-
Hey Guest. Check out your NeoGAF Wrapped 2025 results here!
"I need a new PC!" 2010 Edition
- Thread starter Spy
- Start date
*Reposting*Dandy said:
1)Basic Desktop Questions
Budget: Price Range + Country
Main Use: Gaming, Video editing, or just general usage
Monitor Resolution: What resolution will you be playing your games at? Are you going to upgrade later?
List SPECIFIC games that you MUST be able to play: Self Explanatory
2)General Guide on what to buy (Spring)
Tech Report Builders Guide!
A very good basic guide that has been updated for Spring (Right now there is some new stuff coming out + new GPU's on the way, so once that gets out of the way hopefully they will update.)
http://techreport.com/articles.x/18747/2
3) 15 minute video how-to
http://www.maximumpc.com/article/features/video_how_build_pc_ever_step_explained
40 minute how-to
http://www.tested.com/news/video-how-to-build-the-best-1500-gaming-pc-step-by-step/152/
I like sticking to the reference coolers for most GPU products. That way you know it just works.Lkr said:
http://www.cpuid.com/softwares/cpu-z.htmlEltacoman said:
You can type out everything, or you can hit validate and upload the file to generate a link that shows everything.
Like so: http://valid.canardpc.com/show_oc.php?id=1267011
Alternatively you can go to 'run', type in 'dxdiag' and type out what you see there (tab over to display for graphics card)
Budget: $1,500 (including monitor) | US
Main Use: gaming and general use.
Monitor Resolution: 1920x1080, sticking with it.
List SPECIFIC games that you MUST be able to play: SC2, native, absolute highest settings, 60fps at all times. As a result, it needs to be built by launch.
SSDs and Nvidia cards have piqued my interest, but I'm not attached to them. Where do I begin?
Main Use: gaming and general use.
Monitor Resolution: 1920x1080, sticking with it.
List SPECIFIC games that you MUST be able to play: SC2, native, absolute highest settings, 60fps at all times. As a result, it needs to be built by launch.
SSDs and Nvidia cards have piqued my interest, but I'm not attached to them. Where do I begin?
The utility player looks cool to me. Dumb question, are the component names the same all over the world, can I just c+p the names into a UK shop and buy the exact same thing?Hazaro said:
Budget: £600 UK
Main Use: Gaming
Monitor Resolution: 1920×1080
Games: The Witcher, L4D2, Crysis
Dynamic3 said:
http://secure.newegg.com/WishList/PublicWishDetail.aspx?WishListNumber=11141094
$790 after coupons / rebates (Make sure you enter them! They expire 6/30)
Add on your choice of GTX 470/5850 (+$300) [With the eVGA GTX 470 only $15 more I'd buy that]
And choice of 24" 1080p monitor. You guess is as good as mine. I'd get a 24" 1080p with HDCP. Acer and Samsung are pretty decent. (+$200-250)
Same.Dandy said:
This won't be running Crysis or Witcher maxed, but it will run pretty good.
Case + PSU (your choice): http://www.ebuyer.com/product/167439
or http://www.ebuyer.com/product/185180
GB H55: http://www.ebuyer.com/product/189288
i5-750: http://www.ebuyer.com/product/172755
XFX 5770: http://www.ebuyer.com/product/222051
4GB DDR3: http://www.ebuyer.com/product/178943
1TB Samsung: http://www.ebuyer.com/product/164282
DVD: http://www.ebuyer.com/product/176026
£618 with Cooler Master Case, £598 with Antec Case
Maybe Q4, news generally hits about 4-8 weeks prior to some development.Lkr said:Reference is definitely interesting. I have never used a reference product before
when are the GPU refreshes arriving?
got2bekidding
Member
I want to get into SW:TOR when it comes out, and I know I will definitely need an upgrade. I haven't got into computer gaming before, so all of my hardware is original stuff except for the memory, which I replaced when my old memory crapped out on me. I know specs haven't been released yet, but any help would be much appreciated in order to prepare for the game. I used that link posted posted by Hazaro to gather my computer's info, so here is that link to my numbers.
http://valid.canardpc.com/show_oc.php?id=1267099
Recommendations of specific products are welcomed since I don't know about what's out there that's good. $300 - $375 would be around my price range for everything that I would need to replace. Thanks to whoever decides to weigh in on this for me.
http://valid.canardpc.com/show_oc.php?id=1267099
Recommendations of specific products are welcomed since I don't know about what's out there that's good. $300 - $375 would be around my price range for everything that I would need to replace. Thanks to whoever decides to weigh in on this for me.
