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Considering this is focused on gaming, an intel CPU better than an i5 (or maybe one of the "cheaper" i7's) is really kind of pointless, especially if you intend to overclock. I have yet to encounter a game where my CPU is a bottleneck, and my CPU is (relatively speaking) a piece of junk. I will have to say though - if you have a 120Hz+ monitor, getting every little bit of performance you can find is necessary. But if you're content with games at 60FPS, then go for a "slower" CPU and use that money toward a better GPU.

I wish I could OC my Xeons...=\ But they've taken everything I've thrown at them. Hell, I usually only use 1 of them and even then my usage never goes above 4 threads really!