When to upgrade CPU?

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InternetSwag

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So, in the process of upgrading my PC slowly, currently have an i3 3120 3.3 ghz. I only got it cause I did not have enough money for the i5 2500k. However now the i5 3570k has rolled out and I'm not sure if it works with Z68 mobo's cause I see Z77 and Z78 on Wootware. Maybe Z77 is still LGA 1155.

So should I wait about 5 months till the next CPU series comes out? Will that make me upgrade my motherboard as well?

Your opinion is greatly valued.

These are my current specs


Mobo: Gigabyte Z68 AP UD D-3 (some weird name like that, cost me R1699 in December 2011).
CPU: i3 2120
GPU: Radeon 7850
RAM: 2x4gb DD3 1333mhz in dual channel (so basically 8gb)


I feel that everything is fairly up to par with todays gaming standards once I upgrade my CPU.
What do you think?
 
Did you use thermal paste on the CPU when you installed the heatsink? Is the heat sink glued onto the CPU? I normally just recommend people to upgrade MB plus CPU, unless your willing to take the risks.
 
Haha, your CPU is vastly superior to my Core2Duo 2.33Ghz but you want another CPU upgrade. Never had any problem when playing latest games :)
 
Faanie said:
Did you use thermal paste on the CPU when you installed the heatsink? Is the heat sink glued onto the CPU? I normally just recommend people to upgrade MB plus CPU, unless your willing to take the risks.
Click to expand...

I hope not! :wtf:

@OP just check if your motherboard needs a bios update to support ivy bridge. I'm sure it does. Just flash the new bios with your current CPU then pop in an i5 3xxx
 
nakedpeanut said:
I hope not! :wtf:

@OP just check if your motherboard needs a bios update to support ivy bridge. I'm sure it does. Just flash the new bios with your current CPU then pop in an i5 3xxx
Click to expand...

If the CPU comes out without a crowbar...

Just check if you can get the old one out before you buy a new one, some of these thermal pastes are cr@p.
 
Faanie said:
Did you use thermal paste on the CPU when you installed the heatsink? Is the heat sink glued onto the CPU? I normally just recommend people to upgrade MB plus CPU, unless your willing to take the risks.
Click to expand...

I don't know, I let Chaos Computers do the installation into my case. IIRC intels CPU fan comes with thermal paste pre-applied?

What do you think? I know how to take off heatsinks, thermal paste etc. I watched video's on Newegg when I was browsing my first PC.
 
Hahaha i've never had an issue? You know there is a leaver system you just pop up and the CPU basically falls out the mother board. Very easy. And no TIM I've ever used has has felt like the CPU was glued to the heat sink. Even the stock stuff just comes off with ease.
 
DarkSpectre said:
Haha, your CPU is vastly superior to my Core2Duo 2.33Ghz but you want another CPU upgrade. Never had any problem when playing latest games :)
Click to expand...

The thing is, I want my PC to be balanced until it needs complete replacement. Might be a year, might be two years.
 
Most z68 mb's supports 3570k cpu's with a bios update, I've never tried it. But if you rather not want to try that you can still get the 2500k cpu. Besides gaming performance between the 2500k and 3570k is anyway not that big. Buying an entire new mb now just to get a 3570k would actually not be worth it if you can simply just buy a 2500k for less.

The core I3 is still a fantastic gaming cpu tough and I’m sure you will not have problems playing todays latest games still. In the end of the day it’s your choice 2500k cpu will be a great upgrade, but I don’t think there is any rush maybe get a ssd 1st.
This might help
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/Components,1/CPU,1/
 
Your board does support Ivy Bridge processors, all that's needed is a simple BIOS update. You could also have a look at getting a nicer CPU cooler as well, the Hyper 212 Evo is great value for money. Gigabyte also bundles the new UEFI BIOS into its latest update rollout (which you can find here) which will also include support for Intel's Haswell family coming out next year.

Also yes, the Core i5-3570K is a great chip and great value for money.

Edit: Here's your motherboard's updated CPU Support list if you're still unsure of whether or not we're speaking the truth.
 
NAG - Wesley said:
Your board does support Ivy Bridge processors, all that's needed is a simple BIOS update. You could also have a look at getting a nicer CPU cooler as well, the Hyper 212 Evo is great value for money. Gigabyte also bundles the new UEFI BIOS into its latest update rollout (which you can find here) which will also include support for Intel's Haswell family coming out next year.

Also yes, the Core i5-3570K is a great chip and great value for money.

Edit: Here's your motherboard's updated CPU Support list if you're still unsure of whether or not we're speaking the truth.
Click to expand...

Heeeey that's awesome! Thanks for that link.
 
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