What CPU for GA-73PVM-S2H?

[SlugForAButt]

My mate has an e4600 in a Gigabyte GA-73PVM-S2H and his system could obviously do with a shot in the arm.
He has squared a budget of about £80 with his missus for a CPU.
He's not a major gameplayer, but he has Diable 3 on pre-order.
Bearing in mind his board isn't a good clocker, I'm torn between recommending him a Q6600 or a Q9450 (for literally a couple of quid over budget).

Any thoughts, better ideas or problems with this?

BTW, budget isn't negotiable so no i5 2500k suggestions please.

 

[SlugForAButt]

TBH, I think I'm going to steer him away from Intel as he's now talking about another MB to go with a Q9450/Q9550 and I can't help but think he'd be better off with an AMD 955 & mobo in that case?
Second hand Q9xxx & mobo is more expensive and performance is on a par I think (both o'c to 4Ghz)?

I would be happy to be put right or given advice.

 

[SlugForAButt]

Was thinking the same, a potential upgrade to a hex core in a year or two if needed.

Just need reassurance that I'm pushing him the right way. It's soooo much easier when it's my own money.

 

[SlugForAButt]

TBH mate, I will end up selling his old gear, and helping him fit the new stuff. I told him where to plug things in on his last build to try and enpower him.
Definitely an OS reinstall too with a new board. More work for me is absolutely fine, it's a pleasure to help him, he's my mate.

Just wanted to make sure I wasn't sending him the wrong way based on my personal preferences.
I'm reckoning a 955 + half decent mobo will see him right for a couple of years (Diablo 3 & light use) for a lot less than a Q9450/Q9550 & mobo.