I have an e2140 clocked to 2.96GHz with a 9600GT and i run every game smoothly at max settings. Only game that doesnt run too hot is crysis. That game is confusing, I remember the air mission, omg i had to turn everything to low settings and it was still slow! But the game overall was still very much playable at medium and looked just as good as high. I've got a 22inch monitor as well, so i play all my games at 1680x1050 res. If you know how to overclock, you can easily avoid paying the high price of the higher grade cpu.
Still even with my current setup, I do plan to get a new system around June next year. My brother wants a new comp, so i'll probably give him my current comp and get a new one for myself.
Prices for computers are definitely more affordable. The e8400 costs only 250AUD and its a beast! I remember when the 2nd best CPU would be like 600+ dollars. Graphics card themselves are slightly cheaper nowadays as well. I got my 9600GT for 250AUD on release day, but its 198 now, and for the performance you get, thats a great deal. And rams, lol they're so cheap its not even funny!
