Looking into best mobo/cpu combo for ~200-250

[this_justen]

Hello all.

I have searched and searched and searched and I can't quite trust the small number of reviews on sites, so I was hoping to hear from personal experiences.

I am looking to do a small (yes, outdated more than likely) CPU/Mobo/Memory upgrade.. all because of trying to install a GT460 GPU and at the same time, my mobo bit the dust. I currently run an E8400 with DDR2 800 memory.. of course, the GT460 is PCI 2.0, and Gigabyte's MOBO I have is out of warranty. I've yet to be able to find an in-stock, decent (read: worthwhile) LGA775 board, so I figured I might as well upgrade it all. I've found an i3 processor (LGA1156) for 125 at NewEgg, and a hand full of mother boards.. however, I was wondering if you all had any suggestions.

My max I really want to spend is 300 (with the cost of DDR3 memory included, not looking to go above 6/8GB)

Thank you in advanced for any replies.

 

[totalknowledge]

One of these:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Productcompare.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100007625%20600138080&IsNodeId=1&bop=And&CompareItemList=22|13-157-262^13-157-262-TS%2C13-157-280^13-157-280-TS%2C13-128-519^13-128-519-TS

And one of these:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Productcompare.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100007671%2050001028&IsNodeId=1&bop=And&CompareItemList=343|19-103-935^19-103-935-TS%2C19-103-923^19-103-923-TS%2C19-103-924^19-103-924-TS%2C19-103-893^19-103-893-TS%2C19-103-995^19-103-995-TS

or if you don't want to overclock:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103851

 

[this_justen]

Awesome. Thanks for your input! Those are great options, just to make sure, though.. I have a TR2 RX 650W Thermaltake PSU. It SHOULD support quad-core so I should be okay.. or am I being a nitwit?

 

[totalknowledge]

I am not overly fond of the HEC built Thermaltake psu's but it should be fine.