I7 for new build?

[nyfirefly11]

So, I'd like to upgrade my components after 3 years. Here are my needs/uses:

1. General computing (web, Office, iTunes)
2. Some cpu-intensive programs (Photoshop, Flash)
3. Maybe some occasional gaming (SimCity, Flight Sim)

So all in all, my needs aren't extreme, but I would like to stay ahead of the curve for the next few years and not feel obsolete in 6 months. And while I don't need to o/c, I do work in the tech sector and enjoy well-built machines.

Should I go with the i7 and pay the extra money, or do I stay with a core 2 duo? Also, if I go with the i7, what's my minimal power req's?

Thx!

 

[nyfirefly11]

Also, if I don't go i7, and go with the 8400, which chipset do I go with? x38/48? P35/45?

 

[Guest]

e8400 and Gigabyte P45 - decide whether you want DDR3 ram - I didnt

 

[nyfirefly11]

cool, thx