Going for a new build, but AMD or Intel?

[Dark-Colonel]

Ok so I've had the E6600 for too long now and there are some good deals going around. I just need one input though:

Core i5 ($220) + Gigabyte P55M-UD2 ($113) + G. Skill RipJaw DDR3 1600 ($110) = $443
Newegg.ca - Intel Core i5-750 Lynnfield 2.66GHz 8MB L3 Cache LGA 1156 95W Quad-Core Processor - Processors - Desktops
NCIX.com - Buy Gigabyte P55M-UD2 mATX LGA1156 P55 DDR3 2PCI-E 2PCI SATA2 RAID Sound GLAN Motherboard - GA-P55M-UD2 In Canada.
Canada Computers - Memory > Desktop Memory > DDR3 1600 PC3-12800+ : G.SKILL Ripjaws Series DDR3 1600MHz (PC3-12800) 4GB (2x2GB) Dual Channel Kit (F3-12800CL7D-4GBRM).

OR

AMD PII 965BE ($215) + GIGABYTE GA-MA785G-UD3H ($100, don't need DDR3) = $315
Newegg.ca - AMD Phenom II X4 965 Black Edition Deneb 3.4GHz 4 x 512KB L2 Cache 6MB L3 Cache Socket AM3 125W Quad-Core Processor - Processors - Desktops
Newegg.ca - GIGABYTE GA-MA785G-UD3H AM3/AM2+/AM2 AMD 785G HDMI ATX AMD Motherboard - AMD Motherboards

Would it be worth it to go the extra ~$130 and get an i5? I won't upgrade for at least another 2 - 3 years again since I've had my E6600 since 06.

EDIT - My current build:
Intel Core 2 Duo E6600, ATi HD 4850, Foxconn G9657MA-8KS2H, Patriot Viper 2x2GB

[Kayen]

Option 2 IMO, since you're going to get all you need, and you save money on the RAM, so why not , plus that's a very versatile board on the AMD end .

[Zero82z]

I would go with the i5 since you plan on keeping this system for a long time. If you overclock the i5, it will be a more powerful CPU than anything AMD has to offer, and that will matter more as time goes on.

[rapmaster]

how about a used Q6600 or Q9550, I'm sure it's much cheaper than the 2 choices and it's not that far behind in performance, especially if you overclock. With the saved money, get a nice video card or SSD.

[Sushi Warrior]

i5 for sure as it's more powerful and uses a LOT (and I mean a lot) less power. Think like 33% or more less.

[Raserei408]

I would take the AM3, though I'd make a few adjustments first.

First, are you planning to overclock? If so, drop the 965 and take a 955, since the price difference isn't nearly worth what you're paying for. If not, I recommend you seriously reconsider this decision.

Second, and I know it's painful, take a board that uses DDR3. It adds to the overall expense but if you plan on keeping the system for a long time this will just end up making you buy a new motherboard with DDR3 later, as well as the memory. As for the board, try to get the Gigabyte 790X-UD4P (DDR3 version) or the ASUS M4A79XTD EVO (I believe that's the name). They're great boards with good OCing, and they're not too expensive either. I assume you'll be getting a GPU (unless you have one already) so the loss of onboard graphics shouldn't be an issue.

Also, if you plan to overclock and don't already have an aftermarket cooler, I recommend the Hyper 212 Plus...at least on the budget you appear to be on.

[Sushi Warrior]

I'm not sure why you would buy an AMD build when it costs the same as the Intel build, i5 is faster and uses less power. AMD simply is not ahead of the game this time around (again) on the higher-mid end market

[sswilson]

I've tried out AMD's latest offerings, and while I don't regret it, I wouldn't recommend going AMD if you can get the same pricing on i5. That said, if you do decide on going AM3 I second the recommendation to go with a 955 black vrs the 965.

In all honesty, it looks like the only real difference in price that you're showing is the result of going DDR3, and like it or not, it's time to upgrade before DDR2 pricing starts to go the way of standard DDR.

[MarkOne]

but did he really need DDR3 at $ 110... I guess you can find good 2 x 1 Gb DDR3 at less than $ 70 ,

[Sushi Warrior]

Oh also look out for EVGA's P55V, that looks like a nice cheap mobo.