Dual core gaming CPU - budget C2D

[Hades]

I'm looking for a budget dual core Intel as a bit of a stop-gap upgrade. Will probably keep for a year. Right now I can't see a huge benefit in games for quad core so dual core will be sufficient. I will be overclocking. Budget is not strict but probably around £120 to £150 for OEM.

What would you recommend?

 

[Big.Wayne]

Intel Core 2 Duo E2160 "LGA775 Conroe" 1.80GHz (800FSB) - Retail

£46.99 inc VAT

 

[Hades]

Looks good value. What could I expect from clocking it? In fact that's bargaintastic and I could probably step up a notch on GPU with the money difference Nice, thanks.

 

[Big.Wayne]

What could I expect from clocking it?

 

[Big.Wayne]

Right now I can't see a huge benefit in games for quad core

Budget is not strict but probably around £120 to £150 for OEM.

 

[easyrider]

I would get a 2180 for the higher multi if only needing it for games.


You will get higher clocks.

I managed 3.5ghz on my 2160

 

[Hades]

Thanks. I'm leaning towards that budget 2180, clock the nuts off it and then pick up a faster CPU when they are out later. Yes the 6600 is fantastic value but if a couple of cores sit mostly idle in games then it seems better to save the money and either upgrade later or put the difference towards the GPU.

Also thanks for the suggested system above as it points me in the right direction for motherboard