So I want to upgrade my CPU/MOBO/RAM and then my GPU. Here's what I currently have (Gaming setup) Intel i7 920 (OC'd to 3.2Ghz) Nvidia GTX 560 1GB 6GB DDR3 1600 RAM

Question 1:For gaming, what is the difference between INTEL and AMD CPUs? I assume there are some differences, and I've been Intel since my Athlon 64 back in the day and haven't kept up.

SO If I get a $230ish Intel CPU, what would the equivalent be for AMD?

For the motherboard I think I can get the one I want since they are pretty similar all around.

Question 2: I've been on the fence for GPUs for a while and I'm really looking into the 960 TI (when it gets announced) or the 290/290x if the price drops soon. I really just don't know what to do here because I heard AMD were releasing their new 300 series this year which should drop prices of 290/x. Then I heard that Nvidia has a big announcement in March...so I'm in limbo over that. I've kinda figured out what I want as far as a card, I just have to pick between the 290/x and the 960 TI (assuming it has 4GB VRAM on it).

For the RAM, I was going to go with 1600 again, but I dunno...is it worth it to look for a higher speed RAM? I heard DDR4 is out, but not for normal customers because pricing.

Also for the CPU and GPU I plan to Watercool them in a simple closed loop system for each one. I've got this Lian Li Case. I think it should have room for the watercooling I'm planning on doing. Also, I heard a TON of people going on about the quality of these cases. I think they are very well built, though a bit expensive.

Is there anything I'm leaving out or not checking? I'm trying to make the best possible decision on this as I can since this will be my build for a good while.

Oh, and I do plan to Overclock...not sure I mentioned it above.