Ok, I've really been going back and forth over a new build. First let me list my current specs:
AMD X2 5600+ 2.8 GHz AM2 socket
Biostar AM2/AM2+ mobo
4 Gb Corsair XMS2 DDR2
XFX GeForce 8600GT XXX
430w PSU ThermalTake
I've been considering a completely new build and passing the parts listed above down the line to my brother. I have around $700-800 for a CPU, MoBo, Memory, GPU, and PSU.
I'm considering either the Q9550 or the new AMD Phenom II X4 955. That decision right there is the start of my problems
I've had many friends/co-workers voice there opinion and most go with the Intel (They see the 12 Mb L2 and go bonkers). Benchmarks for the two are pretty much split and I don't have any plans to do a serious (if at all) OC as this will be a multi-purpose everyday machine. (Visual Studio/Blu-Ray machine/Gaming rig)
I hesitate to go with the Q9550 as it is a end of life socket type and I've made that mistake before. The AMD is right up my alley until I get to GPU choices: I'm a NVIDIA fanboy and every build I've ever made has been an AMD/NVIDIA combo. I would like to get the AMD 955 and whatever GTX card I can afford. If I do that, I lose the ability to SLI the cards and would have to rely on 1 super card to keep up to date instead of popping in a second card in the future for a (cheaper) shot in the arm. Is SLI such a big deal that I should go with the Intel or should I just get the AMD/NVIDIA combo and later down the road just replace the one video card with a beefier one? Should I be considering ATI and crossfire?
For 700-800 can anyone help me with the build? Again, I have everything except the CPU, MoBo, GPU, Memory, and PSU.
Any and all help will be greatly appreciated.
AMD X2 5600+ 2.8 GHz AM2 socket
Biostar AM2/AM2+ mobo
4 Gb Corsair XMS2 DDR2
XFX GeForce 8600GT XXX
430w PSU ThermalTake
I've been considering a completely new build and passing the parts listed above down the line to my brother. I have around $700-800 for a CPU, MoBo, Memory, GPU, and PSU.
I'm considering either the Q9550 or the new AMD Phenom II X4 955. That decision right there is the start of my problems
I've had many friends/co-workers voice there opinion and most go with the Intel (They see the 12 Mb L2 and go bonkers). Benchmarks for the two are pretty much split and I don't have any plans to do a serious (if at all) OC as this will be a multi-purpose everyday machine. (Visual Studio/Blu-Ray machine/Gaming rig)
I hesitate to go with the Q9550 as it is a end of life socket type and I've made that mistake before. The AMD is right up my alley until I get to GPU choices: I'm a NVIDIA fanboy and every build I've ever made has been an AMD/NVIDIA combo. I would like to get the AMD 955 and whatever GTX card I can afford. If I do that, I lose the ability to SLI the cards and would have to rely on 1 super card to keep up to date instead of popping in a second card in the future for a (cheaper) shot in the arm. Is SLI such a big deal that I should go with the Intel or should I just get the AMD/NVIDIA combo and later down the road just replace the one video card with a beefier one? Should I be considering ATI and crossfire?
For 700-800 can anyone help me with the build? Again, I have everything except the CPU, MoBo, GPU, Memory, and PSU.
Any and all help will be greatly appreciated.