Upgrading CPU and Motherboard

[benedictishii]

Hello,

Three years ago I bought a custom built PC from iBuyPower with the following components:

CPU: Intel core i5 - 750
Motherboard: ASUS P7P55D LE
RAM: 4GB [2GB X2] DDR3-1333
PSU: 700 Watts
Video Card: ATI Radeon HD 5850 - 1GB
Storage: 1TB HDD
Case: NZXT Alpha Gaming Tower

I recently upgraded the RAM and graphics card with G-skill 8GB [4GB X2] DDR3-1600 and XFX Radeon HD 6950 - 1GB, and added a 64GB SSD.

I feel it is time to upgrade to the newer CPU chipset and motherboard. I read the reviews on this site and found these two pieces to my liking:

Intel core i5 - 3570K

ASRock Z77 Extreme4 LGA

(and of course a new CPU fan.)

So, my system would look like such, after this upgrade:

CPU: Intel core i5 - 3570K
Motherboard: ASRock Z77 Extreme4 LGA
RAM: G-skill 8GB [4GB X2] DDR3-1600
PSU: 700 Watts
Video Card: XFX Radeon HD 6950 - 1GB
Storage: 1TB HDD and 64GB SSD
Case: NZXT Alpha Gaming Tower

My question is, would this upgrade be compatible with the other components? Is there anything else I need to address? Would the investment of $400 for this upgrade be wise on this system?

Thanks very much in advance.

-Michael

 

[zander1983]

Hey,
You should not have any compatibility issues with your upgraded system.
$400 sounds about right, might get it a bit cheaper if you shop around.

 

[Zanduz]

The MSI Z77A-GD55 mobo is very similar to the ASRock Z77 Extreme4 and would also be a very good choise. They are both great mobos and go for the cheaper one at your local store.

And yes get the i5-3570K! It is the best cpu at that prize.

About the cooler, i would get either the Cooler Master Hyper 212 Evo or the Zalman CNPS10x Performa. They are practically the same, and again go for the cheapest. They are both pretty decent cpu coolers, though i am not 100% sure they fill fit in your case.
If you want water cooling i would suggest the Corsair H60.

Mobo: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130644&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-na-_-na-_-na&AID=10446076&PID=3938566&SID=

Watercooling: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835181030&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-na-_-na-_-na&AID=10446076&PID=3938566&SID=

 

[benedictishii]

Brilliant. Thank you both for your help.

I'll take those suggestions into consideration, Zanduz.