CPU upgrade recommendations???

[The Flush]

Howdy all,

 

I'm currently in the process of thinking through an upgrade.  I originally had a computer built for me by a local guy as I don't know a lot about it but am thinking about venturing into this upgrade myself.

 

I would like to move up to possibly a quad core if not 6 core machine to help with my work (graphics design) as well as better gaming.  I realize that my graphics card is a little dated and I will be upgrading that next but the CPU is the main concern right now as it really struggles with my larger files.

 

Below are my computer's vitals...from what I can tell, my motherboard will allow an upgrade to quad or six core cpu's but I wanted advice on where to start.  1.  Is this correct, can I upgrade the cpu without any issues?  2.  Where should I start, what should I look at and how much should I spend (budget is an issue, I'd like to stay at $300 or under total).  3. Would it be worth it to simply upgrade to a less expensive quad core and do a video card at the same time rather than go straight to a six core (if even possible)?  4.  Do I have enough memory for my system or should that be something I upgrade as well?

 

I trust all of you guys and I know that you all are way smarter with computers than I am so I welcome any advice!!!

 

Thanks, Flushy

 

 

[BattlewolF]

I have the quad  965  and a hd6970  videocard i think  for about 300 dollar you  can buy  those 2 and put   4gb  mem  more in it

 

Look at the gigabyte  site for you mobo  witch  cpu  you  can use maybey  you have to update  your bios