Dual or Quad core for gaming?

So am I better off nowadays getting a dual core or a quad core to maximize my bang for the buck in a gaming machine? I assume that if I get a dual core (E6850) I can get a considerably higher clockspeed for the money then if I get a quad core (Q6600). I'm looking to spend only three hundred or less for the processor, and I'm upgrading from an E6300 machine I built last year.

I will be running Dual 9600GT's on this sytem, and four gig of RAM. I will be running it dual-boot with 32 bit XP and 64 Bit Vista (for DX10 games). XP will be my primary operating system.


I'm thinking higher clock speed might yield better results (less bottleneck for the graphic cards) then four cores.

I dont know much about this stuff... so dont get too technical with me!!! Just tell me which way I should go.


P.S.- I know what you are gonna say here but If I was to be patient and take about 13 online classes I could get a Core2Quad Extreme (retail 1,300ish whatever it is) for about 300 bucks...... Would this really be worth spending the time to take the classes and waiting about two months for? Is it going to make much difference in gaming?



Thanks!

Ray

Why would you get a core 2 duo e6850, get an e8400 or an e8500, their the new cpu's just make sure your motherboard supports it.

Imo, it's not worth upgrading from the E6300. Consider OCing the E6300. If you must buy get a E8x00.

If I were you I would do it. The Quad Extreme won't make much difference in gaming, but you can always sell it and make a profit . Because of the unlocked multi. you can also OC higher in theory.

is an E8500 really worth 120 bucks more then a e6850? Im trying to keep the price down!

oh, don't remind me how much I miss the intel sales rep purchase program..... You could sell you old stuff and upgrade to the Intel extreme quad for less than a 100 bucks...if not for free.

Its a no brainer: take 15 minutes a day from gaming or wake up 15 minutes early and complete their training and get the deal.