Looking to upgrade to quad core.

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35g700

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I've decided to upgrade to a quad core though I am not sure which one to choose. Currently I have a Biostar P43 motherboard with a C2D E7300. I've narrowed it down to 3 possible quad cores:

*Keep in mind I am looking for best Bang/buck here.

The Q8200:Newegg.com - Intel Core 2 Quad Q8200 2.33GHz 4MB L2 Cache LGA 775 95W Quad-Core Processor - Processors - Desktops

2.33GHz stock, 4MB L2 Cache, 45 NM. - $169.99

The Q6600:Newegg.com - Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz 2 x 4MB L2 Cache LGA 775 Quad-Core Processor - Processors - Desktops

2.4GHz stock, 2x 4MB L2 Cache, 65NM - $197.99

And the Q9400: Newegg.com - Intel Core2 Quad Q9400 2.66GHz 6MB L2 Cache LGA 775 95W Quad-Core Processor - Processors - Desktops

2.66GHz stock, 6MB L2 Cache, 45NM - $229

Now which CPU would be best as far as Bang/buck? I will be overclocking it but keep in mind I have not been able to push my E7300 past 3GHz. I believe that that is because of my RAM so if I upgraded that (sometime after I got the CPU) I should be able to overclock better.

Here is the RAM I have right now: Newegg.com - G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Desktop Memory

Would this RAM be better for overclocking? Newegg.com - G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1000 (PC2 8000) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Desktop Memory

Would that RAM be better for overclocking? I'll take any suggestions that are around the same price.

Also this is the motherboard that I got: Newegg.com - BIOSTAR TForce TP43D2A7 LGA 775 Intel P43 ATX Intel Motherboard - Intel Motherboards

I just read some reviews (The board had a much better rating in September then it does now) that it could be the board keeping me from a decent overclock, so what would be better for me a new board (The sound is dead on my board because I did something stupid) or better RAM for overclocking?

Basicly which CPU would be best bang/buck? I can't overclock very well on my current rig but may be able to swap out parts later.

Thanks,
35g700
 
The Q9400 would be the better choice. It has newer tech and is faster than the Q6600. Since you have a P43 board, you won't get high overclocks like a P45. Going with 1066 ram might help a little. What fsb are you running that has your E7300 at 3.0Ghz?
 
The Q9400 would be the better choice. It has newer tech and is faster than the Q6600. Since you have a P43 board, you won't get high overclocks like a P45. Going with 1066 ram might help a little. What fsb are you running that has your E7300 at 3.0Ghz?

The E7300 FSB is at 300 with a x10 Multiplier.

So if I were to upgrade to a P45 later down the line it would help a lot with getting a good OC?

*EDIT* would this be a better motherboard for OC? Newegg.com - ASUS P5Q Pro LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard - Intel Motherboards, or this? Newegg.com - GIGABYTE GA-EP45-UD3R LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard - Intel Motherboards
 
Both are excellent boards I think that the general consensus around here is that the gigabyte P45 edges out the asus by a mere hair, maybe $5 worth :p (I have the p5q pro and love it, no complaints at all)...note however that the giga has only a single pcie so no crossfire.
 
So the best option would be to get the Q9400 and then upgrade to that Gigabyte P45 philbar recommended? Will there be any better LGA 775 boards coming out any time soon? I've got enough for the quad core but will get the motherboard later on down the line and the hopefully get a nice OC out of it.

I've got another question, how well does a XIGMATEK 120MM rifle (3 heatpipes) do on a quad core? I think it will be ok but I just want to make sure.
 
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