BrassMonkey1010
Member
Another question. I am getting closer to order my system (next Thursday paycheck woohoo) and I am trying to be budget conscious.
1. Would it be better to get the AMD Athlon II X3 440 Rana 3.0GHz CPU for $70, and pair it with a 5850 for $300.
2. Or, get the AMD Phenom II X4 955 Black Edition 3.2GHz for $160 and pair it with a 5770 $170. Or pair it with a 5830 for $220.
This is for a strictly gaming/ schoolwork/ web browsing set up, and I am going to be playing on a 1920x1080 monitor.
1. Would it be better to get the AMD Athlon II X3 440 Rana 3.0GHz CPU for $70, and pair it with a 5850 for $300.
2. Or, get the AMD Phenom II X4 955 Black Edition 3.2GHz for $160 and pair it with a 5770 $170. Or pair it with a 5830 for $220.
This is for a strictly gaming/ schoolwork/ web browsing set up, and I am going to be playing on a 1920x1080 monitor.
SonofdonCD
Member
Okay, so I NEED a new computer. Mine has been dead for some time, and I'm currently using my mother's since she has little use for hers. It would be nice to give it back to her, though, and I have a little scratch to build a competent setup for myself.
No heavy gaming, but occasional Steam games. I'll upgrade my GPU later.
Spending cap is $300-350 I need the bare essentials for now and will upgrade anything else I need in the future. I have a case, GPU, monitor, etc.
AMD Athlon II X4 635 Propus 2.9GHz Socket AM3 95W Quad-Core Desktop Processor
MSI 880GMA-E45 AM3 AMD 880G SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 HDMI Micro ATX AMD Motherboard
Western Digital Elements 1TB Desktop External Hard Drive
A-DATA Gaming Series 2GB 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model
Unless something is seriously wrong with my choices, I'm buying this TONIGHT, so fast help is appreciated.
No heavy gaming, but occasional Steam games. I'll upgrade my GPU later.
Spending cap is $300-350 I need the bare essentials for now and will upgrade anything else I need in the future. I have a case, GPU, monitor, etc.
AMD Athlon II X4 635 Propus 2.9GHz Socket AM3 95W Quad-Core Desktop Processor
MSI 880GMA-E45 AM3 AMD 880G SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 HDMI Micro ATX AMD Motherboard
Western Digital Elements 1TB Desktop External Hard Drive
A-DATA Gaming Series 2GB 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model
Unless something is seriously wrong with my choices, I'm buying this TONIGHT, so fast help is appreciated.
Alright, I'm going for the Dell XPS 16.
Main Use: Gaming, Photoshop
Monitor Resolution: 1920x1080
Games: Crysis Warhead, Fallout, Starcraft2
CPU: i5-520M (2.40GHz, 4Threads, turbo boost up to 2.93Ghz, 3M cache)
GPU: ATI Mobility RADEON® HD 4670 1GB
or for $100 more
CPU: i7-720QM Quad Core Processor 1.6GHz (2.8GHz Turbo Mode, 6MB Cache)
GPU: ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5730 - 1GB
Main Use: Gaming, Photoshop
Monitor Resolution: 1920x1080
Games: Crysis Warhead, Fallout, Starcraft2
CPU: i5-520M (2.40GHz, 4Threads, turbo boost up to 2.93Ghz, 3M cache)
GPU: ATI Mobility RADEON® HD 4670 1GB
or for $100 more
CPU: i7-720QM Quad Core Processor 1.6GHz (2.8GHz Turbo Mode, 6MB Cache)
GPU: ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5730 - 1GB
evil solrac v3.0
Member
I need/want the best wireless headset/mic combo available. where should i look?
evil solrac v3.0
Member
The Chef said:
seriously think you can do better than this dude, i'd reconsider and build your own. we can help you thru every single process.
Hazaro,
What is, and what are the benefits for? Also, what is the thermal compound for?
Edit: Does the 470 do audio over HDMI?
