Looking for CPU,Mobo and Ram

[Flash]

Hi guys.

First a small history about me. I tend to upgrade computers once every 5 or so years, and this is especially true for motherboards and CPU. I occasionally do the odd graphic card or HDD upgrade within the 5 years, but not always, however, CPU, motherboard and ram never get upgraded (mainly because by the time I need to upgrade the ram, a new version is out and the compatible ram is 3 times as expensive - take DDR2 for example)
You can see my current computer specs on the left under my profile. I bought it in 2007. It was an upgrade for my old computer which I bought in 2002.
Also, with the console market, I really don't think the need for upgrade is that strong anymore (this computer I currently have can play most games at full settings - World of Tanks, Amnesia, Dota 2, F1 2011, Railworks 3, Guild Wars 2). So please take that maybe in consideration.

Another fact about me, I usually like to buy close to the best on the market, as long as the price is decent. I never go for the top tier since that is most expensive and mostly I don't need it. But I do like to hunt for 2nd, or maybe 3rd tier (ex: get a 7950 if the price is right, or whatever comes after that. But I wouldn't get a 7970, unless there is a hot deal)

Anyway, here is the following I am looking for:

For CPU:
I am looking for the best bang for the buck when it comes to games. I don't do video or audio processing much, and when I do, I don't mind waiting a bit longer if that means saving me a few hundred bucks.
I do want a 8 core CPU tho (for futureproof). My current CPU is only 2 core, so my thinking 8 cores will come in handy.
Not sure if I should go with AMD or Intel. Before, I did told myself I should go with AMD, since I notice all of their CPU's are very cheap, compared to Intel, and from what I understood, they are pretty much equal in gaming performance. The Bulldozer 8 core is only 200$! Yea, it's not cutting edge as everybody expected it to be, but 8 cores at 3,6 GHZ for only 200$? Wouldn't that be a great choice?

For Mobo:
I am looking for a mobo that maximizes throughput and big bus width. Unfortunately when I look at them on websites, there are no details of said throughput or bus width between CPU, PCI-E, etc. Also I notice most of them are very cheap.
What I would like is a motherboard that can be futureproof (I know this is easier with an AMD board, since most of their CPU's use the same socket - IF - I decide to ever upgrade the CPU). I do not need more than 2 PCI-E slots. I don't think I will CF/SLI, I never did, but again, I like to have the option. Not sure if I would be sticking with AMD video card, so a board that does both CF/SLI would be nicer, or so I would think. It should also have the ability to support at least 32GB RAM.
Also, not sure about the PCI-E 3.0, Is it already out?

For RAM:
I would really like 32GB. But 16GB will do (I don't want to have to be limited by RAM in the future, until I will be buying again a new mobo, CPU, in maybe 5 years from now). Right now I am severely limited by my 2GB, and as I said, the prices for DDR2 and selection is horrible. Hence why I just prefer to upgrade, rather than paying 50$ for another 2GB of DDR2.
Not sure what is the best bandwith/timing right now. I seem to recall seeing a set rated at 2133MHZ at CAS 9 (or was it 10?). Would that be a solid performance ram? Again looking for at least 16GB, 4x4, or if I could find a good 32GB, 4x8, at 2133 rating or similiar that would be even better. But I would think that would be too expensive? No idea if just a standard 1600MHZ, CAS9 would be very similiar, and might save me some cash.

Anyway, I know this is a wall of text, and hope people won't get bored reading it all.

TL;DR: Looking for sugestions on what to buy for CPU/Mobo/RAM. You can link me some store pages, or give ideas.
Cheers!

 

[Frick]

About Bulldozer: You should REALLY read som reviews. Like this one. It's cheap, and it's not that bad bang for the buck, but it's far from what it should've been. If you're willing to spend some money there is no reason to go for AMD right now. It's kinda sad, but it's the way it is.

And they are not equal in gaming. Intel is way better. Bulldozer is in fact quite equal to the now quite ancient Phenom II. But a lot of that depends on the graphic card as well.

RAM and motherboard I leave to others.

 

[LGV]

In here in UK, AMD give cashback on CPU-s.


