Which would you choose as a cheap over-clocking processor to be used for gaming?

I am hoping for an overclock to about 3.2-3.4ghz for each. Assuming the ultra 120 or the ZALMAN CNPS9700 can keep each properly cool for that overclock; which would you choose? Is the e7200 really worth the extra $$? (are it's slightly better clock for clock performance and 45nm design and large cache worth it?)

Planning on using an 8800gt or a new ati 48xx series card or nvidia equivalent.

also planning on using an GIGABYTE GA-EP35-DS3R motherboard... what do you guys think??

the e7200 no doubt... it is much better clock for clock

anyway the e7200 is only 130

e2200 for 3.2, e7200 for 3.6-4.0

I agree on the clock for clock thogrom.

roadrunner, you really think 3.6 -4.0 is safe for a lasting system that will be on alot? I tend to leave my system on 24/7....

As long as it's cooled good the OC won't put much extra stress on the CPU, should be fine 24/7.

If on a budget a E21x0 CPU will be fine for gaming (Max is ~3.2Ghz, with less than 1.45v). If budget is not a problem go with a E7200 (Max ~3.2-3.8, with less than 1.4v).

After following Roadrunner's advice I purchased a e7200 + Gigabyte GA-EX38-DS4. I have my e7200 running at 3.8G at 400Mhz FSB, 9.5 multiplier. It never exceeds 57c. Well below the max. I have been running stable for 2 weeks on most of the time. I am only running a Thermaltake Golden Orb 2. If i had a better HS&F i think i could keep it under 50c. My cpu voltage is around 1.32v.

Voltage and temps both stay in a good range.

edit: the e7200 is only $139.

e7200 is $131.99 at newegg, free shipping. Next month it will be $113, and the e7300 will be $130 with a 10x multi. I cant wait.

nice, I think its gonna be an e7200 for me. If only I had it right now...

Another vote for the 7200. I have mine at 3.6 right now, and it stays pretty cool considering my case and the room I keep it in. Also, it has no noticeable problem with any game right now paired with an 8800gt. Can't beat it for the price.

Indeed. The E7200 is favored among many budget OCers.

i thought i saw somewhere e7200's reaching 4.2ghz.

How well does the Freezer 7 work? Ive got a Freezer 64 Pro on my AMD rig right now, and it keeps my 5000+BE chilly at 3.1ghz.

What would be a good heatsink/fan to reach the 3.6+ speeds?

One of the two heatsinks I mentioned in my first post would do well. The ultra 120 is supposed to be very good; especially when paired with a great fan. I would get a 120 extreme but Newegg doesnt sell it and getting my dad to use his credit card on any new site is hard enough....oh for the day when I can pay for things directly...

^Take a look at the XIGMATEK S1283.

Review:
http://www.frostytech.com/top5heat [...] ELHEATSINK
better tan TRUE 120 apparently. esp. for $37 on Newegg. (As long as you get in the bolt in kit, you should be all set)

I just got an E7200, with a thermaltake big typhoon cooling it,
I have 4gb of 800mhz 5-4-4-4 2.1v RAM,(OCZ SLI) what mhz should I push the memory too and what should I push the CPU to without having to worry about it to much 3.8? 3.9? 4.0?