Suggestions on Intel Processor..
 

I'm finally in the market again for a new desktop (likely laptop in the next few months also). Now don't tell me to get a Mac cause it's not gonna happen. I've loved my Dell XPS and Dell Inspiron for too long.

So, since I only do this ever 3 or 4 years (it was Dec 2005 last time), I typically go with the fastest processor so that in 6 months it's not totally out of date. I've heard the i7 can run hot and the i5 not so bad.. I'm not processor savvy (this old machine is a Pentium 4, 3.8Ghz with 2GB ram - don't laugh).

I'll be putting Win 7 Professional, Office 2007 Professional (need Access database) and such. I'm not grinding out graphics etc.. and I don't need a gaming PC.

What are your thoughts in an Intel Processor(s) configuration? Are the i series processors faster than some of the dual or quad core?

If you want something that's not going to be out of date anytime soon, but is pretty affordable... I'd go with a Core i7 920 processor and load your OS on an 80gb Intel X25-M SSD. Buy a large Seagate 7200rpm drive for your applications.

I'd go with a Gigabyte motherboard. You should be about as set as you can possibly be at this current moment in time. :)

I currently render all of my HD content using this same machine configuration, less the SSD. The difference it's made for my productivity is huge.

I've got my eye on this with the i7-975 to replace the XPS 420 I just fried the motherboard on...

Sounds really nice.

Nothing wrong with the i7's. Just get a nice case with decent cooling.

I just bought a q9650 for my 775 board, (3.0 ghz core 2 quad) because I was not in the mood to upgrade my motherboard and RAM for a new i7. Should make it last another year or so.

The i7s will be faster than the top end core 2 quad at just about everything.

i7's on the X58 platform are the high-end right now. Great processors and very fast. The transition of 'borrowing' AMD's concept of using the memory-controller on-die has unleashed new speeds.

For the i7-920, you'll be looking at more $$ due to the highend motherboard and Triple-Channel DDR3.

You can get i7's in the mainstream platform P55 (860), which preform quite well and are comparable. They come in dual-channel DDR3 configuration.
In addition, the i5's do quite well, and overclocked come quite close, to the i7 920.

From your needs, and not being as tech savvy, I'd go with an i7-920. Spend the extra cash on the higher platform that will last you longer ;)

Dell doesn't really tell what MB they're using. If a configuration says Intel® Core? i7-920 processor(8MB L3 Cache, 2.66GHz) and 6GB Tri-Channel DDR3 SDRAM at 1066MHz - 6 DIMMs would that likely be the X58MB
where
Intel® Core? i7-920 processor(8MB L3 Cache, 2.66GHz) and 8GB Dual Channel DDR3 SDRAM at 1066MHz - 4 DIMMs be the P55 ?

yea dual would be the p55.. go with the more ram you will not notice any real world difference between double or triple channel. :) the i7 is quad core with hyperthreading, so it will look like 8 cpus in task manager.

I like the layout you have for doing HD work....
looks real sweet to me!