DS3R - $130
CPU: E6550 - $176
CPU Cooler: Thermalright Ultra 120 - $65
RAM: Crucial Ballistix 2GB (2 x1GB) x2 - $220
GPU: EVGA 8800GTX - $610
Case: Antec P180B Black - $130
PSU: Corsair 620HX - $170
Hard Drive: Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 320GB x2- $160
DVD: LITE-ON 20X DVD±R with LightScribe Black SATA Retail - $38
Keyboard: Logitech G15 Gaming Keyboard - $70

Total - $1770
MIR - $146.50

If you actually get all rebates you cost = $1623.50

Now I know you are going to flame me bc I am not going Quad core but why do you need that much power. I would wait for the new Intel chips coming out on Nov 12. Then all the Extreme Quads should drop in price. $975 for a CPU is just stupid IMO.

 

[ja7mad]

i'm going more for the higher end, that spec is what I had in mind with 4G of ram rather than 2. I'm not rooting for a quad core, just trying which is actually better. Was also thinking of waiting for the next gen nvidia card but we're talking above 1000$ when it comes out i think hmm, is it worth it?

 

[nickc07]

You should check out EVGA Step up program. Basically if you buy a $610 video card now and then in 90 days they have the 98xx video cards out for $810 you can send your card back + $200 and get the new one.

I did include 4GB of ram. I went with 4x1GB. The only problem with that is no more room for upgrading. Do you think you will need 6 or 8GB or ram before you completely upgrade again? If so I would get 2x2gb now then maybe add more later.

 

[ja7mad]

so i looked into the step-up program and one of the conditions is that u've bought the card less than 90 days ago, which I dont know if it work out since nvidia didn't announce the new cards yet.

So anyone got any thoughts on the cpu's?