Can I use the $65 W7 disc from the student promotion (I believe it may be an 'upgrade' disc), or do I need to purchase a special edition for new systems?
Is it tricky to set up dual hdds, especially with one being a SSD?
What is, and what are the benefits for? Also, what is the thermal compound for?
Edit: Does the 470 do audio over HDMI?
Can I use the $65 W7 disc from the student promotion (I believe it may be an 'upgrade' disc), or do I need to purchase a special edition for new systems?
Is it tricky to set up dual hdds, especially with one being a SSD?
MisterAnderson
Member
Is there any info on upcoming GPUs? I'm trying to think ahead on preparing for Crysis 2, and I'd like to have a graphics card that is 3D capable and direct x 11 (as I understand it ATI's are the only current cards supporting DX11, and Nvidia are the only current cards currently supporting 3D?)
I don't suppose it's possible that any cards in the near future might support both?
I don't suppose it's possible that any cards in the near future might support both?
evil solrac v3.0
Member
bothering again.
Are any Phenom II X6 users about who can share opinions on the processor?
Time has come for my new system and I know what to put in the thing now, barring any second thoughts on GPU like I usually have...
Ed: I ask about X6 because I can choose between that and X4 depending on the final cost.
Time has come for my new system and I know what to put in the thing now, barring any second thoughts on GPU like I usually have...
Ed: I ask about X6 because I can choose between that and X4 depending on the final cost.
Alright gaf, I need you to be brutally honest with me. Tell me why this early build is terrible and what I can do to improve on it while sticking at my $1500 CND (before tax) budget. I'm a first time builder, but for the love of god, if you need to call me stupid, do it!
**GPU: ASUS GeForce GTX 470 - $379.99 (http://www.ncix.com/products/?sku=51897&vpn=ENGTX470/2DI/1280MD5&manufacture=ASUS)
CPU: Intel Core i7 920 2.66GHz - $312.96 (http://www.ncix.com/products/?sku=34598&vpn=BX80601920&manufacture=Intel)
MOBO: Gigabyte X58A-UDR3 - $223.99 (http://www.ncix.com/products/?sku=49016&vpn=GA-X58A-UD3R&manufacture=Gigabyte)
MEMORY: Corsair XMS3 6GB DDR3 - $209.64 ()
HDD: Western Digital Caviar Blue 500GB 7200RPM - $47.53 (http://www.ncix.com/products/?sku=23266&vpn=WD5000AAKS&manufacture=Western Digital WD)
SOUND CARD: N/A
DVD/CD: N/A
POWER SUPPLY: Corsair TX850W - $119.99 (http://www.ncix.com/products/?sku=35156&vpn=CMPSU-850TX&manufacture=Corsair&promoid=1019)
CASE: Lancool PC-K56WB Mid Tower - $74.99 (http://www.ncix.com/products/?sku=44854&vpn=PC-K56WB&manufacture=LIAN-LI)
**GPU: ASUS GeForce GTX 470 - $379.99 (http://www.ncix.com/products/?sku=51897&vpn=ENGTX470/2DI/1280MD5&manufacture=ASUS)
CPU: Intel Core i7 920 2.66GHz - $312.96 (http://www.ncix.com/products/?sku=34598&vpn=BX80601920&manufacture=Intel)
MOBO: Gigabyte X58A-UDR3 - $223.99 (http://www.ncix.com/products/?sku=49016&vpn=GA-X58A-UD3R&manufacture=Gigabyte)
MEMORY: Corsair XMS3 6GB DDR3 - $209.64 ()
HDD: Western Digital Caviar Blue 500GB 7200RPM - $47.53 (http://www.ncix.com/products/?sku=23266&vpn=WD5000AAKS&manufacture=Western Digital WD)
SOUND CARD: N/A
DVD/CD: N/A
POWER SUPPLY: Corsair TX850W - $119.99 (http://www.ncix.com/products/?sku=35156&vpn=CMPSU-850TX&manufacture=Corsair&promoid=1019)
CASE: Lancool PC-K56WB Mid Tower - $74.99 (http://www.ncix.com/products/?sku=44854&vpn=PC-K56WB&manufacture=LIAN-LI)
Slayer-33
Liverpool-2
Thnikkaman said:
I'm getting my parts tomorrow afternoon (specs pic on the last page), I can't wait to put it together lol.
