Upgrading my computers Graphics Card and Processor. Need Help

[Lukesterv1]

So Im kind of new to this site, my buddy sent me here to ask a few questions because were both unsure and want to make sure that were gonna have the most compatible parts and make sure everything works right.

So my first question is this new Processor im plannin on buying compatible with my mother board

So my Mother board is a Gateway Model RS780 and my current Processor is a AMD Phenom x4 9500 and im wondering if i can upgrade it to a AMD Phenom II x4 965? will these be compatible or will i need a new power supply?

Secondly im looking for a new graphics card and my current is a Nvidia Geforce 9500 GT. Would anyone be able to help me pick out a much better card that is compatible with the Processor listed above?

Also with these upgrades is there anything else i would need to upgrade along side these for them to work appropiately?

By the way Computer is gonna be used mainly for gaming purposes.

Any help would be much appreciated.

 

[abekl]

Unfortunately, that motherboard doesn't support the Phenom II series of processors. So, you're kinda dead in the water right there
http://support.gateway.com/s/MOTHERBD/Shared/4006272R/4006272Rsp2.shtml

Good news is that it's a standard mATX MB, so buying a modern replacement will cost you 100 bucks or less.

 

[Lukesterv1]

Would you be able to link me a couple Around that price range please? im not really sure what im looking at.

 

[abekl]

Sure. Here are a couple from Gigabyte and Asus. Both are good boards, but their individual features differ a little bit. Either way, you can't go wrong, and that Phenom II CPU will work just fine. Keep in mind that you will have to get new memory, but memory is inexpensive these days.

GIGABYTE GA-880GM-USB3 $75.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128440

or

ASUS M5A88-M $99.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131758

 

[Lukesterv1]

Alright thanks for the mother board information and one last thing do you know of a good graphics cards that would go well with these? if you could find this last thing out for me that would be great

 

[abekl]

Here's a good video card that will do everything but the most demanding games at high resolutions.

SAPPHIRE Radeon HD 6850 $135.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102908

or

For a little more Oomph, a good video card a little higher up the ladder would be this:

SAPPHIRE Radeon HD 7850 $170.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814202004

 

[Lukesterv1]

Thanks so much Abekl youve been a huge help!!! Maybe you can help me in the future if i have anymore posts

 

[abekl]

Sure. Put my name in the subject line and I'll be sure to see it.

Happy computing.

P.S. One thing about upgrading your graphics card. You need to mesaure the maximum length of video card that your case will take. Many newer cards are too long for older cases, so you have to be careful and measure, then look up how long the card your thinking of getting is, and compare.

 

[rdc85]

Don't forget to double check the PSU ampere rating (wattage)...