Looking for a new CPU/Mobo upgrade

[3lephant]

Hello everyone, looking for a new CPU and Motherboard in the $250-$300 range.
I'm an extensive gamer, but also use my computer for school work.
I am currently running:
3.2 gHz Intel Pentium 4 540
2 Gig DDR2 RAM
9800GT 1024Mb
Onboard Sound

Right now I'm just looking for a few answers. I am running a fast single core processor, would a dual core or quad core processor, which are slower, benefit me in game? Would spending $250-$300 be worth it, or would I need to spend more before I see performance improvements?

Thank you for your help.

 

[LinkedKube]

You could go with something like this...

mobo
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128368
cpu
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115206
ram( if needed)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231144

 

[red1776]

HI 3lephant,
for your consideration, i have been using DFI boards as of recent for gaming machines and think they are phenomenal.and leave room for added GPU power if you later decide to add it.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813136057
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103649
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227362

 

[3lephant]

Okay thanks guys, just wondering a few things. Is it true that I will get a performance increase from running Intel/Nvidia together or ATI/AMD together? Or is that just rubbish? Anyways, those are two excellent options, as of right now I am leaning towards the Intel Setup as it is a bit cheaper and I could use the money for a new PSU. We will see though. Thank you so much.

 

[LinkedKube]

no, that's rumor is exactly what it is, a rumor. I've run mixes of all the above, it doesnt matter much. Which the other chipsets Intel or nvidia will dictate what cards you use if you plan to use more than one in the future as sli or crossfire wont work on all boards.

 

[Rage_3K_Moiz]

I recommend these:

• AMD Phenom II X3 720 Black Edition 2.8GHz 6MB L3 Cache Socket AM3 riple-Core Processor - Retail - $119.99 + free shipping
• Gigabyte GA-MA770T-UD3P AMD 770 ATX Motherboard - Retail - $78.99 + free shipping
• OCZ Reaper HPC 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Dual Channel Kit - Retail - $73.99 ($53.99 after $20 rebate) + free shipping

Grand Total = $270 approximately, not counting rebates. Shipping is free on all items.