Need advice on upgrading motherboards

[blado22]

I currently have an AMD 1075t overclocked to 3.7 GHz paired with an Gigabyte 870a-ud3. unfortunately the 1075t just doesn't cut it anymore for me, as I play a lot of total war games. I plan on buying a new CPU and Motherboard now, and upgrading my video card when the AMD 8000/Nvidia 700 series comes out. I'm currently using an AMD 6950 2GB, so I'm not in a huge rush to upgrade it. I'm planning on buying the 3570K, and I've been reading this guy's thread http://www.overclockers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=729538 for recommendations on motherboards. My question is: What's a good guide on replacing a motherboard, as I have never done it, and are there certain motherboards that are more user friendly when it comes to installing over a previous motherboard? Also, will replacing a Gigabyte with a Gigabyte result in an easier installation? Thanks for any help! Also, I have around $320-350 available for this project. Thanks for any help!

 

[EarthDog]

Installation of windows? You are really going to want to reinstall from scratch, especially when moving from amd to Intel. Its the chipsets that matter the most really.

 

[blado22]

I still have a windows 7 installation disk, and the CD key is still on the side of my computer. Am I going to need to wipe my hard drive or anything? Also, would I have to go through this process if I were to switch from an AM3 to an AM3+ CPU?

 

[EarthDog]

A windows installation will wipe out your current install, yes.

You should go through a fresh reinstall. Sometimes it works staying in the same CHIPSET. sometimes it doesn't. It always best to do a fresh install.

 

[blado22]

Alright, thanks. Do you know of a good tutorial on replacing the motherboard? Also, are the motherboards suggested in the thread I linked good?

 

[EarthDog]

Yes.. asrock extreme 4 or 6 would be my budget choice.

 

[wingman99]

+1 ASRock z77 4 or 6 has proven vary good in the forms.

 

[blado22]

Someone recommended http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=5727271&CatId=6976 this motherboard to me. Apparently it tied the ASRock extreme4, and it's on sale for 90 dollars. Is this a good motherboard?