Strongly considering new CPU & Mobo (UK based)

[joeflint82]

I am strongly considering a new CPU & Motherboard. I am upgrading from a Core 2 Quad Q6600.

Here is what I already have that I will be using in the new system:

[Need a Motherboard]
[Need a CPU]
XFX ProSeries 550W Core Edition PSU
Kingston HyperX Blu 16GB (2x8GB) DDR3 PC3-12800C10 1600MHz Dual Channel Kit
MSI Twin Frozr II GTX 560 ti
Samsung 830 128gb SSD

Monitor: Samsung SyncMaster T220 (native 1680x1050)

Used for Games, currently playing Skyrim (still waiting for Elite IV.....)

I have been considering many different processors, but for £136 I can get an Intel Core i5 3350P 3.10GHz Socket
http://www.ebuyer.com/393559-intel-core-i5-3350p-3-10ghz-skt1155-6mb-cache-boxed-bx80637153350p

I am hoping this processor will last me many, many years, and at least two graphics card updates.

A Z77 motherboard with SLI compatibility seems to make sense, just in case I decide to look at twin 670's in several years time (when I can hopefully pick them up for £100 or less each). A lot of motherboards have a lot of fancy sounding features, but I have no idea what most of them means. So long as the motherboard is compatible with the RAM and Processor that is the main thing.

Bottom line:
- Is Intel Core i5 3350P 3.10GHz suitable?
- What Motherboard is the cheapest that is compatible with all my components with no future proofing? (preferably still with SATA 3 for the SSD)
- What Motherboard is good value that will give me good options such as SLI, that also has good features that I don't even understand now?

 

[lt_dan_zsu]

I don't know why you would upgrade. You will see minimal gain at best. If you wait a while to upgrade, you will get a much better system; or the same one for less.

 

[joeflint82]

I don't know why you would upgrade. You will see minimal gain at best. If you wait a while to upgrade, you will get a much better system; or the same one for less.

My current RAM is Crucial 4GB DDR2 800MHz Memory
http://www.ebuyer.com/142403-crucial-4gb-ddr2-800mhz-memory-ct2kit25664aa800

The 16Gb DDR3 I stated as having cannot be used in my current system.

 

[lt_dan_zsu]

Why did you get that ram? If you want sli capable you are gonna be spending about $360. Asrock extreme4 and an i5 3570k.

 

[joeflint82]

It was a bargain, and I am confident that if I can't use it then I can still make a profit on it.

 

[joeflint82]

What about this for the cheap 'no sli', but still 'sata 3' option:
Biostar B75MU3B Socket 1155 VGA DVI 6 Channel Audio mATX Motherboard
http://www.ebuyer.com/387519-biostar-b75mu3b-socket1155-vga-dvi-6-channel-audio-matx-motherboard-b75mu3b

I'm not convinced this is compatible with the RAM though.
Edit: might even need a lesser CPU to do a BIOS update too?

 

[lt_dan_zsu]

If you have two sticks, foe flint's will work.

 

[amorenn]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131835

+ i5 3570k