[Writer]

I've decided to upgrade my primary system, which currently is built on a (gasp!) A8R-MVP.

I've just finished 2+ years of crazy long work hours so it's time to reward myself. :)

Primary uses: software development + gaming

Must be quiet. Will be overclocked.

I value stability above all else.

Common hardware for all builds:

- modded Coolermaster C5 case
- Seasonic X750 PSU
- Radeon HD5870
- 1 x Vortex SSD
- 3 x 640 GB WD Caviar Black
- 1 x DVDRW
- Auzentech Forte
- Xigmatec S1283 + crossbow kit

So far I've narrowed it down to:

X58:

Pros: mature platform, mature BIOS, 6 RAM slots, slightly better PCI-E
Cons: more power/heat

Gigabyte GA-X58-UD5 + i7 920 + 6GB G.Skill = 746 CDN

Pros: nice layout, great bios updates, dynamic VID in latest bios!
Cons: bit colorful, reports of squeeling (but it sounds like that can be solved in bios)

EVGA X58 ATX A1 + i7 920 + 6GB G.Skill = 760 CDN

Pros: lifetime warranty, nice design
Cons: active northbridge cooling (need to mod it for quiet)

P55:

Pros: cheap, less power/heat (~$45/year electricity difference)
Cons: new, possible socket issues?

MSI P55-GD65 + i5 750 + 8 GB Kingston HyperX = 578 CDN
MSI P55-GD65 + i7 860 + 8 GB Kingston HyperX = 688 CDN

Pros: cheap, nice layout, can turn annoying LEDs off
Cons: questionable support and quality control

EVGA P55 FTW + i5 750 + 8 GB Kingston HyperX = 638 CDN
EVGA P55 FTW + i7 860 + 8 GB Kingston HyperX = 748 CDN

Pros: cheap, nice layout, useless 'e' LED power can be unplugged
Cons: no IDE, useless 'e' LED reported to squeel for some, 2 year warranty, almost same cost as X58

Any thoughts/opinions welcome. :)