For the price it's totally worth it, the X6 while obviously behind most i5, i7 it hangs with them and it's a pretty damn good OC'er
I can't wait to assemble my monster, I'll just have to buy a new gfx card in the near future to replace the temp 5750 that I ordered.
Slayer-33 said:
Thanks, I'll take a look at your specs. A six-core interests me because of the performance in apps I use for classwork. Going to be doing a lot of Photoshop, Maya, UDK and video encoding!
Ed: Jeez, I just took a look at the price and panicked until I saw the monitor listed!
Budget: ~$1,000 | US
Main Use: Primarily Gaming, maybe Pro Tools as well.
Monitor Resolution: Not exactly sure about this one, but I assume I'll want 1920x1080
List SPECIFIC games that you MUST be able to play: Diablo 3 and Starcraft 2 perfectly
Hey guys, I wouldn't mind your opinions here. While I said my budget is roughly $1,000, I wouldn't mind saving a buck or two here and there if I didn't need to spend it. Also, I wouldn't mind spending a little extra to get a great improvement (get my drift?). Taking advice from TR, I came up with this guy:
Any suggestions here? Is it smart to go for the 5830 instead of the 5770? I'd love to hear your opinions.
Main Use: Primarily Gaming, maybe Pro Tools as well.
Monitor Resolution: Not exactly sure about this one, but I assume I'll want 1920x1080
List SPECIFIC games that you MUST be able to play: Diablo 3 and Starcraft 2 perfectly
Hey guys, I wouldn't mind your opinions here. While I said my budget is roughly $1,000, I wouldn't mind saving a buck or two here and there if I didn't need to spend it. Also, I wouldn't mind spending a little extra to get a great improvement (get my drift?). Taking advice from TR, I came up with this guy:
Any suggestions here? Is it smart to go for the 5830 instead of the 5770? I'd love to hear your opinions.
Need a system recommendation.
Budget: ~$1,300 | US
Main Use: Gaming, but will likely be on all day, so would like it to idle on low power/sound.
Monitor Resolution: Not sure. Likely a 21" - 23" monitor, though.
Games: Diablo 3, Starcraft 2, Dawn of War II, Source Engine games.
Must be an Intel machine.
Q&A:
1. Can I get by with a Antec Three Hundred?
2. What size of PSU for 1 SSD, 1 HD, upgradability to 2x ATI cards eventually.
3. I have a few local Fry's ... is it worth sourcing some parts locally for returnability? Which?
Budget: ~$1,300 | US
Main Use: Gaming, but will likely be on all day, so would like it to idle on low power/sound.
Monitor Resolution: Not sure. Likely a 21" - 23" monitor, though.
Games: Diablo 3, Starcraft 2, Dawn of War II, Source Engine games.
Must be an Intel machine.
Q&A:
1. Can I get by with a Antec Three Hundred?
2. What size of PSU for 1 SSD, 1 HD, upgradability to 2x ATI cards eventually.
3. I have a few local Fry's ... is it worth sourcing some parts locally for returnability? Which?
Slayer-33
Liverpool-2
I'm a bit worried about ordering 2 1 TB HDDs I never bought HDDs bigger than 250GB before for the OS at least, one will be pure storage/fraps/video encode deposit etc
I hope they don't fail (or get banged up on the way to me)
Good thing the warranty is 3 years at least.
From what I heard at least performance wise the Sammy Spinpoint F3's kick ass, I really hope that I get a great batch that lasts years.
1. yes of course, that's what I am getting, I recommend you take a look at the Rosewill "DESTROYER" case. It's a very similar case compared to the 300 and looks great as well.
2. Aim for over 650+W high quality psu & high amp on the 12v rail, active PFC, efficiency 80+ (dual cards for those games might be overkill though, you can stick to one really good card w/o crossfiring/sli costs of a good mobo that does it)
3. newegg first and check for a couple of specific items on amazon to compare some prices (hyper 212+ for example, it's $29 on ama shipped, $49 on newegg)
For the monitor, look into the new LED LCDs that are coming out now, I just bought a 23" asus for $209 shipped off newegg, pic of parts in last page. I expect great things out of it. Power saving is just one big bonus with it and it's features, pixel pitch 0.265mm
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236075
Your budget is nice and probably just enough for an Intel sys, quite a lil bit less if you went AMD Phenom X6
I'll be playing what you will be playing pretty much,
Diablo 3, SC2, WoW (again ugh fun times), TFC 2, BFBC2 etc. Fuck yeah
I hope they don't fail (or get banged up on the way to me)
Good thing the warranty is 3 years at least.
