Looking to upgrade Motherboard, in need of help!

[elliottmarter]

So I have been threatening my wallet with upgrading my motherboard and processor for a couple of months now and every time I do I get totally put off by all the names and codes of the chipsets, standards, sockets etc etc etc.

Can someone give me a brief ELI5 (explain like I'm 5) of the the CPU socket and chipset nomenclature.

Also a CPU/Mobo combo for mid to high end gaming, if you wouldn't mind terribly

- not fussed about on-board graphics or WiFi
- On-board USB 3.0 please
- plently of SATA 3.0's to go around
- ATX size, (would E-ATX be any benefit)

Thanks

 

[elliottmarter]

Thanks very much for your reply hawkhench, Strange coincidence, but I actually saw the Gigabyte Z87X-OC thread on the main page just after posting this and ordered it, along with the i7-4770K, So I'm guessing by your reply that I did good right?

 

[elliottmarter]

I have another quick question if anyone is able to answer it, I currently use an Antec Kuhler H2O 920 CPU cooler, the manual doesn't mention 1150 sockets (it says it fits 1155, 1156, 1366 and 2011) however the spec on the website lists 1150 as compatible. Is there some cross compatibility or is this a mistake on the website?

 

[elliottmarter]

Brill, thanks a lot stulid