getting a new processor

[Chelly]

hey guys, i've been thinking about upgrading my current processor to something a little better than what i currently have (not at my pc atm)

i'll edit this post tomorrow with my current processor but i wanted to get some advice on what to look for

my motherboard is a P5NSLI
and compatible cpus are listed here
ASUSTeK Computer Inc.-Support-

however, i honestly know nothing about processors so i wanted to know which of the ones from that list would be the best for gaming

much appreciated, again i will update this post tomorrow with what i currently have ^^

edit: added what i currently have down a few posts

[Kohan]

That's quite a huge variety of options.

How much money do you want to spend, and what sorts of games are you playing? A Core 2 Duo will likely be the best choice.

[Pikarya]

Newegg.com - Intel Core 2 Duo E8600 Wolfdale 3.33GHz 6MB L2 Cache LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor - Processors - Desktops
+
Newegg.com - ZALMAN 9500A 92mm 2 Ball CPU Cooler - CPU Fans & Heatsinks
+
Newegg.com - Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound - Thermal Compound / Grease

Make babies, seriously.

edit: Forgot to throw in the PB&J.

[Kohan]

Isn't Ceramique an insignificant bit cooler?

Newegg.com - Arctic Silver Ceramique Thermal Compound - Thermal Compound / Grease

At the very least, it's easier to work with. It's all I use nowadays.

[Pikarya]

Not sure on the actual data that makes them better than the other. But I've always used AS5 for the past 3-4 years now with no problems. Is Ceramique more creamy when applying? Never tried it before.

[Avanarius]

It's been proven on a number of review websites that the difference between a good thermal compound and an average one can net a maximum difference of 2 degrees celcius. More importantly is how you apply it properly.

With that being said, you could see a better improvement with an easier to apply compound such as the ceramique

[Chelly]

Processor:
3.00 gigahertz Intel Pentium D
16 kilobyte primary memory cache
1024 kilobyte secondary memory cache

Main Circuit board:
Board: ASUSTeK Computer INC. P5NSLI 1.XX
Bus Clock: 200 megahertz
BIOS: Phoenix Technologies, LTD ASUS P5NSLI ACPI BIOS Revision 0601 07/13/2006

thats what i currently have
as for how much i'd like to spend hmmm
preferably something under $300

as for games i'll be playing
probably things like Call of Duty 4
Fear 2
stuff like that

thanks again for your replies!

[Kohan]

Hiro's suggestions are rather good, then, especially considering the free shipping on the PSU. I'd say go with Ceramique over the old school Arctic Silver, though, but our difference of opinion won't really mean much in the long run.

[Shuemue]

Save a hundred bucks, buy an E8400 and overclock it, and buy this HSF, comes with decent paste pre-applied.

Newegg.com - ARCTIC COOLING Freezer 7 Pro 92mm CPU Cooler - CPU Fans & Heatsinks

[Olo401]

Wait wait wait..

Your board can't support a 1333mHz CPU. And to run the 45nm 1066mHz ones or any quad-core, you'll probably have to flash your BIOS first.

Highest C2 Duo you can use: Intel Core2 Duo E7500 Wolfdale 2.93GHz 3MB L2 Cache
Highest C2 Quad you can use: Q6700 (no longer made).. Alternate is Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz 2 x 4MB L2 Cache