Two CPUs, two gfx cards -- which setup makes most sense?

[gilead]

I plan to build a PC after several years of absence from the market and would like to ask real pros for an advice if my choices make sense and/or should be adjusted; also, there are three choices so some insight into the price/power ratio would be appreciated.

The two most demanding tasks for this machine will be gaming (ha! surprise ) and programming. Apart from the performance noise level is important. No system is quiet while playing high-end games but I'd like it to be as quiet as possible while working (i.e. no 3D apps running, irregular CPU usage). I hope it's clear from the below (correct me if I'm wrong! ) that I'd like a system which is nearer the higher end today so I don't need to upgrade it next year or something.

=== The common parts ===
- SSD: 80GB Intel SSD M25-M Gen 2 SATA 3GB/s (Linux, coding) (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-027-_-Product)
- HDD: 1TB Western Digital WD1002FAEX SATA 6GB/s (Windows, playing) (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...Tpk=WD1002FAEX)
- Edimax EW-7727IN WiFi card (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...ax%20ew-7727in)
- DVD/BD R/W LG BH10LS30.AUAU10B drive (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827136181)
- Windows Home Premium (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-754-_-Product )
- Corsair CMPSU-650TX PSU (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...pk=CMPSU-650TX)
- CoolerMaster HAF 932 case (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-160-_-Product)
When it comes to the case I'm not really sure. I'd like to get something which would reduce the noise level but it's awfully hard to compare them online so I may need to dig more.

=== Cheaper CPU ===
Core i5-750 2.66 GHz LGA 1156 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-215-_-Product)
Asus P7P55D-E LX (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...0P7P55D-E%20LX)
4x2GB Corsair XMS3, DDR3 PC3-10666 (1333) Non-ECC Unbuffered, CAS 9-9-9-24, DHX, 1.6V (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-251-_-Product)
Thermalright MUX-120 i5 heatsink + fan

=== Faster one ===
Core i7-930 2.8 GHz LGA 1366 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-225-_-Product)
Gigabyte GA-X58A-UD3R Rev 2 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...20GA-X58A-UD3R)
3x2GB Corsair Dominator, DDR3 PC3-12800(1600), CAS 7-8-7-20, XMP, DHX, New Connector, 1.65V (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-289-_-Product)
Thermalright Ultra 120 eXtreme Intel BP 120mm Heat Sink
120mm Scythe S-FLEX SFF21F Silent Case Fan 1600 RPM

=== Graphics card ===
The last missing component is the graphics card. The two options I consider are:
1GB Gainward GTX 460 GS GLH, 4000MHz GDDR5, GPU 800MHz
1.5GB Gigabyte GTX 480, 40nm, 3696MHz GDDR5, GPU 700MHz, Shader 1401MHz
but I'm not sure about the manufacturers as all the cards seem to be pretty much the same. Whatever the choice I want to stay with nVidia.


So, that leaves us with three basic choices:
i5 + GX460
i7 + GX460
i7 + GX480

I'd tend to choose the last option as it's only 25% more expensive than the cheapest one and the graphs on the net suggest it is but...

[David M]

Consider as i-7 860 if you are looking for a higher end multi-threaded CPU that's not outrageously expensive. Otherwise look at the i-5's

I would also throw into the mix the Radeon 5870 graphics card. HIS or Diamond if you find that choice.

Get an 1156/P55 board. The 1366/X58 is having problems.

The Corsair 650 you picked is a great PSU.

[gilead]

Hi Dave, thanks for your reply!

i7 860 is slightly more expensive than i7 930 at the same clock speed so considering that I'm not sure if your suggestion to go for 860 still stands?

Do you have any specific info about 1366/x58 problems? Googling for problems with specific boards/setups is easy but I couldn't find anything that would suggest the platform as a whole has issues. I'd prefer x58 as it adds USB3 and SATA3 and this PC is supposed to last me a few years so it would be nice to have them

[Nikon]

they are the same price (930 and 860) at newegg.

his recommendation stands because the 930 is 1366, which has alot of issues.

the cpus seem identical in performance (dont quote me on this)

they have memory issues, and post issues, and all kinds of fun migrane causing problems that seem to have no logical solution.

the 460 would be plenty of power for gaming, and if down the road you want to SLI another one, youll get better performance than a 480 for cheaper (2 460s are cheaper than 1 480)

just grab the pro version of the p7p55d if you are considering this.