New builder can't decide!

[1vh1]

Hello, I've had plans for a while to build a PC using this computing hardware

I will use this computer mainly for photo storage and editing, CGI rendering, and some gaming.


Mobo- Asus P7P55D Deluxe P55
CPU- Core i7-860 Quad-Core 2.8GHz
RAM- Kingston 8GB PC3-8500 DDR3
GPU- Radeon HD 4890 1GB

However I have been looking at the possiblity of an AMD setup using this, it would be about the same price as well.

mobo- Asus Crosshair III Formula, AM3, AMD 790FX
CPU- AMD Phenom II X4 965 Quad-Core 3.4GHz AM3
RAM- Kingston 8GB PC3-8500 DDR3
GPU- Radeon HD 5870 1GB


Anyway, what makes the seemingly slower intel setup the same price as the AMD one? Is the i7 a better chip?

[Khalil]

The Intel rig will work better for what you are proposing to do it with it. If you were going to mainly 3D game I would have said go with the AMD.

[glc]

I think that ram you have chosen is a bit slow for either rig. You should be using DDR3-1333 or 1600, that stuff is 1066.

The Intel is not necessarily "slower" - the exact clock speed is not meaningful across different architectures.

[systempat]

For the AMD setup that you propose. You don't have to buy the most expensive AM3 board from ASUS for this type of build. Unless you are trying to do maximum overclocking you are paying for features that you won't be using. There is also some marketing hype built in as ell. There are models at 119 and 139 from ASUS that will work just as well.
As to the Intel vs. AMD question, I'm not going to jump in. Both sides have good features. When doing the AMD build, between the motherboard and the CPU it is often possible to save 50 to 100 compared to the Intel. IF that is important to you, go for it. Some will argue that the performance is a little lower too. Personally I doubt you will see the difference between the 2.

[Khalil]

Everyone that spent anytime on this forum knows I am a big fan of AMD however currently for CGI rendering Inel Processors lead the way!