"First of all let me sort the facts: As soon as Core 2 Duo hits the market, it will...
be the fastest x86 processor (both single and dual core models)
make the Pentium D and all predecessors look like antiques
be the clear choice for performance users despite its rather expensive price outperform the complete Athlon 64 family (X2 and FX) in all areas, including gaming, where AMD has traditionally been very strong
consume less energy than other standard desktop processors
transform the whole Intel platform from an energy-hungry beast to a reasonable solution that is competitive in terms of performance per Watt
No, did read something about that, for gaming you require a kick-ass graphics card, so most higer-end (or mid-end) cpu's will do. (State-of-the-art cpu does not improve game play as much as a very good graphics card.)
But overall, i think Intel with this chip is now the fastest in all sectors.
Also wating for stock myself. Suppliers have the chips on their price-lists, but no stock yet. From what I have read on Tomz and Anand, there is going to be a major shortage of retail chips on the market for a while, sine we all have to live with ppl like Dell and HP.