Looking at an offer now, computer best described as for gaming --

although mainly I'll be using it for other things. I explain things a bit better here.

It's fairly urgent though. I'm keeping my screen (22" LCD) and power supplier (650W, nearly brand-new, can't seem to find any of the specs at the moment). Otherwise, this is what they're offering:

i5-750 LGA 1156 Package 2.66GHz processor
Intel Whitesburg DP55WB motherboard
Crusial (Micron) 4GB DDR-3 1333MHz (2x2GB) RAM (Reputable manufactorer? Do I realistically need more?)
Gainward BLISS Geoforce GTS-250, 512MB

Other parts are largely incidental. Also an option to upgrade to a Warrensburg DP55WG for approximately fifty Dollars, and a Gainward GTX-275, 896MB(possibly 1G? Not sure) for circa 200. The first I'll probably take. The graphics-card I'm rather unclear about, but I understand there will be new models coming-out soon, possibly effecting prices if nothing else. Similarly, I've been given to understand the i5 motherboards may have longer shelf-lives than the i7's? I could really use some advice in general, as well as specifically about the above components, or anything else I should keep in mind.

(My budget's fairly flexible at this point, but of-course I'd prefer to be cost-effective.)

I should add I'm unlikely to do any overclocking (well, not intentionally anyway.. hopefully won't overwork it either) and that I'm particularly uninformed about the motherboards.

Actually, the mainboard upgrade is a good one. You will get a better audio and networking chipset, as well as more flexibility with peripherals (PCI & PCI Express add-in cards and more USB headers). It is worth the extra $50. As for stepping up the graphics card...it all depends on what you are planning to play in the near future. The GTS 250 will at the very least play the latest games at the highest resolutions with some of the eye candy turned off. To spend an additional $200 on a 275 is a bit much when you can purchase the same hardware aftermarket for only about $50 more. I would stick with the 250 and sock away the additional $200 for an upgrade in about 8-12 months.

I would go with an AMD ATHLON II X4 Quad-Core for $100 and a 250 GTS. Very good combo, max's every game no problems!

You wont really see a difference with the i7 unless you upgrade to a higher-end graphic card: ex 295GTX

The FPS would 99.99% of the time be the exact same rather if you have an AMD ATHLON II X4 or an i7.

rather get the warrensburg and an ati card, like the hd 5770