GeForce 8800 Needs The Fastest CPU
 

Whether running with image high image qualities, simple environments, or torture testing outdoors in Oblivion, the benefits to performance from the new setup on all four graphics cards are clear. The new DirectX 10 hardware draws the most benefit from a faster system, as the streaming processors are working more efficiently than the fixed function pipeline relatives. While the DX9 hardware stops gaining performance benefits from the faster system after 1280x1024, the DX10 hardware still has gains out to 2048x1536 in low quality or simplified environment situations. With higher settings and more difficult environments, the DX10 hardware still continues to show benefits at resolutions up to 1600x1200.

http://www.tomshardware.com/2006/11/...cpu/index.html

I think the title is a bit exaggerated, you don't need the fastest CPU to enjoy gaming with the 8800GTX, just look at all the benchmark scores with the lower CPU speed, the average FPS is high enough on either platform. Only at lower resolutions, where the CPU can be the bottleneck (but really at >60FPS there is nothing to worry about) you see an increase when going to the fatest Duo Core.

it'll be the same old story once Crysis, or any other next generation game hits the market, it will take advantage of the extra GPU power to display prettier images, once again making the GPU the bottleneck and the increase in CPU speed, even at lower resolution will be negligible. If you're into gaming and already have a >3Ghz P4, >2.4Ghz A64, you'd be better of spending money on getting a 8800GTX, instead of 8800GTS+CPU upgrade.

but they.. that's just LOGICAL THINKING.. something which doens't always go well hand in hand when companies want you to BUY their latest hardware...

OC has more of the same http://www.overclockers.com/tips01071/