Best Intel CPU for £150?

[Freeman]

Hi,

I'm looking for a decent Intel CPU for no more than £150.

I currently have the Core 2 Duo E8500 in mind? Is there anything better I can get.

I don't think I need quad core, gaming is all I'll be doing.

The 'i' series are not an option due to my motherboard. Also needs to be Intel, not AMD.

I won't be overclocking.

Thank you!

 

[Freeman]

What is your motherboard and memory?

Gigabyte GA-EP43T-UD3L and Corsair XMS2, DDR2 PC2-6400

I won't be overclocking.

 

[Freeman]

Well wolfdales go for 65-90 quid in the MM all the time

True, but I'll need to buy new

 

[Freeman]

The build is for a friend who would like a new computer. All the components need their warranty and I'm 99% sure he would rather want new components than second hand. I'm not buying it straight away as he doesn't have the money now, so getting money for a second hand CPU is not an option.

I'm just making sure I've made the right choice. I don't want to have a sub-standard PC for the money he's paid.

I'm not too sure why there are so many suggestions for a 9550. This is a new enough £200 CPU?

So back to the original question. For the price, is the 8500 the best CPU I can get on the market. It will be playing games, browsing the net. I wouldn't want to bottleneck it's GPU.

And just out of interest (knowing nothing about AMD) could you get a faster AMD for £150? AMD isn't an option as it stands, but I'd be interested to know as I have a friend arguing that AMD's are the 'bea's' as he put it.