Currently, I am running a Gateway that came with 3GB RAM, 2x500GB HDDs, Phenom 9500@2.2GHz, some kind of crappy MoBo, a 300W PSU and a Radeon HD 2400XT. A little while ago, I went ahead and bought a Radeon HD 5770 along with a 400W Corsair PSU. Now I know the PSU is cutting it close, but it's held up thus far. I have 2 options when it comes to a CPU upgrade in my setup. I can keep the case, which has (What I've been told) is a normal mATX form factor, and opt for just a new MoBo, cooling, and, depending on the CPUs wattage, a new, stronger PSU. The Phenom 9500 is a 95W CPU, and there are plenty out there that are also 95W. Also, I'd like to keep it a cheap upgrade (Money's not really a problem, but I don't see spending too much money on this at this point due to other circumstances). I can actually play some pretty demanding games at highest settings with 30-40+ framerates, like CODMW2, NFS Shift, GRID, DIRT 2, etc. I am willing to live with the slowish RAM that came with the computer for a while, as it's DDR2, and it could be worse...Also want to keep everything else, just to keep it cost-effective.
EDIT: 2nd option would be to get another case, and probably a larger ATX MoBo, but only if cooling becomes an issue, since my current setup has small airflow problems as it is...
Now, after all that foreshadowing, what does everyone suggest when it comes to a good CPU to pair nicely with my GPU? Almost anything on Newegg that costs $50+ on the AMD side, and about $100+ on the Intel side would be a noticeable upgrade, I don't mind either way, AMD or Intel. MoBo suggestions are welcome, along with any other advice!
Thanks in advance,
Alex
EDIT: 2nd option would be to get another case, and probably a larger ATX MoBo, but only if cooling becomes an issue, since my current setup has small airflow problems as it is...
Now, after all that foreshadowing, what does everyone suggest when it comes to a good CPU to pair nicely with my GPU? Almost anything on Newegg that costs $50+ on the AMD side, and about $100+ on the Intel side would be a noticeable upgrade, I don't mind either way, AMD or Intel. MoBo suggestions are welcome, along with any other advice!
Thanks in advance,
Alex