AMD:
CPU:
AMD FX-4170GPU:
Radeon 7870RAM:
G.Skill 2x4GB 1600MB:
Gigabyte 990FXA-UD3Case:
NZXT Source 210PSU:
Corsair CX600SSD:
Samsung 830DVD:
Samsung DVD DriveSubtotal: $771.92
MIR: $50
SemiTotal: $721.92
Promo (CPU): $15 (ends Oct 10)
Promo (PSU): $12 (ends Oct 10)
Total: $694.92
AMD has the largest upgrade path in the future, with both more cores, and future CPUs available to it. AMD has said that the AM3+ socket will live for a long time, ensuring this. In addition, the motherboard has 2 full x16 PCI-e 2.0 slots, allowing you to drop in another 7870 for crossfire whenever you wish. The 600w power supply will be up to the task as well. You have open RAM slots if you need them. If you decide to overclock in the future, all you would need is cooling for the CPU.
However, the AMD will also start off with the weakest CPU. Odds that you will notice are slim, but thats what it is.
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Intel:
CPU:
Intel i3-3220GPU:
Radeon 7870RAM:
G.Skill 2x4GB 1600MB:
ASRock Z77 Extreme3Case:
NZXT Source 210PSU:
Corsair CX600SSD:
Samsung 830DVD:
Samsung DVD DriveSubTotal: $776.92
MIR: $40
Total: $736.92
The first Intel rig keeps the same GPU as the AMD rig, and also allows you to drop in a second whenever you desire, with 2 PCI-e 3.0 x8 slots. The power supply will again be able to handle it. You again have 2 open slots for RAM. This socket is dead after this CPU generation, however, Should you wish for a CPU upgrade, there is always the i5-3570k waiting.
This CPU can not overclock at all and does not have turbo. Second weakest CPU, although again you probably won't notice for a few years.
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Intel 2:
CPU:
Intel i5-2500kGPU:
Radeon 6870RAM:
G.Skill 2x4GB 1600MB:
Gigabyte Z68XP-UD3Case:
NZXT Source 210PSU:
Corsair TX650SSD:
Samsung 830DVD:
Samsung DVD DriveSubTotal: $816.92
MIR: $70
Total: $746.92
The second Intel rig drops significantly in GPU power to trade off for CPU power. This will be the fastest CPU option of the 3 by a good margin. 2 PCI-e x8 slots means you can drop in another of the same card for crossfire later. Again, the PSU will be strong enough to do so. Again, you have 2 open RAM slots if you need them. If you wish to overclock this CPU in the future, all you would need is a cooler for it.
There is no CPU upgrade for this setup. You could go Z77 and Ivybridge, but it is not worth the cost to do so against just buying the latest CPU and MB. There are fair odds that by the time you want to upgrade, this GPU may no longer be available since AMD has since discontinued the 6000 line.
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Anyway, theres pros and cons to each option. If you want help deciding, I'd need to know:
What types of programs do you plan on running?
Would you upgrade parts over time, or just buy a whole new computer when you need it?
Any of the 3 will work well, it's just a matter of what would be best for the future.