Solved i7 Wanted: New motherboard?

Cases are to a large extent, a matter of personal preference. Some like big cases and some don't. The big factor is whatever you choose, make sure it is of good quality and well made. You find that by reading many user reviews. The people who use them are the best judge of that. Find a site that tech people use. They are used to building and using all the components of a computer. You don't have to buy from them to do your research. The looks and size are a personal preference. I like big cases with large fans. The fans tend to spin slower, move a lot of air and are quieter. Some don't want that. Neither is wrong, just different taste and preference. What's important is the quality, how is it for the wiring and will it accomodate the components you want and what you may want to upgrade to in the future. Spend a little more and get a good quality case that will last through several builds and upgrades.
 

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    Windows 11 ProRyzen 9 5900X32GB G Skill DDR4-3600EVGA RTX 3080 FTW 3 Ultra
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
    ALWAYS UNDER CONSTRUCTION
    OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    CPU
    Ryzen 9 5900X
    Motherboard
    Asus X570 Crosshair Viii Hero
    Memory
    32GB G Skill DDR4-3600
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    EVGA RTX 3080 FTW 3 Ultra
    Sound Card
    On Board/Sennheiser PC37X Headset
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    3 X Asus 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    2 X 1 TB NVME drives
    PSU
    EVGA 850
    Case
    Phanteks Eclipse P400A
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    EVGA 280 AIO
    Keyboard
    Logitech G510s/ Logitech G13
    Mouse
    Logitech G502
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    24/1
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    ESET/MBAM Pro/SAS Pro
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    Chrome/ Firefox/ Edge
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    Windows 11 ProIntel Ultra 9 288V32 GB LPDDR5X 8533
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model Number
    Dell 16 Plus
    OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    CPU
    Intel Ultra 9 288V
    Memory
    32 GB LPDDR5X 8533
    Monitor(s) Displays
    16" Mini-LED HDR600 Touch 90 Hz
    Screen Resolution
    2560X1600
    Hard Drives
    1 TB NVME
I've got an i3 540 dual core processor. If I want to upgrade to an i7 quad core does this mean having to get a new motherboard too? If so which board do I need to get?

You can probably upgrade to an i5-750 or i5-760 or i7-860 or i7-870 if you have a 1156 socket motherboard that supports these processors. If you can still find these processors.
 

My Computer My Computer

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Windows 10 Pro. EFI boot partition, full EFI ...i7 4770k 4.4GHz (44-44-43-43 turbo) @ 1.248V16GB (8GBx2) @2200 MHz G.skill Sniper 10-11-1...MSI GTX 970 Gaming 4G
Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Home built (GeneO industries)/Model 4
OS
Windows 10 Pro. EFI boot partition, full EFI boot
CPU
i7 4770k 4.4GHz (44-44-43-43 turbo) @ 1.248V
Motherboard
ASUS Maximus VI Hero
Memory
16GB (8GBx2) @2200 MHz G.skill Sniper 10-11-10-30-1, 1.6V
Graphics Card(s)
MSI GTX 970 Gaming 4G
Sound Card
Onboard SupremeFX Audio
Monitor(s) Displays
NEC Spectraview 2490WUXi-SV
Screen Resolution
1920 x 1200
Hard Drives
Samsung 850 Pro 256GB (OS), Samsung 2x 128GB 840 Pro SSD in RAID0, 3x WD Blue 6Gb/s 1TB RAID0, WD 2TB Black external USB 3.0, 2TB WD20EARS Green external USB 3.0, 2x 500GB Seagate and 1 750 GB external USB, 1x 350GB external USB3
PSU
Seasonic X-850 (2012 KM3 model)
Case
Fractal Design Define R4
Cooling
NH-D14, NF-F12, NF-A15; NF-P14, NF-P12,NF-A14, S12A PWM
Keyboard
Cooler Master Storm Quickfire Rapid - Brown
Mouse
Logitech G602
Internet Speed
126.4 Mb/s down, 24.3 Mb/s up
Other Info
USB 3.0 x8 , SATA III x8, eSATA, USB 2.0 x6. Samsung DVD R/W drive.

WEI: CPU 7.8, Memory 7.9, Graphics 7.9, Disk 7.9
What is better Ivy Bridge at 4 cores or i7-3930K at 6 cores ? I read some bench marks that show an Ivy Bridge is fast, but if you can buy at 3930 with 6 cores, it has me baffled
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 10 ProCore2Quad (2.6 Ghz)8 Gigs DDR2Geforce Titan Black
Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Custom Built
OS
Windows 10 Pro
CPU
Core2Quad (2.6 Ghz)
Motherboard
nVidia 775
Memory
8 Gigs DDR2
Graphics Card(s)
Geforce Titan Black
Sound Card
Motherboard Audio
Monitor(s) Displays
25" Asus LCD
Screen Resolution
1680x1050
Hard Drives
120 Gig SSD
60 Gig SSD
750 Gig HDD
PSU
850 Watts
Case
Mid-Size
Keyboard
Logitech
Mouse
Logitech - I love logitech mouses
Internet Speed
DSL 25Mbps - Although extremely expensive
Antivirus
Microsoft Anti-Virus
Browser
FireFox 36.x
What is better Ivy Bridge at 4 cores or i7-3930K at 6 cores ? I read some bench marks that show an Ivy Bridge is fast, but if you can buy at 3930 with 6 cores, it has me baffled

Which Ivy Bridge processor?

