Which Intel CPU for Asus P5Q Intel P45

[darrenallen]

I have to be honest and admit that I haven't been following the cpu developments over the past year.
I'm intending on making myself a new system and intend to get the Asus P5Q Intel P45 motherboard and intend to get a Quad core CPU to make it slightly futureproof.
The question is which Quad core. There seems to be so many different ones. I realise some of the versions are down to the cpu clock but still lost!!!!!
Can anybody make any recommendations?
I would like the fastest one that is comparable to the price. i.e. I don't want to pay an arm and a leg to get the fastest on the market!!!!
Hope you can help.

 

[Sunbed]

Depends what you mainly using it for I guess, if you mostly play game dual core may be way to go. I got Intel E8400 and has been good.

 

[darrenallen]

Will mainly be using the machine for programming, video encoding and a little bit of gaming.

 

[Cob]

The Q6600 is still by far the best bang-for-buck. Half the price of the Q9550, and only about 18% slower before overclocking.

But saying that, if you have the money for a Q9550 then it's the one to go for.