http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showthread.php?t=238908

pentium G6950 @ 2.8 GHz 3 MB L3 no turbo boost 2 cores/2 threads, -about $85, 72 watt TDP
core i3 530 @ 2.93 GHz 4MB L3 no turbo boost 2 cores/4 threads, -about $120, 72 watt TDP
core i3 540 @ 3.06 GHz 4MB L3 no turbo boost 2 cores/4 threads, -about $140, 72 watt TDP
core i5 650 @ 3.2 GHz 4MB L3 w/turbo 2 cores/4 threads, -about $170, 72 watt TDP
core i5 660 @ 3.33 GHz 4MB L3 w/turbo 2 cores/4 threads, -about $190, 72 watt TDP
core i5 670 @ 3.46 GHz 4MB L3 w/turbo 2 cores/4 threads, -about $270, 72 watt TDP

This looks good for those that need an upgrade but don't want to pay much $$.

So a brand new system with:
- 2gb of DDR3 ($40)
- MB ($120)
- Processor ($120)

Could cost $280 (even less for more basic parts!) and would be viable for over 4-6 years. Add a nice video card for $150 and you have a Smoking system that would well out preform a console in gaming for about the same price.

Remember, for PC gaming the video card does most of the work so its always better to place less $$ into the bare bones and more into the video.

Now the 32mn allows you to overclock the crap out of these things. So really if one was to take advantage and get (free) core temperature software (to monitor the temps), you could replicate a much higher end stock system.

The future looks bright. Better technology cheaper.

That i3 530 looks pretty sweet to me! Remember these are street prices actual prices may be 10% lower.