darkslash_323 :
Hi, I'm currently looking into building a new computer, but after reading many reviews and etc. I'm still torn between either a Phenom II X4 965 BE or 955 BE or an Intel i-5 750. This computer will be mainly for gaming and I want it to be somewhat future proof and last at least a few years. Any suggestions?
Thanks.
To tell the honest truth, they're both very appropriate for gaming and will perform pretty similarly. There are only a couple differences that may tilt you one way or the other:
1. Intel LGA1156 systems like the i5 750 can only have one PCIe x16 slot with full bandwidth because the PCIe controller is on-die. This has small impications today with running multi-GPU setups (a 5-10% performance hit) but will probably become more pronounced in the future. A good 790FX board has enough PCIe lanes to run three (IIRC) PCIe x16 slots at full bandwidth. However, few people run multi-GPU setups so this is probably a moot point.
2. Inel has said (so far) they will not release CPUs with more than four cores for LGA1156. AMD is going to introduce a Socket AM3 Phenom II with six cores in the near-term and will release CPUs with up to eight cores that will work in most* AM3 boards in 2011.
*"Most" meaning any board whose maker updates the BIOS to take new CPUs.
So basically, if PCIe bandwith or upgrade potential to CPUs with >4 cores is important, go with the AM3/Phenom II X4 setup. If not, take a close look at the particular motherboards and such available for each CPU and CPU prices and make a choice based on what ones look like a better deal to you. You won't go wrong either way, so don't worry.
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