CPU/Motherboard Upgrading

[reignsupreme11]

Hey everybody what do you think the best CPU/Motherboard combination is that I can buy for about 300$ CAD (before taxes). I'm on a pretty tight budget and I'm gonna be using the rig mostly for gaming and a bit of video conversion. I already have a fair GPU, a 9600GT, and a 500W PSU. Last I'm running on XP with 4GB (2x2GB) DDR2 800 but will probably upgrade to vista in the next year, so I'd like to be able to throw in another 4 at a later time. Any help would be great, Thanks.

 

[flyin15sec]

I would go for E5x00 or E7x00 series processor and a nice motherboard. Core2 duo processor can handle that 9600GT perfectly, as you'll be mostly limited by your GPU in gaming.

First Choice:
E7400 $148
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115206

GA EP45-UD3P $161
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128358

If you decide to go for a faster GPU, you can also upgrade to a faster CPU. This motherboard is proven to overclock all socket 775 processors efficiently.
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2nd Choice: If you decide to go SLI, then a EVGA 750i FTW might be a better choice.

E5200 $90
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116072

EVGA 750i FTW $210
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813188026