Core 2 Duo, are they any good? would the following configuration work well?

Question

I wanted to build a computer system that would handle the most demanding games, graphics and animation software around. I have been out of touch with new development in the computer field and was told that core 2 duo processors are almost twcie as fast as normal processors. Does that mean that , for instance, a 2.3 GHZ Core2 Duo processor is faster than a 3 GHZ processors that isn't core 2?(older types)?

Also please tell me if this system would handle demanding graphics and animation programs and games:
Core2Duo 2.3 GHZ CPU (bus 1333, 4 MB cash) - Gegabyte P35 Motherboard with built in Sound- 3GB DDR2 Ram (Bus 800) - Nvidia 8500 GT Display Card (with 512 mb DDr2 acual memory) - 2X500 GB Seagate Hard Drives - 18X DVD RW Drive - 480 Watt 12V ATX 2.1 Power Supply - 500Kev UPS .
Does any item of this configuration need to be enhanced or replaced? or Is it good enough? or maybe too good and one some of its constituents couldbe replaced with cheaper units and still work? Thanks .

Answer 1

start here
google "motherboard reviews"

do your homework, get the facts not opinions.

otherwise u are spending your money on someone else's tainted views.