Considering a CPU & Motherboard Upgrade

I'm thinking of upgrading my CPU and motherboard as I'm ok with what I currently have for the rest, and honestly, don't have the funds to build an all new rig. So, I'm wondering what is the best bang for buck grouping I can get? I prefer Intel. Currently have a i3 530 and considered OCing (never done it before) but am restricted by the Gateway motherboard it came with. Not to mention the 530 is quite old by todays standards. I'm not sure of a budget yet, so that's why I'm asking for the best for the money spent.

if you cant spend the 200 bucks on an h61 and an intel core i5. get an am3+ quad or hexa core cpu + mobo. your ram will carry over no problemo amd's option starts @ 180 and goes down to around $115.

you have a 2 gen old dual core from intel its a dead chip with expensive replacements. your mobo cant OC due to it being proprietary. and you shouldnt be taking anything less than a 4-core cpu

I don't think you should upgrade your CPU and mobo unless you plan on spending at least $230-260 for them. If you want a CPU and motherboard that will allow you to overclock down the road, add another $50-60 to that number. You're really looking at $300+ for a good upgrade path.

Optionally, you could look for a cheap new or used LGA 1156 (your motherboard CPU socket type) i5 or i7 quad-core and drop it into your existing motherboard. I wouldn't pull the trigger unless you can find an i5-750 or 760 for under $150. If you can't just wait till you can afford to spend around $300. Just my 2 cents.

I get that my current CPU is old and that I can't OC due to the mobo. That's why I said, "considered OCing (never done it before) but am restricted by the Gateway motherboard it came with. Not to mention the 530 is quite old". That's why I want to replace both. What i5 did you have in mind? I've heard the 2500K is good, but $200+ for the CPU alone might be out of my comfort zone.quikdash6

the cheapest mobo + cpu combo from intel (that wont be terribad):

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130655

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116782

total: $235 before taxes

cheapest amd combo i would go with given your situation (that wont be terribad):

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103727

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157291

total 161 before taxes

the mobo ends up costing the same and the two offer similar features however the intel cpu is considerably more even though its really not any better than amd's best cpu which is about 15 bucks cheaper in places

An exact budget would be very helpful.

Have you checked NCIX? They've got such good motherboard + CPU combo deals right now, but the overal price might still be out of your zone, despite how much money you would save.

Intel i5 3570K + MSI Z77A-GD65 - $359.99 after instant -$75.00 and $15.00 mail-in rebate. $4.99 shipping too.

An exact budget would be very helpful.

Have you checked NCIX? They've got such good motherboard + CPU combo deals right now, but the overal price might still be out of your zone, despite how much money you would save.

Intel i5 3570K + MSI Z77A-GD65 - $359.99 after instant -$75.00 and $15.00 mail-in rebate. $4.99 shipping too.

Amster_G

hahaha

ionusX

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you could purchase a core i5 760/i7 920 second hand and drop it in. I know they sell for about $75 used nowadays.

you could purchase a core i5 760/i7 920 second hand and drop it in. I know they sell for about $75 used nowadays.

blaznwiipspman1

i5 750/760 are options. They use LGA 1156. Core i7-920 is not an option, since it used LGA 1366. I've never seen either one for sale below $100 used.

[QUOTE="blaznwiipspman1"]

you could purchase a core i5 760/i7 920 second hand and drop it in. I know they sell for about $75 used nowadays.

hartsickdiscipl

i5 750/760 are options. They use LGA 1156. Core i7-920 is not an option, since it used LGA 1366. I've never seen either one for sale below $100 used.