New games PC - Dual or Quad core?

[outrunner]

I'm looking at building a new PC, my main game rFactor has multiple support, so do you think I should build around a Core 2 Duo or Quad?

This is what I have been looking at at Tekheads;

Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 2.40GHz 'Kentsfield' 8Mb Cache LGA775 (1066 Mhz)

Abit IP-35 P35 Chipset (Socket 775) DDR2 PCI-E Motherboard

604190 Corsair Twin2X 2GB DDR2 (2x1024MB) XMS2 6400C4

607782 Leadtek nVidia GeForce 8800GTS 640MB DDR3 Dual DVI/TV Out (PCI-E)

607391 Antec P182 Performance One Super Midi Tower Black

I already have a decent PSU, HDU & DVD RW?

 

[Pat123]

What PSU is it do you know? Yeh ide go quad because the price on tekheads is amazing then you wont need to worry about upgrades for a little while lol. But you could go dual core and get an 8800GTX.

 

[outrunner]

I have a Thermaltake 520W PSU or at least that what I think it is, not looked at it in a while

 

[Mr. Smith]

Toughpower? If it's a standard TT psu then iirc they are a bit... Weak.

If it's the toughpower then from what I have read and from others comments, they actually are... Good!

TT and good in the same sentance. I must be having a rough day lol.

As for the gfx card, the difference is performance between the 640mb and the 320mb is marginal, at best, irrespective of resolution.

It was all in the drivers... I have a linky which is interesting.

So either go for the GTX or save your money for the next gen and get the 320mb.

Dual or quad core... How long do you want this rig to last? Dual core is a faster system short term, say 6 months. Quad core is a bit slower now but should be better suited soon...

If you are going quad and want to OC, cooling needs to be uber!