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So right now, i'm stuck trying to decide whether to go with a Core i5 650, or a Phenom II X4 955 BE. I know i will keep this build for at least 3 years, so the main factor is price to performance and upgradability in the near future (3 years or so). It's a semi-gaming rig but mostly streaming video and multimedia.

Either one of those chips will do what you are looking for. What Gfx card are you planning on?

I'm going to use a Vapor-X 5750.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6814102865

That is a solid card. I would probably lean toward an amd rig. They tend to have better price to performance ratios.

alright, thanks, i'll probably go with the 955 then.

i'll go for the I5

I'd go AMD

Wavid wrote:I know i will keep this build for at least 3 years, so the main factor is price to performance and upgradability in the near future (3 years or so).

It's been rumored that Intel's Sandy Bridge will be using a new socket (LGA-1155) meaning if you go Core i5-650/LGA-1156 now, you might need to replace the motherboard if you want to upgrade the CPU in the future.

Not sure about longevity on AMD's side.

AMD has been great with compatibility with new models. AM2+ and AM3 processors were all backwards compatible with AM2 motherboards so I expect them to continue that, that and their low prices is why people even bother buying AMD right now anyways. Performance wise, Intel is just so far ahead, there is really no reason to go AMD unless your really that budget constrained. So I'd go for the i5, and even if you decide to go AMD, waiting for their six cores that are coming out right away would be an option as well, its not more than $100 above the 955 i believe.

You can pick up an AMD chipset (890GX) with SATA III and USB 3.0 for far cheaper than an Intel equivalent. If you need to or the time comes where you want to you can always add another 5750 and run them in Crossfire too. Key factor there is you are looking at a dual core with 2 virtual threads versus an actual quad core.

My vote would be for the AMD rig myself.

Major_A wrote:You can pick up an AMD chipset (890GX) with SATA III and USB 3.0 for far cheaper than an Intel equivalent. If you need to or the time comes where you want to you can always add another 5750 and run them in Crossfire too. Key factor there is you are looking at a dual core with 2 virtual threads versus an actual quad core.

My vote would be for the AMD rig myself.

+1

Major_A wrote:You can pick up an AMD chipset (890GX) with SATA III and USB 3.0 for far cheaper than an Intel equivalent. If you need to or the time comes where you want to you can always add another 5750 and run them in Crossfire too. Key factor there is you are looking at a dual core with 2 virtual threads versus an actual quad core.

My vote would be for the AMD rig myself.

What the Major said.

/agree

Go for the AMD. Sure you may not save a ton of money, but it's savings vs. the small increase in performance going for intel. (at the same price point)

I also agree with the vote for AMD. Socket backward compatibility has always been a big plus in my opinion. Not only does it make upgrading much more manageable, it also gives you a platform from which to troubleshoot if a new component isn't working. Last time I had a part fail on an AM3 setup, I was able to drop the chip in an AM2+ and rule out CPU as the failed component.

AMD and I would recommend the Asus M4A89GTD.
It support AM3 for AMD and DDR3 1333M.

Link:
centralcomputers.com/commerce/catalog/product.jsp?product_id=74627

thanks for the feedback guys, but i've installed an X4 955 with my M4A79XTD EVO. it's working amazing, so i no longer need suggestions. thanks anyway though!

Glad you're happy with your choice. Enjoy that new CPU / heatsink smell while it lasts!

Wavid wrote:thanks for the feedback guys, but i've installed an X4 955 with my M4A79XTD EVO. it's working amazing, so i no longer need suggestions. thanks anyway though!

Should've held out another month. I believe the Phenom II X6's are supposed to be released some time in May.