AMD's do run hot but like stated above, not to the point of risking anything (unless your system would have serious heat issues regardless of chip). I've built both intel and amd both at premium and on the cheap and cooling them is essentially the same.
AMD processor archs are just designed differently than intels, but again, they are designed to handle more heat.
My current system runs an oc'd i7, and I cool it on air (monsoon) with no problems.
To the OP: You are essentially right on about pricing for a "build site" to do the work for you, it'll cost you about 100 bucks extra. But I caution you to consider what you pay for. You are basically paying some taiwanese kid 4 bucks to slap together your computer using VERY basic construction layouts and materials (stock grease, etc.). The wiring won't look professional, and it won't be neatly packed or tacked.
My advice? Take the 100 bucks, build it yourself, buy some case lighting, extra fans, some performance thermal contact, and with it the knowledge of exactly how your system is setup. Plus if you're OCD about wrapping your wiring and making your setup look sharp its really the only way. It'll take a little bit more time, but you'll be glad you did it.
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