OK So the prices have dropped what to do?

[DaddyRabbit]

OK everyone, thanks in advance for reading yet another "what do I do?" post

My rig is in my signature. The question is "Were I to upgrade the CPU would going to something like an 8500 really be worth the effort?" If not an 8500 what would I need to get to see an appreciable (read noticable) difference over my E9850 @ 3.4Ghz?

Thanks again, even though I think I already know the answer.

EDIT - I meant E6850, gotta' learn to check my entries before posting!

[ViPeR.Ja]

i think if ur not doing any cpu intensive task then u rly wouldnt need to upgrade that, anyway just my noobish thoughts
btw got the same cpu as u i think its great

[Zertz]

Penryn is no more than 5% faster clock-for-clock. Not worth it.

[pwcmed]

You know coming from a upgrade addict who upgraded a e6600 to e8400, it's not worth it. I know how you feel, I need a couple more frames or need quicker boot times. Fight the urge. Intels new platform is coming out soon, hold out abit. Lets fight this urge together

[hnzw_rui]

Yep. Better wait for Nehalem. Then you have an excuse to upgrade almost everything.

[DaddyRabbit]

Those are the answers I thought I would hear. Oh well, guess I'll start saving now

[Gomeler]

Well.. it is also possible to run the "cheap" E8500 at 4.2GHz to 4.5GHz, figure that counts as a 4.35GHz to 4.65GHz 65nm Core 2 and that'd be a significant boost in performance. Considering how the processor now costs $183 from Intel, if you have the cash you could run that for 6 to 9 months until Nehalem drops into your price budget. Remember, early Nehalem isn't going to be your budget chips, unless you plan on purchasing the extreme edition you might want to look at making your LGA775 rig last another 3/4 of a year.