[Solved] New Build Opinions-i5 vs i7?

Working on a new build. I primarily play EQ2 right now, potentially playing newer MMOs in the future. Occasional photo editing, but that's really not a big deal... I think any system I end up building will work well enough for what I do photo editing-wise. I tend to buy a new system from the bottom up every 4-5 years or so (in the past, I've often "tried" to future proof, but never ended up using the 'extras' I thought I might use someday... by the time I "need" them, I'm fed up with the system, and end up upgrading just about everything.) Looking to buy probably in the next month, unless there's a really good reason to wait.

Here's my current potential build:

1 Cheapo SATA DVD Burner
Case
1 Western Digital Caviar Black WD6401AALS 640GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive
I have a few other sata hard drives I'll be using for data storage... This may end up a 1TB drive
1 ASUS VW266H Black 25.5" 2ms(GTG) HDMI Widescreen LCD Monitor
Still debating here. I'd like something in the 25" range. Is XXXx1200 worth it? I see a lot of options in the x1080 range, and that is what I have on my current 22"
2 GIGABYTE GV-R583UD-1GD Radeon HD 5830 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready Video Card
As I said, in the past, I've normally gone for the single high end card thinking "i'll just get a second one and [xfire/sli] when they get cheap. And by the time I'm ready for that, my video card is so out of date it's pointless.
1 CORSAIR HX Series CMPSU-850HX 850W ATX12V 2.3 / EPS12V 2.91 80 PLUS SILVER Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply

Debating on memory - any recs? Looking for at least 4GB, I think (see later)

My biggest question:

I started this build thinking I was certainly going i7... but looking at benchmarks, the i5 750 seems pretty close to the i7 930, which is my other option. Going with the i5 would save me $100 or so... worth the savings?

1 Intel Core i5-750 Lynnfield 2.66GHz LGA 1156 95W Quad-Core Processor BX80605I5750
1 ASUS P7P55 WS SuperComputer with NF200 LGA 1156 Intel P55 ATX Intel Motherboard


My other option is:


1 Intel Core i7-930 Bloomfield 2.8GHz LGA 1366 130W Quad-Core Desktop Processor BX80601930
1 GIGABYTE GA-X58A-UD3R LGA 1366 Intel X58 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard

I don't quite understand the difference between the i5 and the i7. I want crossfire ready. Do I need 6GB (2x2x2) ram in the i7? (should I get 6+ in the i5?)


I'm looking at staying around 2k total, and still need a case for sure - for that, I'm debating. I have a custom built desk with a vented (fan) cabinet, but it's small, and can only hold a case ~18longx20 high. I'm not sure I can get 2 large video cards in such a space, while maintaining cooling. If computer has to come out of that cabinet, quiet operation is a must.

For my last 2 or 3 builds, I've thought that way, except I never, EVER, end up getting that 2nd GPU. And by the time I'm thinking 'hey that would be a good idea', they practically don't make my gpu anymore.... so says my x1900xt So unless the second 5870 is going to be worth it 4 years from now (vs. another full system upgrade) I think the 2 5830 CFX are a better bet for me.

Well I don't HAVE to spend 2k, in fact, I'd rather spend less, then I can replace my chair, which is also desperately needed. I don't really care about usb 3.0 (rarely use peripherals that need speed, it's not like my keyboard is gonna run faster!), where does SATA3 come in? That's slightly tempting, but if it pushes up prices for everything, probably not worth it for me.

....but that i7 at microcenter IS tempting, there's one nearby....

+1 the GIGABYTE GA-X58A-UD3R is $210 at newegg, and it has all the latest controllers. Boards without the them arent that much cheaper, as its intel's top of the range socket

You know how I feel about this - it's a mere $70 difference between the 2 systems, and you're getting:

An i7, which will overclock better, and is a newer processor
You're also getting 6 GB Tri Channel RAM vs 4GB dual mode
A much better 1366 chipset with future proofing technologies in USB 3, SATA3, eSata3

Thinking long term, it's definitely worth the $70 difference, it's very minimal compared to how much more you're getting.

I just built a very similar rig, and the i5 didn't even cross my mind, due to such a small difference, and I didn't even have a Microcenter near by, lucky YOU!

I ordered my new system last night, now just gotta get to Microcenter!

Thanks!