I intend to get a new desktop in preparation for my ORD. Which of the 2 configurations should I get:
1) INTEL Core i7-920(2.66GHz) ~ $440
2) ASUS P6T Deluxe V2 ~ $550
3) 3x 2GB DDR3 1333 ~ $240
4) ACBEL TruePower 660W ~ $132
5) PALIT GTX 285 1GB DDR3 ~$500
Total: ~$1860
Or
1) INTEL Core i7-950(3.GHz) ~ $840
2) GA-EX58-UD3R ~ $345
3) 3x 2GB DDR3 1333 ~ $189
4) ACBEL TruePower 660W ~ $132
5) PALIT GTX 285 1GB DDR3 ~ $500
Total: ~$2000
Mainly used for casual gaming, internet surfing, watching movies etc. Not much need for OC, already got HDD(120GB & 1TB), DVD drive & casing. Budget of 2K only. Would appreciate any comments.
If i were you, i will take the cheaper setup(overclock it a little to 3ghz),with the cheaper priced gigabyte board.
I am not very sure the specific difference between the two motherboards(Have not being keeping up with technology), but generally the more expensive one have more features, or a more comprehensive bios options.
With the left over money i will use it to get a better graphics card or spend it on a nice CPU cooler
I would go for Option 2, as Gigabyte mobos have a backup BIOS. In case things gone wrong, the kaput BIOS will not prevent your PC from booting, but the backup BIOS will let it continue running.
I would go for the 920 and the EX58-UD3R. You don't really need the options on the ASUS board, actually. If not OCing the Gigabyte board will do just fine. And the 950 isn't worth the money.
the 950 is nearly twice the price of as compared to the 920. like Raraken said. it ain worth the cost.
Since you stated that it's for casual gaming, websurfing, and watching movies. You do not need the 950.
get the 920, then overclock it.
Compared to the second option, I would choose the first option instead as it's cheaper, and you can overclock it to a higher speed... you would need good cooling system though.
Try waiting for the next PC fair, it's coming soon and i think you wld be able to get a better price...