From what I heard at least performance wise the Sammy Spinpoint F3's kick ass, I really hope that I get a great batch that lasts years.
fugimax said:
1. yes of course, that's what I am getting, I recommend you take a look at the Rosewill "DESTROYER" case. It's a very similar case compared to the 300 and looks great as well.
2. Aim for over 650+W high quality psu & high amp on the 12v rail, active PFC, efficiency 80+ (dual cards for those games might be overkill though, you can stick to one really good card w/o crossfiring/sli costs of a good mobo that does it)
3. newegg first and check for a couple of specific items on amazon to compare some prices (hyper 212+ for example, it's $29 on ama shipped, $49 on newegg)
For the monitor, look into the new LED LCDs that are coming out now, I just bought a 23" asus for $209 shipped off newegg, pic of parts in last page. I expect great things out of it. Power saving is just one big bonus with it and it's features, pixel pitch 0.265mm
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236075
Your budget is nice and probably just enough for an Intel sys, quite a lil bit less if you went AMD Phenom X6
I'll be playing what you will be playing pretty much,
Diablo 3, SC2, WoW (again ugh
fun times), TFC 2, BFBC2 etc. Fuck yeahBrassMonkey1010
Member
Lordy88,
Don't get the Antec Sonota for a gaming build, there are much better cases to keep your system cool. Look at the Antec 300/Illusion, or a Cooler Master case in your budget, and just get a separate PSU.
Here is the Antec 300 Illusion Comes with a few LED fans.
And here is a really good power supply
Also, the SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 seems to be the reccomended HDD these days and its only $70.
You can save $5 by getting a cheaper dvd drive.
Also, it is worth it to get the 5850. Even if you have to switch to a amd build. The 5850 is almost as powerful as two 5770's.
Don't get the Antec Sonota for a gaming build, there are much better cases to keep your system cool. Look at the Antec 300/Illusion, or a Cooler Master case in your budget, and just get a separate PSU.
Here is the Antec 300 Illusion Comes with a few LED fans.
And here is a really good power supply
Also, the SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 seems to be the reccomended HDD these days and its only $70.
You can save $5 by getting a cheaper dvd drive.
Also, it is worth it to get the 5850. Even if you have to switch to a amd build. The 5850 is almost as powerful as two 5770's.
Slayer-33
Liverpool-2
BrassMonkey1010 said:
Offer him this "cheaper" PSU http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817171036
Modular baby and really good too
fugimax said:
Don't fool yourself, Intel i's kick major ass but this sort of system is VERY future proof as well. It'll get beat on benchmarks but it'll be hanging with the big boys and do well enough regardless of losing by certain margins which are not significant in a real world environment imo in terms of real expectations for the average to moderate enthusiast consumer.
Add in an SSD in a year or year 1/2 and a new gfx card and as more games / apps support more cores it'll just age better.
You could just swap out one of the Spinpoint F3's and buy a $99 Intel X25 40GB SSD for the OS and some APPS/Games and have the F3 as the main storage/other games/music etc
Go throw stuff into your cart, get the same RAM regardless of what system you plan to go with and the same monitor while you can and before it gets jacked in price, I highly recommend that PSU as well, it's pure quality high amps and effieciency and MODULAR for that price it's nuts.
If you got with Intel get a i7 860 I guess and a hyper 212 + cooler + a LGA 1156 mobo for the intel chip
Was looking at a 5850 for "future-proof-ness" ... thoughts?Slayer-33 said:
Wow. Amazon matches newegg on almost everything (lower in some cases). And, for me, no tax and I have amazon prime. Winner!Slayer-33 said:
I don't 100% understand how these things stack up. I see i7 920 and 930's for the same price as an 860? Was previously looking at the i5 750, but the i7 860 is in my range as well.Slayer-33 said:
I was going to go with the giagabyte UD4P. People seem to like it over the UD3 because of the nicer power supply and better SLI support. Also has usb 3.0 and all that good stuff..
