Quote - It seems the quad core processors are really almost 2xs as fast as the dual core.  Given that they aren't that much more expensive  . . .

Newegg Intel Quad core (qx6700) $1399 - Intel Dual Core (e6600) $309 = $1090 difference

At TigerDirect Intel Quad Core (qx6700) $1299.99 - Intel Dual Core (e6600) $314.99 = $985.00 difference

A thousand dollars difference seems like a lot to me.   Best bang for the buck is the Core 2 Duo 6600 or even 6400.  The ability to over clock this chips is insane.  And the tempatures they run at are incredible too. (and if you are thinking of saying you must use the core 2 duo extreme edition to compare, I disagree.  Tests have shown that the extreme edition of the Core 2 Duo is just a waste of money.  With the overclock ability the regular version can run every bit as fast).

As for the AMD vs Intel dual core, don't get me wrong.  My primary system is an AMD X2 3800+, but if there had been Core 2 Duo chips when I built this system, I would have been crazy to not get one.

"If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor." -Desmond Tutu