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@BobbyDigi I might drive down while unemployed, thinking about it, not sure yet tho. 2 fans in the case currently (I snagged 2 of the ones I bought for my new sys, plus I've got some big 240mm fan laying around somewhere

Also, now that you have an SSD, don't get that SSHD, just get a standard 7200 RPM drive for storage. The SSHD won't work to your full advantage as a storage drive because it is dependent on the OS install on disk to optimize the extra cache. This will be fine for storage http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148840

The per core passmark efficiency is about 25% better on the i3 cores of that generation. The Intel architecture is superior in delivering better single core performance clock for clock and its a winner in power efficiency too.

That said, if your deciding factor is pure first cost for something good enough to feed a three year old graphics card, it's hard to argue against getting a quad core CPU and mobo combo for less than $150. In my experience that is going to feed a single GPU for 1080P gaming fine. Now.... I have seen Intel CPU's smack the crap out of AMD on a couple titles that were less GPU dependent. Good examples are WOW and Starcraft. For playing TF2 or really any other FPS I have touched it's generally not noticeable because you mostly bottleneck at the GPU.

I actually have an old DFI Lan Party board with either a Phenom II X4 or X6 under the heat sink. I don't remember. I think it is a chip that has AM3 compatibility though the board is an old AM2+ and I really wouldn't recommend it, DDR2 only and it's been in and out of a few systems by now, the CPU though, that might be worthwhile if you are interested let me know and I'll check.

I dont know if it'll help, but I have beast of a case sitting next to my desk empty not being used (no psu) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119136, and you are more than welcome to it. It's a beast and either I'd have to drive down to you with it or if you're ever up here.

It's a mid-tower case, which means ATX or micro ATX should fit without a problem. The only potential issue is the standoffs being in only a certain configuration (like ATX or if dell chose to do something weird ... not ATX) and not supporting any other layout.

Since shipping SSDs and ram is cheap I wonder if anyone here is looking to upgrade and could sell digi their used for a good price? The mobo should be bought new really but that could help with the budget a lot.

I would subscribe to Newegg's ShellShocker deals. I get a full PC upgrade deal at least once a week. It's normally a mobo, CPU, 8gigs of ram, ssd or hdd and sometimes a case and powersupply for $280-$300. There was just one today in fact.