Gentleman
I find myself in desperate need of advice on Intel's CPUs. I know a little about the Intel motherboard chipsets due to some research (just enough to get myself into trouble) however, I know absolutely nothing about Intel CPUs. I need to know the best CPU for the money. I certainly don't need to spend $1000 on a CPU.

I am retired and on a fixed income, plus as old as I am, I am considered (ahem) thrifty -- snicker. However I am not so thrifty that I will cut my throat just to spite my face. I am currently looking at the 6620 Intel CPU. I have already purchased a few items such as a 680I motherboard, G. skill 800 MHz memory -- 3 gigs, 8800 GTX GPU, Cool Master case, PC power quiet 610 power supply. Good or bad, it is what I bought.

I would appreciate any help in the selection and would appreciate it if you would give me the reason for selecting that particular CPU.

Thank you very much for your time and consideration
Gene

I have been doing some looking and now am considering the E6700

I'm presuming you meant Core 2 Duo E6420 when you said E6620; as far as I know, there is no E6620.

The difference in price between the E6420 (2.13 GHz) and the E6700 (2.67 GHz) is quite significant (nearly double). I'm not confident the E6700 is worth the extra money. Smart buy is the E6600.

syphus
Thank you so much and I will be taking your advice.

Yes it was a typo-- a Senior moment, I ment 6420

Now for the last part of the puzzel, will the ZALMAN CNPS7700-ALCU 120mm 2 Ball CPU Cooling Fan - Retail
fit on th this motherboard EVGA 122-CK-NF63-TR LGA 775 NVIDIA nForce 680i SLI ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail.

Again, I'm not entirely confident that the nForce 680i is a smart buy either. Just had this discussion here.

syphus

I am afraid I caught your reply too late. I will recieve this board tomorrow.
I am now wondering if this upgrade is a good idea after thinking things through and find myself dreading going backwards to the ATX format.

A little history
I try to take up time with my grandchildren and one of my great grandchildren ( just reached the age I can communicate with). One of the ways is thru computer games and it is hard to find one they like and yet I can play with my slow reflex. We found Gothic 3 and my computer stutters and lags with this game, otherwise I love this computer. It is quiet and does everything else great, you can hear a pin drop.