TimmyTechTV

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I would argue that the 3750k is still the better processor for 99% of tasks due to architecture of the cores.

The main difference is the amount of supplemental power supplied to the cpu socket / mosfetts / etc motherboard, which directly (in most cases) affects the ability to overclock. Any 1155 processor should work in a certified 1155 socket motherboard. My recommendation would be if you are going to use a stock cooler or a small add on cooler, then 4-pin or 8-pin won't really matter. If you are planning to use a large air cooler or a closed loop water cooler then I would use a motherboard like the ASUS P8Z77-M Pro board you mention. (I have that board and it overclocks almost as well as my ASUS P8Z77-V Deluxe) Pair that with a 3570k or 3770k and you won't be disappointed!

Have you thought about looking into a Intel Atom processor? I'm using the ASUS AT4NM10T-I in my house and it is more than fine running home server. Great on power consumption, decent performance, and quiet.

What graphics card do you have and what program are you using for rendering?

You could always go with one of the gigabyte black boards and accessorize green.

Notice I said either a 3570k or a 8350. ;)

I use AP121 fans for most of my systems and love them. http://www.silverstonetek.com/product.php?pid=257&area=en

I would start by watching Linus's personal build videos and his ultimate gaming pc build. Two other good resources are: Lifehacker - Newegg - If you have specific questions, I'd be glad to help if I can.

Typical rule of thumb for virtual servers is 1 core, 2GB RAM, 1 disk spindle. Is that enough for a game server however, I doubt it. What I would do is setup one session, run it as a game server, and see what kind of usage you see before spending any money on more hardware. Tim http://youtube.com/timmytechtv

That may or may not be true. Just because the new consoles will have 8 cores, it doesn't necessary mean games will be optimized for 8 cores. Console chipsets don't really compare well to PCs since the architecture of the chipsets can vary greatly. That said, at that price point, you are pretty much talking a Intel 3570k or a AMD FX8350. Should you wait is really up to you. New Intel and AMD chips are coming, but if you are just gaming, likely any current chips will be fine for the next 3 years or so. If you are going to wait, I would suggest a Intel Haswell chip with a z87 chipset motherboard. Tim

Other than playing games, do you use the PC for anything else? Tim

Personally I wouldn't use arctic silver 5 since I'm pretty sure its conductive. I usually use Arctic Silver Ceramique when replacing the TIM between the processor and the HIS. Between the HIS and the heatsink of your cooler, Silver 5 would be fine.

Before you de-lid it, I would contact warranty support and see if they might replace the chip. Worth it before you void the warranty. http://www.intel.com/support/wrtysvcs/wrtyprgs/prodwrty/sb/CS-032370.htm Tim

Personally I would recommend the Fractal Design R4, but I like simple & sleek case designs.