Core 2 Quad Q9550 vs Core i5 ? Noob help ...

Ok so im looking to upgrade my CPU and went on newegg to look for a good processor that I can upgrade and not upgrade for at LEAST 1.5-2 years. So since im a PC gamer I figured I should go for a Quad core. The Q9550 caught my eye and looked good but I was told to buy the Core i5 which is in the same price range and supposedly "blows away the q9550". Is this true ? How much better can the core i5 be then the 9550 is the clock speed is actually lower (2.66GHz) to q9550's (2.83GHz). I know clock speed isnt everything but the core i5 doesnt have l2 cache and the q9550 has 12MB of l2. Which processor do you guys recommend more ? Remember I want to use this CPU for gaming. Thanks alot for your help

"Each core gets 64 KB of L1 cache, 256 KB L2 cache, and shares a larger 8 MB L3 cache. "
Also the I5 as power boost which increase its clock frequency when needed. http://benchmarkreviews.com/index. [...] mitstart=1
Do some research before...
Which games are you playing? What is your resolution? What is your configuration?
If you think the 9550 is the perfect CPU for you; if it really satisfies your needs, then I'd wait a bit, price are probably going to drop sooner or later with that launch of new CPUs. If you really need a new build then go with the I5.
Note: Check out a bit for the I5 750/860 it's 100$ difference for HT, higher stock clock/power boost, etc. I'm personally trying to choose between both.
Hope it helps.
Regards

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edit: http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/ [...] ing-cooler Just found that (roll down a bit and you'll see some links of benchmark, etc.).
Check for THW guides, they helped me a lot for everything!

I'd have to agree. If you are buying all new parts, go i5/i7 (1156 variety), but if you have parts to use (mobo, RAM, etc), go with the Q9550.

If I were building today, I'd get the i5 860 and a solid P55 motherboard. If you live near a microcenter, you can get the 860 for $229.