For ram, check this , good for any build
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Samsung/MV-3V4G3/

 

[CounterZeus]

CPU: any newer i5/7 is good, they just overwhelm AMD. AMD cores is more marketing like the GHz wars was with the P4.
Go i5 if you want the best price/perfomance, i7 if you want to last longer.

Mobo: I don't think both companies will retain their sockets for very long, at least not to be 'future proof'. Best thing to do is buy a decent brand with the specs you like for SLI/CF.

RAM: timings etc..aren't really important in gaming these days, you won't notice a big difference. But 16GB is what I have right now and I think (although it's not safe to say), it will be enough for the coming 5 years. Unless you want to experiment with bigger ramdisks or something, I'd go for 16 and not 32.

 

[gopal]

Well for Ram i will suggest to go for 16 GB 1866Mhz(DDR3) of any known brand
and for the
Motherboard
Gigabyte GA-990FX mobo it is a good mobo
and for processor
amd phenom II X4 965BE it is a 4 Core CPU which is good enough for gaming but if you think you can buy a 6 core CPU then phenom II X6 1100 BE will be a very good choice.
and if you are going wilt intel then
ASUS P8Z68-V PRO and 16GB ram 1866Mhz and CPU
Intel i5 2500K or i7 2700K(if you can afford it)

 

[Flash]

In here in UK, AMD give cashback on CPU-s.


For ram, check this , good for any build
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Samsung/MV-3V4G3/

Why is the above ram good, looking at a standard 1600Mhz, but CAS 11, rather than CAS 9 most have for 1600MHZ

Well for Ram i will suggest to go for 16 GB 1866Mhz(DDR3) of any known brand
and for the
Motherboard
Gigabyte GA-990FX mobo it is a good mobo
and for processor
amd phenom II X4 965BE it is a 4 Core CPU which is good enough for gaming but if you think you can buy a 6 core CPU then phenom II X6 1100 BE will be a very good choice.
and if you are going wilt intel then
ASUS P8Z68-V PRO and 16GB ram 1866Mhz and CPU
Intel i5 2500K or i7 2700K(if you can afford it)

Is there a specific sweetspot for 1866Mhz?
CounterZeus did mention timings might not matter as much, so wouldn't a 2166Mhz be better, at let's say CAS 11, rather than 1866 at maybe CAS 10?

The Phenom II is quite old isn't it? came out 3 years ago



Regarding motherboards. I actually want to stay away from ASUS. A friend had to send it for warranty and their customer support was horrible. Looking for either Gigabyte or MSI, as from what I understood their customer support and centers are in NA. Or EVGA if I decide to go with Intel
Is there any place where I can find the mobo bus width and all those details they usually don't provide when you go buy one?

Thank you all for your input

 

[LGV]

Why is the above ram good, looking at a standard 1600Mhz, but CAS 11, rather than CAS 9 most have for 1600MHZ

Can do 2400mhz
And

Works at advertised speed and voltages on 1600 MHz supporting platforms without any user intervention
Amazingly low price considering total capacity of 8 GB
Fantastic overclockability, even at stock voltages
Dimunitive low-profile design for maximum compatibility with ANY aftermarket cooling.
Certified and pre-tested to be compatible with the majority of motherboards on the market, including both AMD and Intel platforms.
Sexy black PCB, usually only found on much more expensive products.

 

[gopal]

Ram OCing this is first time i heared that!
Well you will get to learn something everyday!

 

[MasterInvader]

In the end of the day all comes to this, if you are getting a good GPU or SLI/Crossfire the "bulsshi..." Intel is way better for gaming dont exist!

If you only have gaming in mind and you are getting a nice GPU [AMD7900/Nvidia600] Bulldozer is great and about the same as Intel [@ the same price range]

look @ this:
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/AMD/HD_7970_CPU_Scaling/5.html

 

[Flash]

How good of an option would be these memories?

http://www.ncix.ca/products/index.p...CL10Q-32GBZL&manufacture=G.Skill&promoid=1207

With 32GB I definitely want to disable Commit. Not sure if 16GB would be enough to disable Commit

 

[ThE_MaD_ShOt]

Well ram ocing in a amd system doesn't work out so well. Others can attest to this. So if you do build a Amd system all you need is some good 1333 or 1600 memory and you will be good.