Getting a new Computer (Finally) Suggestions needed

[GTGear]

Well, I'm about to get a new PC (Finally). Here are the specs I'm aiming for.

AMD Athlon(TM) 64 X2 6000+ dual-core - 3.0GHz - or Phenom(TM) 9500 quad-core processor - 2.2GHz (need help choosing)

3GB DDR2-667MHz dual channel SDRAM (2x1024,2x512)

GeForce 8600GT, TV-out, DVI-I, HDMI

320GB 7200 rpm SATA 3Gb/s hard drive

LightScribe 16X max. DVD+/-R/RW drive

Sound Blaster X-Fi Xtreme Audio

Can't decide on the CPU. Any suggestions? and is everything else sufficient to make it a gaming rig.

 

[GeekieNick101]

I would go with the quad core, you will have much more power over the Dual Core. Everything else looks good.

 

[tastegw]

and is everything else sufficient to make it a gaming rig.

you may want to upgrade your video card to an 8800gt over the 8600.

its only $100 more and with your setup, that doesnt seem to be out of the reach of your budget.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121221 newegg

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3509852&CatId=1560 tigerdirect

 

[Finchy]

I agree with the quad core and 8800GT

The 8800GT is virtually as fast as the GTX but is seriously cheap by comparison, i've also read that the 8600 series is a bit disappointing

For quad-core, go with an Intel Q6600 Energy-Efficient edition with G0 stepping, excellent performance for the money and easily overclockable from stock to 2.4ghz to well over 3.0

 

[Route44]

Nice and I agree with the suggestions. ATI's 3850 and 3870 video card offerings are also very good suggestions.

What OS have you settled on?