Upgrade my Phenom IIx4 @ 2.6Ghz for Core2 or Core-i?

[Bluescreendeath]

I’m building an HTPC, which will have a Phenom II x4 810 @ 2.6Ghz, 8gb ram, and a GTX750 or AMD 7850 (already bought most of the parts except GPU). However, I read that Phenoms are bad for Dolphin, and that even Core2s are better – is this true.

Should I upgrade my CPU + motherboard to run Dolphin for GC? Would I see significant performance increases if I upgrade to a Core2Quad Q9550 at 2.8Ghz or earlier Core-I cpus such as the i7 750s or i5 2400. Or should I upgrade to a newer cheaper dual core such as the Pentium G series?

I’m trying to run things like Super Smash for GC + Wii and Metroid Prime for GC.

I tried GC-Smash at 640x480 resolution on my i7 2600 + AMD 7970 and it lags at some points…which is weird because I can run GC-Mario Kart at 1080p just fine.

I’m afraid when I finish building my HTPC, my PII won’t be able to play even GC games.


Thanks


Edit:

I'm just trying to run Gamecube on this HTPC - I might try running Smash-Wii version, but I have no intention of running any intensive Wii games on it.