Best upgrade from my Phenom II X4 965 BE

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wolfstryder

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Jul 14, 2014
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I could use some advice on upgrading my processor and motherboard from my dated Phenom II X4 965 cpu. I realize that the 965 is basically the best cpu for the AM3 chipset so I'm looking at getting a new motherboard and possibly new ram. I usually build AMD but since it seems they have shifted their focus away from CPUs to APUs I'm left wondering what to do. If I bought an AM3+ mobo and a Vishera CPU I feel like I'm going to be stuck again like I am now without any upgrade option without getting a new motherboard again down the road. I have no bias against Intel so I would switch if I feel like it's the best move. I was wondering however if I did just decide to get a new mobo and a Vishera CPU would I be able to use the ram I already have. I know I should probably give a budget on what I want to spend, but I don't want to limit my options at this point. I'll pay a bit more to have more future proofing.

Here is my current system:
CPU: Phenom II X4 965 BE (Running at stock 3.4ghz. I can get a stable 3.8 but I'm only on air cooling so I leave at 3.4)
MOBO: GIgabyte GA-790FXTA-UD5
RAM: GSkill Ripjaws DDR3 1600 (I run at 1333 for stability) 8gb
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon 7950 Vapor-X
Sound: Soundblaster X-Fi Fatality
HDD: 120gb SSD and a 1tb HDD
Case: Full size Cooler Master case
PS: can't remember off hand what watt power supply, shouldn't be an issue

I'm pretty sure my cpu is bottlenecking the video card. That's one reason why I want to upgrade. Modded to hell Skyrim is another. :)
 
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wolfstryder

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Jul 14, 2014
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Would I be better off going for an I7 instead of that I5? Do the I5 and I7's use the same mobo socket?
 
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wolfstryder

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Jul 14, 2014
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Let me know what you think about this upgrade path:

Phenom II 965 > Intel Core i7-4790K Haswell Quad-Core 4.0GHz LGA 1150

Gigabyte GA-790FXTA-UD5 > ASUS MAXIMUS VII HERO LGA 1150 Intel Z97 (haven't made up my mind about the motherboard choice, could use some advice)

Looks like I can use the ram I already have. I found the exact ram I have. I know it's probably not the latest and greatest but do you think it would be alright to use until I decide to replace it?
G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) I have 2 sets for 8gb total. I also run at 1333 instead of 1600. Don't think the ram will bottleneck me do you?

Here is the power supply I already have as well: CORSAIR Enthusiast Series CMPSU-850TX 850W
 
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Tkconserve

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Apr 8, 2013
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If you don't over clock the 965 Deneb, you are bottlenecking the 7950. If you overclock to 4.0, you don't need another cpu with your GPU.

I have researched a lot.

7950 is perfectly paired with 965 over clocked.

Your power supply does matter.















 
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