Which $900 gaming build is better?

[Yadumadoda]

OR

Build #1:

Pros:
Cheaper
Better RAM
Aftermarket heatsink
Gives me 2 PCIe slots for future crossfiring.

Build #2:

Pros:
Better CPU
Better GPU
Can only OC with stock cooler.
Gives me no chance to crossfire, if I want to crossfire, I have to pay $450($150 for new mobo, $300 for new 5850)

Obviously, at this point, build #2 beats build #1 by a lot. But what I would like to do is have a computer that'll last a long time.

Not giving me the opportunity of xfiring is obviously a large con, as I want a gaming computer. I think the 955 is good enough for gaming. A 5770 would be enough for the games I play now, and then I could put in another 5770 for only $160 later to bring up to the level of a 5870.

That's just my opinion.

I would like your opinion.
When I build my future PC, just be aware that I won't upgrade for 2-4 years, and I don't have much money to upgrade either.

I guess I myself would like to buy build #1, but there might be something I might be missing, so I wanted yalls thoughts.

Thanks guys.

 

[brennon7]

My vote is for the i5 system, when you want to upgrade the video card, sell your 5850 on Ebay and buy a 5970. The am3 board is only x8 in crossfire.

 

[Yadumadoda]

My vote is for the i5 system, when you want to upgrade the video card, sell your 5850 on Ebay and buy a 5970. The am3 board is only x8 in crossfire.

Ah, I never thought of that. That's a really good idea. I'm not an ebay person, so I would have thought of that.

Thanks a lot for your opinion.