Better at what?

The 5th and 6th core may not do much for you, depending on the task.
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 Home Premium SP1, 64-bitIntel Skylake i5-6600K, not overclocked8 GB HyperX DDR4-2666 (2 x 4 GB)none; graphics are integrated on CPU
Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Ignatz Special; 4 speed manual gearbox; factory air conditioning; one of one
OS
Windows 7 Home Premium SP1, 64-bit
CPU
Intel Skylake i5-6600K, not overclocked
Motherboard
AsRock Z170M Extreme 4, micro ATX
Memory
8 GB HyperX DDR4-2666 (2 x 4 GB)
Graphics Card(s)
none; graphics are integrated on CPU
Sound Card
onboard: Realtek ALC1150; external: USB Behringer UF0-202
Monitor(s) Displays
Dell S2340M 23 inch IPS
Screen Resolution
1600 x 900
Hard Drives
System: Crucial MX100 series SSD, 128 GB;
Data: Samsung Spinpoint 103SJ, 1 TB;
Backup: WD Caviar Green WD30EZRX-00D8PB0, 3 TB
PSU
Rosewill SilentNight 500 watt fanless, semi-modular
Case
Antec Solo II
Cooling
Noctua NH-U12S; Noctua F12 intake, Noctua S12A exhaust
Keyboard
Microsoft 200 6JH-00001 USB
Mouse
Dell or Microsoft optical wired; USB
Antivirus
Microsoft Security Essentials and Malwarebytes Premium
Browser
Pale Moon
Other Info
All fans PWM; speeds at idle: CPU circa 500 rpm; intake circa 600 rpm; exhaust circa 600 rpm; CPU temps 27 idle and 47 C load in a warm room (27 C/81 F) when running Intel Extreme Tuning Utility stress test.
What is better Ivy Bridge at 4 cores or i7-3930K at 6 cores ? I read some bench marks that show an Ivy Bridge is fast, but if you can buy at 3930 with 6 cores, it has me baffled

Which Ivy Bridge processor?

Better at what?

The 5th and 6th core may not do much for you, depending on the task.

One of the better Ivy Bridge. I may upgrade I'm considering the 6 core. The new Ivy Bridge is socket 1156, while the new 6 cores are 2011. Wait unless I'm mistaken Socket 2011 is replacing 1366 for the higher end CPU. I got my answer, Socket 2011 will be compatible with future Ivy Bridge CPU. It is future proof.
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 10 ProCore2Quad (2.6 Ghz)8 Gigs DDR2Geforce Titan Black
Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Custom Built
OS
Windows 10 Pro
CPU
Core2Quad (2.6 Ghz)
Motherboard
nVidia 775
Memory
8 Gigs DDR2
Graphics Card(s)
Geforce Titan Black
Sound Card
Motherboard Audio
Monitor(s) Displays
25" Asus LCD
Screen Resolution
1680x1050
Hard Drives
120 Gig SSD
60 Gig SSD
750 Gig HDD
PSU
850 Watts
Case
Mid-Size
Keyboard
Logitech
Mouse
Logitech - I love logitech mouses
Internet Speed
DSL 25Mbps - Although extremely expensive
Antivirus
Microsoft Anti-Virus
Browser
FireFox 36.x

I very seriously doubt it.

Why would you think that it might be?

Oh, it's because, as far as I can make out, they share the same model name and stats. I just thought it might be like cars. You see a lot of cars of different makes these days with models that are almost identical except for their badges. They share the same parts and even look the same.
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 10
Computer type
PC/Desktop
OS
Windows 10
One of the better Ivy Bridge. I may upgrade I'm considering the 6 core. The new Ivy Bridge is socket 1156, while the new 6 cores are 2011. Wait unless I'm mistaken Socket 2011 is replacing 1366 for the higher end CPU. I got my answer, Socket 2011 will be compatible with future Ivy Bridge CPU. It is future proof.

Ivy is still LGA 1155.

That board. Is THIS the same only with a different brand name?

I very seriously doubt it.

Why would you think that it might be?

