Core i5 budget rendering machine

[frogmouth]

I'm doing a budget build and I'm looking for some advice on a setup. I will be using the computer for 3-D, rendering, photshop and for music. Overclocking is an option. My only other concern is noise, the last desktop I had sounded like a 757 and I want it as quiet as possible.

I have chosen so far:
Core i5 750
MSI P55M-GD45 LGA 1156 motherboard
EVGA 01G-P3-N959-TR GeForce 9500 GT 1GB


Couple questions:
Why would I choose a more expensive motherboard, what features would benefit me most?
Why would I choose a more expensive vdeo card, what features would benefit me most?
Would it be worth the extra $20 to step up to the Core i7?
Are there any specifices out there that will help with rendering, ie cheap?

Thanks

 

[sgrinavi]

When you say 3-d rendering are you just using it as a render engine or are you modeling on the same platform as well?

What software are you using your renders?

Also, is this something you are just doing for fun or is it your primary source of income?

As for the $20? hell ya, an I7-920 is worth $20 more than a i5-750, you may spend a few more dollars on the board.

 

[frogmouth]

I will be using it for modeling as well as for my daily computer. I render mainly with Maxwell through the 3D Studio plugin. I plan to use it for side work, if side work becomes my main income I would have no problem building a work computer, but that is not my concern right now.

Right now I'm in school and my 4 year old laptop is struggeling to keep up with small projects so its time ofr an upgrade.

I have a single 22' monitor that is good for now but will upgrade evenutually. What should I be looking for in a motherboard / video card? What does an expensive one provide that a cheap one doesen't?