Just saw this on Amazon..
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005L9C49K/ref=psdc_229189_t3_B004FA8NNW
sandy bridge core i5 2320 for $170.. Not sure if that's new or seller is reputable. But it is a LGA 1055 i5!!
On Anantech CPU bench the score between the Pentium G3450 and i5 2400 were close, with i5 doing better on multi thread apps, but 3450 a little ahead on single thread.
This looks promising, and I might just be able to talk wife into squeezing a room for this cpu. And with neighbor's free MB, I might just be able to have another i5!!!
Does the i5 2320 OC well? I might also have to check if the Biostar MB can OC.. Got it on hand now and the model is H61MGC version 6.0. From Biostar site that is the first version of that particular board. hmm...
*doing happy dance* or maybe a bit too early to celebrate..