I'm looking to upgrade my CPU + Mobo, and then maybe my GPU because it will be the new bottleneck(and then also my PSU to accommodate all the changes). ANYWAY, here's what I have currently:
AMD Phenom II X4 945 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103809
MSI 870A-G54 AM3 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130275
FirePower Fatal1ty 550W 80Plus Semi-Modular http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341022
MSI R7850 Twin Frozr http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127663
The CPU, Mobo, PSU are coming up on around 4 years old and it's time to upgrade now that I have some expendable cash. I'm looking to upgrade the CPU + Mobo first and will then deal with the others later, but suggestions are welcome.
I've been out of the loop a little so that's why I'm here.
Budget: I want to keep the CPU + Mobo under $300, the closer I can get to $200 the better. Currently I'm looking to buy an unlocked i5 and a quality overclocking capable Mobo used.
So my questions are:
1. Is 3570k the right choice? Or should I look at the newer unlocked i5 or possible go back another generation to the 2500k? (It's gone 2500k, 3570k, 4670k right?) Or should I go with something like the 3820(might be out of budget)?
2. Depending on which CPU I get, what corresponding Mobo should I get? To me, motherboard are one of the most confusing things...
Computer is used for gaming and web browsing, and will be my desktop for college this fall. I'd like to be able to throw most anything at this machine and have it do decently well, that's why I'm thinking unlocked i5.