Help choosing parts for new rig!!

[Yellowhello]

Intel or AMD? Barcelona is coming out in the future. So. my question is this setup:

MB: ASUS P5N32-E SLI Plus LGA 775 NVIDIA nForce 650i SLI ATX Intel Motherboard

CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo E4300 Allendale 1.8GHz 2M shared L2 Cache LGA 775 Processor

Mem.: CORSAIR XMS2 1GB (2 x 512MB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 675 (PC2 5400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory

GPU: EVGA 256-P2-N550 -T2 GeForce 7600GT 256MB 128-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 Video Card

PSU: SILVERSTONE OP650 ATX12V / EPS12V 650W Power Supply 100 - 240 V RoHS, FCC, CE

HDD: Western Digital Caviar RE WD1600YS 160GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive

Case: Antec Performance One P180B Black 0.8mm cold rolled steel for durability through the majority of chassis 1.0mm cold rolled steel around the 4 x HDD area ATX Mid Tower Computer Case

OR the exact same system except for a few changes:

MB: EVGA 122-M2-NF59-TR Socket AM2 NVIDIA nForce 590 SLI MCP ATX AMD Motherboard

CPU: AMD Athlon 64 X2 3600+ Brisbane 1.9GHz 2 x 512KB L2 Cache Socket AM2 Processor with ZALMAN CNPS 9500 AM2 2 Ball CPU Cooling Fan/Heatsink

You will probably say go for the C2D system, but AMD is coming out with there quad core in the future. AMD is not bad, C2D is just better currently.

[Capper]

Hey guys, help us out....when you search newegg, link in the forums, or buy from newegg....use the HL link....it credits the site and keeps those gift certificates coming in......

Having said that....INTEL right now, and in the foreseeable future.....here are some thoughts on the subject..
AMD on the Rise, but is the Company Poised to Fall

[Hitman]

Stick with Intel.

[XoRn]

lol. No other comments about the build?

Since your buying a powerful enough PSU, I would say scrounge up as much extra money as you can and get an 8800. Even if its the cheapest of the cheap the 8800s are on a entirely different level then the 7000 series.

[Capper]

I'd consider the ANTEC 900 and the Thermaltake Big Typhoon with that build. Your set up is very good, but you are maybe hamstringing the overclocking ability a bit with that case and cooler

[Computer-Ed]

Capper is right, the Nine Hundred will offer better cooling, on the heatsink I would get the VX version of the Big Typhoon, the variable speed fan is nice.

[Capper]

yes, and I think it has the better mounting kit too if I'm not mistaken

[Computer-Ed]

Well yes and no... The VX uses the push mount that Intel designed. Now the old Typhoon used a screw on to backplate system but it seems I recall that this system has an issue since there where no stops in it and that meant how tight was a judgement call. There was a RISK that it could be over tightened and damaged. (Someone please correct me if I am wrong)

The push mount is easy to use and harder to mess up but it also leaves the heatsink a bit looser. I am suprised at the level of twist play the heat sink has. however thermaltake told me this is normal and not an issue. My testing with the heatsink has confimed that it is VERY effective in it's cooling.

So I guess yes it had the better mount in terms of being easier and has less risk. But at the same time I wish it was a bit tighter, hwoever the performance is there so it really does seem to be a none issue.

[Capper]

The backplate design is problematic in that it does lend to overtightening......but the INTEL design, while it may seem "looser" is actually set to the specification for that design, meaning that it is putting the correct amount of pressure evenly across the IHS. Its also more desirable in that its a fantastic HSF that does not require motherboard removal.......which is extremely rare for INTEL LGA775 motherboards

[Yellowhello]

The Big Typhoon is very good, but has anyone heard the the Thermaltake Maxorb? How's a GeminII?