Another New Build Question

[Zukker]

Hi,

I have been doing a lot of reading on this forum and I about to pull the trigger on a new machine. I am concern about buying the current CPU's when a new chip is coming that will require a new MB and DDR3 to run.

This will be my first build in a very long time. I mostly game with FPS and RTS (COD4 and Rome Total War). I think it is time to upgrade from my current P4 3.0 GHz machine. My total budget including taxes is $2000. Although this will be primarily a gaming machine I will also be using it to prepare PowerPoint Presentations for work which include incorporating video (down loading and then encoding it to fit into the presentation).
Here is the list of parts that I have chosen:
Asus P5Q PRO MB
Q9550 Intel CPU
GTX280 VC
GSKILL 4 GB Ram 8500 (or other suitable RAM)
Samsung 2253 22” monitor
Seagate Barracuda 500 GB HD
Coolmaster CM690 Case
Artic Cooler CPU fan
Cosair TX750W PS
Generitic DVD RW
OS – Windows Vista Ultimate 64
Keyboard & Mouse
Now I have three questions that I hope you can help me out.
1) Should I wait for the new Nehalem chips and MB from Intel? How long will the wait be for my parts in my price range?
2) Is the Q9550 that much better than a Q6600 for my applications? Or would a dual core like E8400 suffice?
3) Is the GTX280 overkill for a 22” screen or will it give some future proofing? (I have also considered the GTX260 or ATI 4870.)

Thanks in Advance for your all your input.

Zukker

 

[risqu3]

wait for nahlem to release properly. it will drop prices of current cpu's and allow you to pick up even used ones for a big chunk of savings.

q9550 vs q6600 you cant go wrong with either one, i picked htis q6600 up 6 months ago and im very happy with it. (i can hit 3.6ghz stable on air.)

 

[VorpalBFG]

If you want to buy now, go with the Q6600 and the GTX260. Since you are running a 22inch monitor, I think a GTX280 is a tad overboard. If you can afford it, by all means pull the trigger. The Q6600 is fantastic! It over clocks extremely well and the Q9550 doesn't offer any huge gains over it. Have fun with your build.