Core 2 Duo Value

ok im lookin for a decent core 2 duo gaming cpu, i dnt plan on OC'ing.

ive had my eye on the E7200. would that suffice for games such as Crysis/Crysis:Warhead and TR:Underworld or should i shoot for a 8400. If theres not a noticable difference between the 2 i will glady shoot for the cheaper 7200...

If you are not going to overclock and you want to play those kinds of games, get the fastest C2D that you can afford.

Considering that the price difference between an E8400 (3.0 GHz) and an E8600 (3.3 GHz) is $100, I'd think about overclocking.

Hmmm

should i shoot for a Core 2 Quad Q6600 if its not much of a price diff as the Core 2 Duo E8200?

Actually, the Q6600 is a great CPU, but only buy it if you plan on overclocking. At 2.4GHz, it doesn't have the single threaded power to keep up with more modern CPUs. When overclocked though (and it easily hits upwards of 3.2GHz), it is still a great CPU though.

At which point it really chucks out some heat and sucks power, been there done that and made the comment based on personal experience.

so id be better of just going with a E8400?
its cheaper and just as good for gaming as the Q8200?

E8400, as by the time most games are using quads the Lynnfields will be old and gone.