Looking for some input

[Carver_inc]

Hello everyone, long time lurker first time poster...

1. PC will be used mostly for gaming, some photoshop, couple work programs but nothing too intensive.

2. Approx. $1000

3. Parts from USA

4.I have had good luck with Asus and gigabyte in the past but I'm open minded.

5. I have keyboard/mouse already as well as a Cooler Master case and a WD 640gb HD but I'm thinking of grabbing Samsung F3 as well.

7. I might would overclock down the road if needed to extend life but only if it was worth it.

8. My lcd is a 1920x1080 23".

9. I'm buying parts now as they go on sale and combo deals crop up but my goal is by Christmas.

This is what I have picked out so far:
CPU: Intel Core i5-750
MOBO: GA-P55-USB3 gigabyte
GPU: XFX HD 6870
PSU: Corsair 550w
MEM: G. SKill Ripjaw 4gb DDR3 1600 cas. 7
HD: Samsung Spinpoint F3 1tb
DVD: Lite-On or LG DVD burner
OS: Win 7

I guess my only question is, if I can pick up the i5 at micro center locally for good price, would it be worth the upgrade to the 760? Or would you guys recommend going with an AMD build? I do NOT have thin skin so critique away!

Thanks for any input

Carver

 

[mfenn]

Yes, I'd get the 760 from MC if that's an option. Other than that, I'd recommend against the Ripjaws DDR3 1600 CAS 7 because: (a) it costs 50% more than the normal G.Skill DDR3 1333 CAS 9 and won't have a noticeable impact on performance and (b) requires 1.65V which is not good for the i5's memory controller.

OTher than that, it looks good!

 

[fffblackmage]

There's an awesome deal on the Antec TP-550 $80 -20% 24-hour promo code -$25 MIR = $39 +shipping

Definitely go for the i5-760 at microcenter if possible.

 

[Carver_inc]

Well crap I missed out on the PSU, ordered the corsair late last night... and my cousin is coming to visit for Thanksgiving bringing the i5 760 from micro center with him so I'm good to go there.

Glad to know you guys gave me the thumbs up on the i5, I've been getting crap around work for not going AMD b/c of "Intel reliability issues" which I was unware of.

Thanks for the input guys!

 

[fffblackmage]

I'm not aware of any issues with current Intel CPUs. In fact, as long as you have the budget, Intel is a better choice over AMD.

 

[Carver_inc]

Well, as soon as I get the all the parts gathered I'll come back and post an update let you guys know how everything went!

 

[Carver_inc]

I might just be over reacting but after looking at everything will that corsair 550w PSU be enough? I know that the PS is a vital part and don't want to short change myself after using nice parts by not feeding them enough juice...

 

[betasub]

Looks like a nice PSU. Plenty on the 12V rail to run an i5-750 & mid-range graphics card like the 6870 (2 6-pin connectors).