Self-build computer, i7 or phenom ii x6?

[columbo678]

Hi, I am planning to build a new pc to replace my old system. The old system is a dell pentium 4 with 256 megs ram, integrated graphics and an 80gb hdd. Anything I build will be a consderable step up. I was comparing prices of cpu's, trying to discern the best value for money and wondering are there any noticible differences between the intel i7 860 and the AMD phenom ii x6 1055t, and if so is it worth the extra cost.

 

[triplebug]

I guess these are what you need

Best Gaming CPU for the money
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/gaming-phenom-ii-corei-i5,2647-6.html

Best Graphics cards for the money
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/graphics-card-geforce-radeon,2646-4.html

 

[WR2]

Anything I build will be a consderable step up.

That is so true.
You can compare new CPUs across a wide range of application benchmarks over @ Anandtech.
Compare the i7 860 and Phenom II x6 1055T. And also compare i5 750 with Phenom II x6 1055T as those cost nearly the same amount. You might want to also compare the X3 720 and X3 440 with the Phenom II x6 1055T just to cover all your best value options.

 

[WR2]

If you want to compare many CPUs at a glance THG's own CPU benchmark charts help you there.
Just choose the benchmark applications that interest you.
THG Desktop CPU Charts

 

[columbo678]

Thanks for the comparison website. I was leaning towards the phenom II x6 however the i5 seems better for what I need. The i5's price and performance are especially impressive.