Upgrading Processor / Motherboard (and new ram, since new MB is DDR3)

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Memory: G.Skill 4 GB 1066 $89.99[/url]
Motherboard: GA-EP35-DS3R $119.99
CPU: Q6600 $195

Total cost: $405. Plus you'll need a fan (edit: I meant cooler) if you overclock.

Early next year, you can use the $600 that you saved to upgrade again to Nehalem.

That's perfect for anyone looking to buy an upgrade now. I do agree with going for quad over dual if someone has 5-boxing in mind, I was just stating the difference between process shrink vs new architecture for Intel's releases. Easily go with the Q6600, a P35 board, and 4-8GB of decent DDR2-800+.

[Freddie]

Yep, that makes sense. We're in total agreement.