Mid-range CPU recommendation

[JavaBrewer]

Any folks here been keeping up on CPU releases? I'm looking for the optimum price break on a modest CPU/Motherboard combo to replace my 3GHz P4. The machine is running a new SATA HD and is housed in a high quality case and power supply.

This PC runs OpenSUSE Linux and is used for basic web access, email, OpenOffice stuff. Would like to use it to convert my MiniDV video tapes to DVD. I'm thinking the heat wave we had a couple weeks back did some damage to my existing P4. It's also a very noisy and HOT running machine.

I will probably buy the hardware at Frys or TigerDirect.com. Recommendations very much appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[MysticLlama]

Get a base level Core2 Duo and a motherboard that supports a quad (if yours already doesn't)

That'll give you a big 50%+ speed boost on a lot of apps, even with a 1.86, and give you an easy upgrade path to something another double the speed.

I may have a couple kicking around that aren't going to be used, we've been pulling 1.86s and putting in 2.66s and up lately, I'll take a quick look and see what I have.

[idontknow]

I concur with Mystic on the CPU selection.

my only suggestion would be to check out newegg.com. They have an excellent customer service program and have been consistently cheaper than Tigerdirect.com

[MysticLlama]

I get a lot of stuff from Newegg too, definately one of my favorite places to shop for little stuff.

Turns out I have a spare new one of these that won't end up being used:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115030

PM me if you don't go for something faster and are interested, I bought several, so I can save you a few bucks over the going retail rates.

Also, don't be fooled into a Pentium D chip. They can be had cheaper, and are dual core, but are significantly slower. (The P4D Dual Core 3.0GHz is a little slower than the C2D Dual Core 1.86GHz) Very different architechtures.