Possible Upgrade from i7 1366 to i7 1155???

[andper10]

Since I am working retail this summer, I got a really cheap i7 2600k through the Intel retail edge program. I was planning to resell it since I just upgraded my PC to an overclocked i7 950 (4.1 Ghz with TRUE 120 Cooler) in December of 2010. However, I was thinking that since Ivy Bridge will also apparently support socket 1155, maybe now would be a good time to go ahead and upgrade. I am very much into overclocking. The ability to easily get in the high 4Ghz range on air with the i7 2600k is quite exciting.

I've been out of the loop since Christmas so I don't know what all is going on in the computer parts world. What is the deal with the "socket 2011"? Is that going to be like the new 1366 while 1155 remains like the new 1156?

What are the very best overclocking motherboards for 1155? Also, what is the deal with the P67 vs. Z68 vs. the upcoming X68 motherboards?

If I upgrade, will I be able to use my current 1.65V Kingston DDR3 1600 Ram with Sandy Bridge? I saw someone mentioned you should use Corsair 1.5V ram with Sandy Bridge. What's the deal with that? Also, it looks like I would have to buy another 2GB stick for 4x2GB or just go with 2x2GB and leave one stick out to use dual channel with the 1155 motherboards, right?

Would I have to buy yet another mounting hardware kit to use the TRUE 120 with an 1155 Motherboard?

It looks like the i7 2600k overclocked gets a lot more folding ppd than the i7 950 overclocked, which is one of the reasons I am considering it. I imagine it won't actually do much to noticably improve my gaming performance since I am probably pretty GPU bound with my 4870 in most games, but of course I do enjoy tinkering with new stuff.

And the ultimate question: if you were in my situation, would you upgrade to 1155 or stick with 1366 for now?

-Thanks

P.S. Sorry if I have some questions that don't make sense in here as they are based on about 30 minutes of quickly skimming forums about sandy bridge i7 questions. Other than that, I really don't know much about the sandy bridge platform.

EDIT: Updated rig info in my signature.

[glc]

Right now, Z68 is the way to go, but I'd wait a while for more boards to come out. Gigabyte is the only manufacturer so far with a full line of Z68's.

Your ram is compatible, but install either 2 or 4 modules. Personally, I'd keep it with your board/CPU (sell or reuse) and get a 2x4gb kit.

And the ultimate question: if you were in my situation, would you upgrade to 1155 or stick with 1366 for now?

For now? I'd wait. However, I'm not one to throw money into a system to do what really amounts to a MINOR performance increase unless I can get almost all of my money back by selling the old parts, or if I needed to build another system anyway.

[David M]

Originally Posted by andper10 What is the deal with the "socket 2011"? Is that going to be like the new 1366 while 1155 remains like the new 1156?

Exactly

Intel has the enthusiasts line with the 2011 and for us mere mortals, the very stable 1155's. Hopefully this time the 2011 will be more tweaker friendly than the 1366 was. The 2011 is expected to be out in the fourth quarter of this year but don't hold your breath until it's actually available and we know if there are any problems with the 2011 or other hardware that supports it...you never know. I would imagine Intel will be triple checking their work this time.