New $1000 Build, 2 Builds, which one?

[nanzer]

Hi,
I'm building a computer in December. This will be used mostly for HD gaming, watching movies, folding and some other stuff.
I have been refining this build for a long time, and have managed to find a sweet spot, though I need to make one decision - more CPU muscle, or more GPU muscle?
In Build 1, I have gone AMD, plan to overclock heavily, and have taken an AMD GPU.
In Build 2, I have gone Intel, plan to overclock slightly, and have taken an AMD GPU again.

BUILD 1
CPU AMD Phenom II x4 955 @ 3.2GHz (OC @ 3.8GHz)
Cooler Cooler Master Hyper 212 Plus (maybe EVO)
GPU MSI Twin Frozr II OC R6950 flashed to 6970 BIOS
Mobo ASUS M4a87
PSU Corsair Gaming Series GS600
RAM G.Skill Sniper F3-12800CL9D-8GBSR (4GBx2)
Case Cooler Master Gaming Elite 430 + 1 LED Fan (120mm)
HDD Western Digital Caviar Black 1TB 64MB SATA III
SSD Kingston SSDNOW 30GB V-Series (Boot Drive)

BUILD 2
CPU Intel i5-2500k 3.3GHz (OC @ 3.6GHz max)
Cooler Cooler Master Hyper 212 Plus (maybe EVO)
GPU Sapphire Radeon HD 6870 1GB (OC)
Mobo Jetway JHI08-LF P67 Mobo
PSU Corsair Gaming Series GS600
RAM G.Skill Sniper F3-12800CL9D-8GBSR (4GBx2)
Case Cooler Master Gaming Elite 430 + 1 LED Fan (120mm)
HDD Western Digital Caviar Black 1TB 64MB

Any comments and reccomendations would be welcome, as this is my first build. I will be assembling it myself, with the help of my cousin (Skype).
I'm still rying to get a better motherboard for the Intel build, so recommendations for that will be more than welcome. However, I live in India, so parts availability is a bit restricted, and they are mostly overpriced.
Thanks in advance.

 

[wrazor]

Build one is much much better in terms of head to head, what with the better GPU, and build 2 is also having Jetway mobo vs build ones asus. So, a better mobo too. Do not get the M4A87, its an AM3 mobo. Get the M5A87 mobo. Price diference is less than 500 Rs. GL!! If you still insist on an Intel build, get an i3 and saved money be put in a good mobo and GPU.

 

[nanzer]

Build one is much much better in terms of head to head, what with the better GPU, and build 2 is also having Jetway mobo vs build ones asus. So, a better mobo too. Do not get the M4A87, its an AM3 mobo. Get the M5A87 mobo. Price diference is less than 500 Rs. GL!! If you still insist on an Intel build, get an i3 and saved money be put in a good mobo and GPU.

Thanks for replying, by the way, I found a Z68 motherboard which is cheaper than the P67. Also, with an AM3 processor, shouldn't an AM3 motherboard be used? I'm confused. Also, an M5a87 won't make a difference, because the upcoming AMD Bulldozer processors only support M5a9x motherboards, x being a number.

 

[wrazor]

No, the Asus series supports AM3+ from M5AXX motherboards. See, http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131728
this is the motherboard i was reffering to. It was available in Mumbai a few days ago. And, well, its just not the motherboard chipset i am referring to, but the manufaturer. If your z68 is from a good company like asus or asrock, well and good. Dont go for Jetway. Also, i do believe a 6950 is much much better than a 6870. So, the amd rig is still the better one, when it comes gaming. Your call though. The i5 is a beast of a cpu i agree, but with a phenom ii you really wont notice a difference untill you start sli/cfx. GL.

 

[nanzer]

No, the Asus series supports AM3+ from M5AXX motherboards. See, http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131728
this is the motherboard i was reffering to. It was available in Mumbai a few days ago. And, well, its just not the motherboard chipset i am referring to, but the manufaturer. If your z68 is from a good company like asus or asrock, well and good. Dont go for Jetway. Also, i do believe a 6950 is much much better than a 6870. So, the amd rig is still the better one, when it comes gaming. Your call though. The i5 is a beast of a cpu i agree, but with a phenom ii you really wont notice a difference untill you start sli/cfx. GL.

It doesn't matter if ASUS supports it, the new AM3+ processors themselves don't support a South Bridge version less than the 970 or 990 versions!