Help with Intel Procs

I've been out of the processors scene for a while and I decided to update mine. The problem is that I'm not sure which one to buy. Keep in mind that 'Money is not a problem' is NOT a thing I can say.

Another problem is that the naming conventions Intel is using right know really confuses me. If I'm not wrong there are Core Duo, Dual Core, Core 2 Duo, Quad Core, Pentium D processors. And each one of these models seem to have different variations. Right now which processor should I get? Give me options on all levels, don't just tell me "Buy a Octo-Core and you won't have to update until next year, besides it'll only cost you $4000".

And while you are at it, tell me which motherboard and which chipset should I be looking for.
Bear in mind that I have a P4 2.4Ghz and I don't want something that will be just a little faster than that. And of course, if I'm posting this on Gamershell that means I have games in mind.

Please, help me on this one.

• I think it should be an Intel Core 2 Duo. Though Core 2 Quads are faster, they are also more expensive.
• Make sure you got a quick front-side bus to avoid a bottleneck. Though I do not know whether that depends on the cpu or the motherboard.
• Too bad I can't tell you more

I would really recommend stretching your budget as far as possible. If you can I would go for an intel c2q6600 which represents the best longterm solution. I would recommend looking at a motherboard/cpu/ram bundle deal. Are you USA, UK, Mainland Europe?

I live in Central America, Honduras to be more precise (no, it isn´t a jungle in here). I have the option of ordering things from USA and receive them in here, but I prefer to see and touch the things before I buy them (that sounded weird).

The only thing I have ordered was a XFX Geforce 6800 XT/GS. It was like a year ago and I haven´t gotten any problems with failures yet so I´m quite happy with it. But a processor, motherboard and memory bundle is another thing. But in case I decided to order, have you seen what PC Gamer recommends on its Hardware section, on the Mid class systems. Do you think that would be a nice choice?

Another thing. I don´t have a top of the line monitor or videocard (not yet, at least) and while I´ll use the system for games, I don´t consider myself a heavy gamer. So I wouldn´t mind compromising the extreme resolutions and antialiasing and anisotropic settings you capitalist pigs are used to

Get at least a Intel Quad 6600 cpu and 2GB of PC2 6400 (2x1GB) memory. If your not going SLI then
get a P35 or X38 mobo. I would also recommend upgrading your video to the new Nvidia 8800GT.