Upgrade from Dual Core to Core2Quad or I7?

[Bluescreendeath]

Hi there, I currently have 2 Core2Duos, a a E7400 and a fast E8400. I'm probably giving one to my friend for his CPU rig.

I have about $300 to upgrade my computer.

Should I upgrade my core2duo to a core2quad:
1. Q9450
2. Q9550
3. Q9400

or sell my 775 components (CPU, mobo, RAM) for $300 and get a new mobo/DDR3 and get a i7 920?


My main wish is to play games at high resolutions with SLi while running a bajillion programs/adware * avg scans in the background...and I want my PC to be good for at least 3-4 years to come.

So what route should I take?

 

[cjl]

Honestly, I'd go i7.

 

[sharken]

i7 +99999999999999

 

[Helloworld_98]

i7 due to your multitasking and SLI.

 

[mi1ez]

i7 for SLI.

 

[mildiner86]

can i join on the we love i7 band wagon...?............ no


go with a celeron dual core and OC the hell outa it ! much better than a silly i7

 

[mildiner86]

PsychoSaysDie do u not think the voltage on ur i7 is a lil high im sure i saw intel reccomending it not go abouve 1.275 or summit (number prolly wrong) but think urs is a lot higher than they suggested?

i managed to get my bros to 3.6 within allowed voltage

and that was over kill what do u need a 4.2ghz i7 for n e ways lol

 

[gkay09]

Ohh...wow... :O all intel fan boys eh
Hahaha just joking...
Get the i7...it is the best option...

 

[roofus]

well the bajillion apps and SLI definitely steer towards i7. the alternative is an nForce board but since you can have SLI without the heat monster, then it leaves little debate!