Oh, it's because, as far as I can make out, they share the same model name and stats. I just thought it might be like cars. You see a lot of cars of different makes these days with models that are almost identical except for their badges. They share the same parts and even look the same.
Gigabyte is GA-X79-UD3, Biostar is TPOWER X79. The X79 is the Intel chipset on each board which supports socket LGA2011.
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 Ultimate X64 SP1Intel i5-2550K, Differing ~4.4-4.8GHz No buil...16GB G.Skill Sniper 1866MHz @ 2133MHz 2x8GBASUS GTX650TIB-DC2OC-2GD5, (650TI Boost)
Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Home Built Desktop By DataTech
OS
Windows 7 Ultimate X64 SP1
CPU
Intel i5-2550K, Differing ~4.4-4.8GHz No built in GPU
Motherboard
ASUS P8Z68-V PRO/GEN3
Memory
16GB G.Skill Sniper 1866MHz @ 2133MHz 2x8GB
Graphics Card(s)
ASUS GTX650TIB-DC2OC-2GD5, (650TI Boost)
Sound Card
Onboard Realtek 5-1
Monitor(s) Displays
Samsung P2570HD
Screen Resolution
1920x1080
Hard Drives
Samsung 840 Pro 256GB SSD for OS, 500GB Seagate Constellation (Enterprise drive) for Data
PSU
Corsair HX650W
Case
Inwin Dragon Rider
Cooling
Hyper 212 EVO w/two Noctua fans, push-pull, @1300 RPM
Keyboard
E-Z Eyes, bright yellow keys with large characters
Mouse
steelseries SENSEI Laser Pro Gaming
Internet Speed
48-51Mbs Mbs down, 11 Mbs up Xfinity Cable
Antivirus
Norton Internet Security 2013
Browser
IE 10, Opera, Pale Moon if needed
Other Info
4 case fans, LG BluRay-RE, ASUS DVD-RW, Mr. Fusion power supply, 1.21 gigawatts.
Socket 1156 may disappear. I'll stick with Socket 2011. The prices for 2011 motherboard are $350+ expensive.
What do you think is a better CPU ?

Core i7 - 3930K or i7-3960X ?
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 10 ProCore2Quad (2.6 Ghz)8 Gigs DDR2Geforce Titan Black
Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Custom Built
OS
Windows 10 Pro
CPU
Core2Quad (2.6 Ghz)
Motherboard
nVidia 775
Memory
8 Gigs DDR2
Graphics Card(s)
Geforce Titan Black
Sound Card
Motherboard Audio
Monitor(s) Displays
25" Asus LCD
Screen Resolution
1680x1050
Hard Drives
120 Gig SSD
60 Gig SSD
750 Gig HDD
PSU
850 Watts
Case
Mid-Size
Keyboard
Logitech
Mouse
Logitech - I love logitech mouses
Internet Speed
DSL 25Mbps - Although extremely expensive
Antivirus
Microsoft Anti-Virus
Browser
FireFox 36.x
Jerome, while your questions are very welcome, it is much more effective for you to start a new thread regarding your specific questions. This thread has a very specific topic, and it could get confusing for both the OP and the persons who are advising. Starting a new thread with a specific question would also ensure better help and advise for you.

Regards,

James
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 Home Premium x64Intel 2500k @4.5ghz 66deg max P95/IBT8 Gigs Patriot Viper 2 Extreme @1600EVGA GTX 580 3 GIG 35degrees idle
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Home Made
OS
Windows 7 Home Premium x64
CPU
Intel 2500k @4.5ghz 66deg max P95/IBT
Motherboard
Gigabyte Z68A-D3-B3
Memory
8 Gigs Patriot Viper 2 Extreme @1600
Graphics Card(s)
EVGA GTX 580 3 GIG 35degrees idle
Sound Card
Nvidia HD audio via HDMI to 7.1 Receiver
Monitor(s) Displays
32" Olevia hdtv
Screen Resolution
1080p
Hard Drives
64gig SSD(OS/Apps)
250gig (Files and Dox)
1tb (imaging and backup)
PSU
Corsair vx550w
Case
Thermaltake V3 black
Cooling
CM 212+(push n pull) 4 case fans
Keyboard
Logitech wireless Combo, G13
Mouse
G300
Internet Speed
40mps
Other Info
Two others up and running; C2D E5200/MSI G41M-P26/Corsair XMS3 8gb/GTS 250 1gb and C2D E8200/xFx 750sli/8gb Corsair Dominator/2x EVGA 550ti
Working on; i2600 Build...
HP DV6
@Work I use a Lenovo 5536B8U + Lenovo U300s
Delete that last post, I started a new thread.
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 10 ProCore2Quad (2.6 Ghz)8 Gigs DDR2Geforce Titan Black
Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Custom Built
OS
Windows 10 Pro
CPU
Core2Quad (2.6 Ghz)
Motherboard
nVidia 775
Memory
8 Gigs DDR2
Graphics Card(s)
Geforce Titan Black
Sound Card
Motherboard Audio
Monitor(s) Displays
25" Asus LCD
Screen Resolution
1680x1050
Hard Drives
120 Gig SSD
60 Gig SSD
750 Gig HDD
PSU
850 Watts
Case
Mid-Size
Keyboard
Logitech
Mouse
Logitech - I love logitech mouses
Internet Speed
DSL 25Mbps - Although extremely expensive
Antivirus
Microsoft Anti-Virus
Browser
FireFox 36.x
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