"My Q6600 one of the first 4 core processors is pretty much still on par with current quad cores. In no way is the new i5's/7s a HUGE leap."
well sorry but from Q6600 and i72500K or 2600K yes it's a huge jump ! ;)

I would recommend the MSI P67A GD65 (B3 Revision) very very highly... The HUGE advantage is you add the 2500K or 2600K, some good DDR3 RAM, shut down the PC, press a button on the mobo and POOF! You are automatically Overclocked without having to tweak anything.. I means nothing.. no BIOS settings at all.. It could not be any easier..

Clock for clock i7's vs Q6600's are hardly mind blowing, infact clock for clock it is laughable... However, a jump from 4 cores to 8 would be a 100% increase on top of that you have the slight jump in clock for clock performance.

MSI is a untrustworthy brand, I have a computer with an MSI mobo and never again. Gigabyte do one of THE best mobo's on this planet. Get a UEFI Mobo aswell, check multiple reviews and make sure its SLI/xfire + USB 3 Ready.

Also, I'd go for a XFX Black edition (super overclocked or so on) of whatever card you get. Definately worth the extra £20.

The i5 2500k cpu says ddr 3 1066/1333mhz and the msi mobo says 1600mhz (oc). will I be able to use 8 gb of 1600mhz ram? this is my first build and I'm not to sure about stuff like that. Thanks

Mate, do not go for MSI, it is not a very good brand. I definately recommend Gigabyte, they are less prone to errors. MSI is also picky with ram.

get a Intel CPU Core i5 2500K Unlocked

which gigabyte mobo do you recommend?

Actually Asus may be better than Gigabyte

Corsair Vengence 1600 should cost you about $99.00 for 8 Gigs

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820233144

Read some reviews.. don't base your decision on 1 guys views good or bad. The MSI P67A GD65 board is gettng excellent reviews.. ASUS is probably the most dependable brand name.. but it doesn't mean every board of every type is good.. Read up a little at HardOCP.com and Toms Hardware..