"Debate", good choice of word. Since it is a "debate", it really can't be resolved. There are too many variables. All of the CPU choices are among the finest CPUs available, and at the end of the day, given similar tools, the gamer with the most >> talent << will likely prevail. You are however, asking us to give you the tools to defeat your "buddy" in this "dialog". That's not very nice, but it's not very bad either.

I'm a simple person, happy with more mainstream equipment, Windows 7 say the memory in the computer I'm using ATM, scores "5.4". It is Kingston Value RAM 2GB @800Mhz. In the computer I assembled last Friday, I installed GSkill DDR-3 4GB @1333 Mhz. Windows 7 say that RAM scores 5.9. Not that much better, for 4 times the price, and almost double the speed. But then, what does Windows know anyway. But my point here is, it has been shown that triple channel RAM is faster than dual channel, but I don't think it's been shown that a game operator can take advantage ot it. In other words, it's great to have, d*** around with, and benchmark, but does it really enrich your life? Especially when you consider the enhanced cost and intended use.

My car is faster than your car, my dad is bigger than your dad, it all seems like like an adolescent pissing contest to me.

o_O, we're talking Xeons and Opterons now?

While we're on the topic of being off-topic, I've got a calculator that can draw graphs

Couldn't have put it better myself.