Is a Core i7 worth it?

[GinoS]

I'm going to be putting together a new computer in a few months. I have some of the components now, and I'm going to get the rest in May-June.

I play some games, surf the web, burn some DVD's. I will not be over-clocking. I'm thinking about getting an ASUS P6T Deluxe V2 motherboard; an i7 920; 6 gigs of Corsair Dominator 1600; and a video card. Which video card I do not know yet.

I've already got two Western Digital Caviar black 1 Terrabyte drives for my primary and backup drive; a PC Power and Cooling 750 Silencer PSU; a Samsung 22x DVD burner; A Lian-li A70B case; generic keyboard and mouse. I'll be running VISTA 64 Ultimate.

I know some of this stuff is high end. I like building a computer every three to four years so some of this is to keep it viable for a few years longer than usual. I probably should have gotten more wattage on the PSU. I went with the full-tower because I think that'll be easier to work in. I'm partial to Lian-li cases.

The ultimate question here, should I go with a Socket LGA 775 system and use that $$$ for a higher end videocard? I've never Cross-Fired or SLI-ied and might do that someday just to check it out. I was thinking about spending $250 on the video card.

The bottom line, are Core i7 systems worth it for those who don't overclock?

 

[Why_Me]

I believe you answered your own question in your post. Do you want something that is top of the line technology wise, and that is going to be around for awhile? Well than it's obvious you want an i7 build.

That mobo down below runs SLI and Crossfire.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128386 $209.99
GIGABYTE GA-EX58-UD3R-SLI LGA 1366 Intel X58 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115202 $279.99 Free Shipping*
Intel Core i7 920 Nehalem 2.66GHz 4 x 256KB L2 Cache 8MB L3 Cache LGA 1366 130W Quad-Core Processor - Retail

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231247 $94.99 Free Shipping*
G.SKILL 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Triple Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Retail

 

[gkay09]

The gigabyte is very good...you should even have a look at this mobo...
The P6T deluxe's little brother...the P6T
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131359

The reason why we are suggesting these boards is because you wont need the higher end boards...As far as the layout and the general features are concerned, both these boards are similar...but the Deluxe have additional features and more BIOS options for overclock...as you have said you will not be overclocking, you can get the cheaper boards, which still provide you with plenty of features...

 

[vegettonox]

Its all subjective at this point in processors. you pay for what you get. The phenoms are a bit cheaper but the i7 will perform better in several areas for a good roughly 150-250 more so its all about if your on budget or just want the best. That and you need to take into account that if you get an i7 system you need to purchase new end ddr3 ram and if you want the essence of speed 3 for the new tri channel memory. and the motherboards are rather expensive on the i7 platform.