Slayer-33
Liverpool-2
fugimax said:
You know what the problem would be with the i7 920 bro? The LGA 1366 mobo that you will need with it (all for the cost of an ARM and an a leg probably :lol) meanwhile you can just buy this GIGABYTE GA-P55-USB3 LGA 1156 Intel P55 USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard $119.99 shipped for the i7 860 that is pretty much the same proc as the 920
That's one hell of a GFX card for the games we want, I wish I had spare $ to buy it atm.. You can buy it now or buy the one I bought and resell the one I bought (double lifetime warranty that you can transfer to the next owner while you wait for the 5850's prices to go down further.) If you do this remember to REGISTER the XFX card within 30 days of purchase from newegg, otherwise they wont honor the lifetime warranty they that they provide.
BrassMonkey1010
Member
lordy88 said:
Looks like a great build. Only thing I would be hesitant on is the PSU. Not sure on the quality of Coolermaster PSU's.
Edit^^ looks like the guy above me can vouch for its quality.
Slayer-33
Liverpool-2
BrassMonkey1010 said:
Ya look over the stas and the reviews and yeah I mean c'mon it's cooler master. You can trust them
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817171036
On paper (read the specs) that's one hell of a fucking PSU for the money and holy shit it's modular MOOOOODULAR baby.
Remember guys it's not about the watts only really the amperage is the deal maker
SonofdonCD
Member
Since no one showed any disdain for my choices, I just hit the submit button on Newegg. It should be here in a few days (God I love the turnaround for Newegg ), I can't wait!
), I can't wait!Explain. I was looking at the Corsair 750w, which is $89..Slayer-33 said:Ya look over the stas and the reviews and yeah I mean c'mon it's cooler master. You can trust them
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817171036
On paper (read the specs) that's one hell of a fucking PSU for the money and holy shit it's modular MOOOOODULAR baby.
Remember guys it's not about the watts only really the amperage is the deal maker
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000X2677A/?tag=neogaf0e-20
Slayer-33
Liverpool-2
fugimax said:
There is nothing wrong with that Corsair psu but it is not modular (can't unplug unwanted wires and you'll have to route them inside the case which can lead to poorer airflow/extra heat that wears shit down inside your case), it has an extra 20Amps on the 12v rail which is nice.
The Cooler Master is actually 720 Watts but it's not listed as such, it has 40Amps on the 12vrail which is more than enough for it's purpose.
They are both great PSU's if you plan to sli/cross fire you might want the Corsair though, even though you can easily do it with the Cooler Master, there's a big price difference between the two as well, it's surprising that you would be getting such a high quality modular PSU in the Cooler Master for what they are selling it for.
Cool, thanks.
Was thinking of this for RAM
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002LE8D1G/?tag=neogaf0e-20
... at this point, just trying to get it all from Amazon. This is just what I found that was under $200 from them ... looks like it's 8-8-8-24, though..
Was thinking of this for RAM
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002LE8D1G/?tag=neogaf0e-20
... at this point, just trying to get it all from Amazon. This is just what I found that was under $200 from them ... looks like it's 8-8-8-24, though..
half a moon
Banned
How big of a hassle is multi-gpu setups? How how noticeable is micro stutter?
Alright, a few more questions before I fully complete this build and am eternally in your debt for your help!
1) I've come across people suggesting that the AMD Phenom II X6 is the way to go, especially for gaming. Should I go with this guy instead, given it is the same price as my i5?
2) If not, would this be a better idea for the GA-P55-USB3 LGA 1156 Intel P55 USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard and save $40? Or, if I am going with the AMD chip, then would I need to change my motherboard?
3) Also, if I'm going with AMD, do I need a different kind of RAM?
Thanks again for all your help!
1) I've come across people suggesting that the AMD Phenom II X6 is the way to go, especially for gaming. Should I go with this guy instead, given it is the same price as my i5?
2) If not, would this be a better idea for the GA-P55-USB3 LGA 1156 Intel P55 USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard and save $40? Or, if I am going with the AMD chip, then would I need to change my motherboard?
3) Also, if I'm going with AMD, do I need a different kind of RAM?
Thanks again for all your help!