i5 vs 955be - 2 example builds... which should I choose? ~$1000 budget

theyre both the same really, but I'd go with the i5 build. it'll be worth it since you use photoshop... good luck

If the price is the same go Intel no doubt about it.

The difference between your builds is about $20
(Though you could save another $30 if you got this RAM for the AMD build instead of overpriced dominators)

Go i5 if you plan on sticking with your current build.

I say i5/P55, you can go crossfire or SLI.

for longevity i say AMD. reason being we don't know if there is an upgrade path for i5 yet, but it looks like Bulldozer chips can fit into AM3, and for sure, AMD's Thuban (6-core) chips will be able to.

for power consumption, though, you can't beat the i5, and it has turbo mode and does really well in games, too.

it comes down to preference really though. either way, you will do well.

i would go with an Antec 900 2 though. cable management holes, (more useful since you aren't going modular) and it's not much more.

also, look for combo deals on all items you will buy. i just found this deal that will save you $25 if you go AMD.

also, go with Sapphire on the gfx cards, and save $15 (better, but uglier cooler though).

Okay I've taken what each of you has said into account and I think this is what I'll be going with...

AMD Phenom 955BE and ASUS mobo COMBO - saves $25
Since I'm going with the HX below...

Corsair 750HX and Sapphire 5770 COMBO - saves $35
Got the modular PSU and Sapphire and save $$...

And the GSkill RAM mentioned by slowend.

Thanks for your advice everyone!