To make it clear, I want to keep this conversation civil. I know the whole AMD vs Intel thing is hotly debated, but I'm here for honest, helpful advice, not to hear that AMD sucks or Intel sucks. So please, keep it civil.
I'm an avid player of The Sims 3 franchise - I currently own every Expansion Pack (there are 11 of them) and 4 Stuff Packs (things that add new things like lots, clothing or objects to the main game; I own 4 of these, but there a total of 9 of these.) In addition to this, I have about 3.75 GBs worth of mods and other custom content for the game. Unfortunately, it's been a great while since I was able to play the game smoothly - after just 15 minutes of playing, I get HORRIBLE lag and stuttering, which forces me to stop playing. Granted, this game isn't very demanding with just the base Sims 3 game, but once you get to where I'm at, it becomes harder to run smoothly. Because I believe this game to be more reliant on the CPU than the GPU, I believe my CPU may have something to do with the horrible lag issues I'm dealing with. If you look at my system specs, you'll see I'm running an FX-6100. Yes, I'm running a "Faildozer" as it's so lovingly called.
I come here asking for help on a possible CPU upgrade, because for the life of me, I can't exactly find CPU benchmarks for this game (understandably so; it isn't exactly a AAA title) and I don't want to screw up on this CPU like I did with the 6100 (yes, in hindsight, I would have never gotten it, knowing what I know now.) I do play other games, but they are more GPU dependent than CPU dependent like the Sims 3 is; just got a 280X about a week or so ago, so I'm not worried about the GPU. Anyway, I'm looking at either an FX-6350 or 8320 on the AMD side, or anything from an i3 to a non-K i5 and H97 or Z87 board. What would you guys suggest? Right now I'm leaning towards the Intel choice because it offers a better upgrade path, but it would also require getting a new board. I wouldn't have to do that with the AMD obviously.
I sincerely value your opinions after you all were so helpful in helping choose a GPU upgrade from my 7790.