Gaming motherboard and cpu

[ClarkDaniels]

Hello,
I'm looking to upgrade some components of my PC. I would like to stick with a asus motherboard, and I also need a solid cpu upgrade. All for gaming haha. I have a decent video card and I'm aware I will need to find memory to match what is suggested. I have around $350.00 to upgrade with. Any ideas would be great and much appreciated! .

 

[mace200200]

If you want to go the AMD route, definatly get an AM3+ board no matter what CPU you use, they have a new line of CPU's coming out soon, so if you wanted you could take a gamble and buy a cheap CPU now, and upgrade to one of the new ones later. Or the Phenom II x4 965 is also a very good CPU.
If you want to go the Intel route, the i5 2500k is really the standard for Intel gaming CPUs, then a mother board to match it. For $350 this would probably be the best route for you, I would run one if I could afford it.

 

[HEXiT]

what do you currently already have and does the $350 include the gfx?

 

[ClarkDaniels]

Mace200200, I know the Phenom II x4 965 is a AM3 processor right? Will it still be able to work correctly in a AM3+ board? Sorry if this is a bit of a noob question, but figured I would at least ask haha. Thanks for the input!

 

[amuffin]

Yes.

 

[ClarkDaniels]

Well that's good to know then lol. Now probably my final problem which to go with ><. I've been with asus and amd for my entire gaming experience and never really had any problems out of it lol, but I'm curious about intel lol. >< decisions decisions!

 

[ClarkDaniels]

Ok so what i've looked up . I'm looking at these two so far. Let me know what you think if you would please . http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=779339&Sku=A455-3067 <--- Motherboard. Along with this Processor http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=5692033&Sku=A79-1965

 

[mace200200]

That mother board an older AM3+ socket, it won't really matter unless you decide to run 3 way crossfire or SLI, but still I would look for one with a 990x chipset.

 

[ClarkDaniels]

Ahhh what about this MoBo? http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=670049&CatId=7247 Thanks for the help by the way!

 

[mace200200]

Get that one, I need to upgrade my motherboard soon, and was looking at that same one.

 

[ClarkDaniels]

Sweet ^^. Ok final question I promise haha. In regards to RAM . What is up with all the different MHZ numbers. I know it has to matter somehow. Which would you recommend for that board we are talking about?

 

[mace200200]

Sweet ^^. Ok final question I promise haha. In regards to RAM . What is up with all the different MHZ numbers. I know it has to matter somehow. Which would you recommend for that board we are talking about?

RAM speed doesn't make a whole lot of difference. 1600Mhz is like the standard speed and what I would go with.

 

[ClarkDaniels]

Awesome 😉, Thanks for all your help Mace, helped me out a ton. Hope to get all this upgraded in about two weeks or so.