Planned new build

[oldguru]

I am planning a new build. this will most likely take place within the next few months. Right now i am trying to decide between the Intel Core 2 Duo and the Intel Core i7 processors.
What are the thoughts on these 2? I will be using the compiuter for some gaming, some video processing.

i would also like to have recommendations on mobos for each as well as everyones thoughts on cases.

I know i am asking a lot of general questions, just trying to get as much info as possible before start buying parts.

thanks

Vic

[Rev_pizzaguy]

What kind of budget are you looking at? You can build a pretty nice budget system for under $500, or you can go way overkill for $1750.

[glc]

If you can wait a few months, start planning a i7. It's just a bit too early to do one right now in my opinion.

[oldguru]

My budget is more time than a $ amount, meaning that once I decide on the components, then iI will pick up the parts as I can over a 2-3 month period. My thoughts right now are:

Intel BOXDX48BT2 LGA 775 Intel X48 ATX Intel Motherboard
Intel Core 2 Duo E8600 Wolfdale
Kingston HyperX 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600
Antec Sonata III 500 Black 0.8mm cold rolled steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
500W EarthWatts PSU

I haven't looked at video card yet. Any thoughts?

Vic

[glc]

I'd rather see an Asus P5Q and DDR2-800 ram. The Sonata III comes with a good PSU, it can handle a 9800GT-class video card fine. The E8600 is absolutely not worth the extra $100 over a E8500.

Please, instead of buying parts piecemeal, save your money till you can buy everything at once. You will get the most value for your money that way.

[oldguru]

Looking at the Asus P5Qs now. Which model of it were you thinking of? And if you don't mind, please explain why only DDR 2 -800 instead of the DDR3?. After lookig again at the CPU after your comment, I agree that the E8500 is the better deal.
Vic

[glc]

The P5Q does not support DDR3. The slight performance increase with DDR3 over DDR2 is not worth the premium, both for the ram and the higher end motherboard chipset.

Whichever P5Q has the features you need. The base P5Q or P5Q Pro should have everything 90% of the people need.