Well. Sorry for some of what I've recommended, then- I was speccing an ideal render box more than anything.
For something a bit more down-to-earth, a speedy i5 or a Sandy Bridge i7 would be somewhat better value for money right now, and 8GB will probably do you. As for what sort of 8GB? Several points on RAM:
1. I wasn't really talking about leaving 2-3 slots open long-term, CN. You're totally right about the benefits of having more sticks over less, and any good system takes advantage of that. Still, sometimes the spec and the wallet don't exactly line up, and getting a system up and running with 1x8GB saves a little money. Might be the difference between the right CPU/mobo and the immediately affordable one- and you can always add more RAM later.
2. I'd advise doing one of two things about DDR4. Either give it a miss for now, or build a no-frills box (i3-i5, 4-8GB, no real graphics, basic mobo) to last you 2-2.5 years, 'cause that's when it'll be worth buying. Figure it starts production late 2012, and will be available early- to mid-2013. Never buy a new RAM type when it hits the market- they get RIDICULOUSLY expensive. I remember DDR3 was $400-$600 a stick when it came out- hence waiting another year for it. If you did go DDR4, you'd need a compatible mobo, which would work on the same (if not a slower) timeframe and cost mechanic. Maybe for your next PC, but definitely not this one.
3. With all that in mind, I'd say a good i7 or top-end i5, decent motherboard, and 2x4GB RAM to start, with an eye to adding another 8GB if you need it. Season with storage/graphics/~600W PSU to taste, and serve.
My Unitarian Jihad Name is: Brother Atom Bomb of Courteous Debate. Get yours.
I've been writing a bit.
For something a bit more down-to-earth, a speedy i5 or a Sandy Bridge i7 would be somewhat better value for money right now, and 8GB will probably do you. As for what sort of 8GB? Several points on RAM:
1. I wasn't really talking about leaving 2-3 slots open long-term, CN. You're totally right about the benefits of having more sticks over less, and any good system takes advantage of that. Still, sometimes the spec and the wallet don't exactly line up, and getting a system up and running with 1x8GB saves a little money. Might be the difference between the right CPU/mobo and the immediately affordable one- and you can always add more RAM later.
2. I'd advise doing one of two things about DDR4. Either give it a miss for now, or build a no-frills box (i3-i5, 4-8GB, no real graphics, basic mobo) to last you 2-2.5 years, 'cause that's when it'll be worth buying. Figure it starts production late 2012, and will be available early- to mid-2013. Never buy a new RAM type when it hits the market- they get RIDICULOUSLY expensive. I remember DDR3 was $400-$600 a stick when it came out- hence waiting another year for it. If you did go DDR4, you'd need a compatible mobo, which would work on the same (if not a slower) timeframe and cost mechanic. Maybe for your next PC, but definitely not this one.
3. With all that in mind, I'd say a good i7 or top-end i5, decent motherboard, and 2x4GB RAM to start, with an eye to adding another 8GB if you need it. Season with storage/graphics/~600W PSU to taste, and serve.
My Unitarian Jihad Name is: Brother Atom Bomb of Courteous Debate. Get yours.
I've been writing a bit.