An Intel Choice

[ETSA]

I would get the basic quadcore, q6600, great for multi-tasking. It is also one of the better cpu's out there now.

http://www23.tomshardware.com/cpu_2007.html?modelx=33&model1=871&model2=1096&chart=419

You can play around with the chart and see what does best for what.

The q6600 may lose on some benchmarks but remember it is less likely to bog down with numerous applications.

Good tip too, a good amount of RAM is required, if you plan on serious multi-tasking I would get a 64 bit OS and 4 gigs of memory, it wouldn't have to be high performance memory, just a good amount of it.

 

[fortyways]

I dont really preform one high intensive process, I just run lots of different ones at the same time, eg i my have lots of different applications open at the same time running different things.

See? Q6600, no contest.

 

[MosIncredible]

Q6600. As more applications begin to utilize 4 cores, your PC's performance will increase without any extra cash coming out of your pockets.

 

[Computer_Freak]

Guys what about Q6600 vs Q9300 or Q9450 (Price is nearly similar)

What makes the old ones better if you are NOT going to OC

 

[reddevil6]

now that i know u are going to have lots of APPs open at the same time i would say Q6600 now.
the Q9450 is apparently a tiny bit quicker

 

[ThatGuy16]

The new quads should be coming out shortly, i would go for the 9450

 

[Kesava]

yeah the q9450 will love it

i think i will get one once i have the money.

 

[vonfeldt7]

My vote goes towards the Q9450, it's better clock for clock than the Q6600 (not by a lot...but every little bit counts)