Help for new PC build

[optimus290]

Hey guys! I am going to build a new pc soon. I am leaning towards a intel q9400 (6mb cache). Just wanted some advice that whether I go for a c2q now or wait for the i5 to come out.
core i7 is wayyyyy outta my budget.

Right now I am using a P4/1.5gb ram/ nvidia 6600 agp which can barely run any games.

Will there be a night and day difference between c2q and i5 in terms of real time performance?

I wont be upgrading this pc for at least 3-4 years. My sole purpose is gaming and learning 3ds max and programming.

I want to know about the different stepping of intel processors and which one is better. Also if I don't wait then which would be better? AMD or Intel?

Would love to have some configs!

Thnx guys!

btw heres my build,

intel q9400/phenom 2 920
asus p5q/asus m4a78 pro mobo
4gb ddr2
xfx hd 4850 512 mb/ xfx 9800 gtx +
19" 1440x900 monitor (i don't have space for a 22" on my desk)
cm 690
coolermaster extreme power 600w
wd 250gb caviar
sony dvd-rw

 

[Helloworld_98]

Go for an AMD phenom II 720, 940 or 955 if you go the AMD route or go I5 if you go Intel.

and i5 has double the threads so will be better in multitasking etc so C2Q is a waste.

Stepping only matters on older processor's e.g i7 and C2Q's. where different problems are fixed. e.g there's a thread on the i7 D0 stepping which outlines the fixes, and the newer steppings usually OC better too.

 

[optimus290]

Thanks for the heads up on stepping

But i have heard that the lowest core i5 i.e the 2.66 Ghz version doesn't support hyper threading and my budget for the procssor is approx $200.

Do you think that the 2.8 Ghz i5 is worth the extra $100 as compared to 2.66 Ghz(non HT verison) just for the sake of HT?

Just curious to know. Thnx.

 

[Helloworld_98]

no from what I've seen all the i5's have HT.

and you have 3 months to find out anyway.