[SOLVED] Gigabyte EP43T-UD3L (v1.0) components (CPU, GPU,...) advise to maximize potential of mobo?

[cps314]

Hello,
I have acquired a home built PC and looking to modernize as much as the mobo can handle. MOBO listed in title. CPU = Core 2 6600 2.4GHz, BIOS updated to v9, 16GB RAM, 500GB HDD (added from old Laptop - WD Scorpio Blue), GPU = ATI Radeon HD 4800 series (512MB), added WiFi/BlueTooth card. Running Win10. This is more for fun and as a hobby to learn. This is my first adventure, so be gentle!

 

[kanewolf]

Hello,
I have acquired a home built PC and looking to modernize as much as the mobo can handle. MOBO listed in title. CPU = Core 2 6600 2.4GHz, BIOS updated to v9, 16GB RAM, 500GB HDD (added from old Laptop - WD Scorpio Blue), GPU = ATI Radeon HD 4800 series (512MB), added WiFi/BlueTooth card. Running Win10. This is more for fun and as a hobby to learn. This is my first adventure, so be gentle!

Here is the list of supported CPUs -- https://www.gigabyte.com/us/Motherboard/GA-EP43T-UD3L-rev-10/support#support-cpu
A Q9650 or Q9550 would be the obvious choice.
Q9550 are selling for around $30 on E-Bay.

 

[lvt]

A Q9650 or Q9550 would be the obvious choice.
Q9550 are selling for around $30 on E-Bay.

The Q9650 is way too overpriced while offering very little improvement over the Q9550.

So I would go with the Q9550 anytime.