How much should I spend on a decent Quad Core CPU?

Hey guys, I'm in the process of upgrading my gaming rig (if I can even call it that at the moment) I've just invested in a GeForce 9800 GT and all that remains is to get a new processor. I've seen processors for £350 brasnd new. I don't want to buy used parts it has to be new. Would it be worth getting such a processor on my current spec?
Motherboard - Gigabyte GA7VMS2
CPU - Intel E2180 Dual Core 2GHz
RAM - 4GB Kingston DDR2 667MHz (2 x 2GB)
GPU - NVidia GeForce 9800 GT 1GB GDDR3
Optical - Sony Optiarc AD 7173A DVD RW
Soundcard - Realktek HD Audio (onboard)
Monitor - Hanspree M19W4 19" Flat Widescreen DVI

I'm currently in the process of building a Media Centre type PC. All I have so far is a motherboard, processor, a GPU and some RAM. The specs should look something like this (Note this is for playing movies not playing games):
Motherboard - Biostar GF8100M2G+
CPU - AMD Athlon X2 4000+ 2.1GHz
RAM - 2GB Crucial DDR2 667MHz
GPU - NVidia GeForce 8500 GT 1GB DDR2
Soundcard - Realtek HD Audio (onboard)
Optical Drive - Sony Blu-Ray reader
Monitor - Daewoo HD Ready 32" TV 1080i
What I'm not so sure about is will the GPU be alright for watching HD content. I previously used this card to play my games on my other PC until I got a new one. Even though the 8500 GT has 1024MB on it, the clock speed is fairly slow and is classed as a budget card which can be bought for little over £30 these days. Also I plan on getting Windows 7 64 Bit for this machine as there's a special offer on for pre-orders.

The processor speed definitely has a deep impact on overall performance. My previous laptop had a core duo @ 2.0 GHz, my computer now has a Core i7 processor running at 3.07 GHz. It just really changes the speed and ability to multitask of your computer.

I got this one for $300 when I was customizing my laptop.

Invest in a good processor for your gaming laptop and a mid grade one for your media center should be fine.

Well, I've finally ordered my new CPU and I'm just waiting for it to arrive through the post. I've got some arctic silver on the way too so I should be sorted by the end of the week. I can't wait to get it installed in my rig, it's finally starting to resemble what I dreamed about in a pc. I know it isn't the best out there but it will play all the latest games on high settings for the next couple of years at least. Man, it's skinted me out though. The last time I checked I had £1.50 to last the whole week! (and my mum sent me to the shop to get milk so now I'm flat broke!) I don't mind though as I have been a student in the past and had to live off next to nothing.

I'm still in debt so I feel your pain.

rclaxx14 wrote:

I'm still in debt so I feel your pain.

If you've ever played Gears of War then you'll feel me when I say this "Fight through the pain!"

Haha oh yes I do remember the lines from that game. Good times.

Yes they were good times indeed. I still have Gears on pc and although I don't play every day, I still enjoy it.