GPU/mobo compatibility

You would be correct. The i series of processors are not made for your motherboard.

ah, i see. oh well, i need to fork out for a new mobo as well 
not impossible of course!
any recommendations?

Are you wanting to stay with Intel?
What's your budget?
What is the intended use?
Are there any specific requirements from the CPU or motherboard?

Hi SETI@home!

yes, i'll stay with intel.

budget:
£60? (i'm going by ebay prices atm).

intended use:
gaming.

specific requirements (cpu):
as long as it's between 2.5 and 3ghz that SHOULD be fine, as i'm not looking at buying brand new power hungry titles such as bf3.
i'm having fps issues with black mesa atm. other source mods for half life 2 suffer from fps issue with hi res textures at times.
i just want to iron this out once and for all.


specific requirements (mobo):
i won't be using sli, so i don't need extra space for that.
i'll probably upgrade my ram from 2gb to ?

i'm still not sure if an i7 is 'overkill', or it is good 'future proofing'. would an i3 or i5 be sufficient?

gpu: nividia geforce 9600gt (1gb)
cpu: intel core 2 duo (2ghz)
ram: 2GB
os: vista 32 (service pack 2)