Looking for a new CPU and Motherboard

[Burnanator5280]

I am currently engaged in the long and tedious process of replacing my CPU and Moterboard. I currently have a stock motherboard of of a gateway SX2803-25e, and though it was a nice starting motherboard, it is too small, and not powerful enough for my needs. My current processor is adequate, it is an Intel Pentium 3.2 GHz processor, but it has a LGA775 socket, which is outdated, and pretty rare, so it limits my options for compatible motherboards. after weeks of searching i have not found a good LGA775 compatible moterboard and therefore have decided to get a new processor and then find a compatible motherboard.
The processor I am currently looking at is the AMD FX-8350 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819113284) which is a 4.0 GHz, 8-core processor which gets very good reviews on Newegg. I am unsure whether or not to get it as I do not know the pros and cons of an AMD processor. I am hoping someone can give me advice and/or recommendations on which processor to buy. The processor needs to be:

• Between $200 and $300
• Multi core
• < 3.0 GHz
• Powerful enough to run most games at good FPS, WITHOUT overclocking
• AMD or Intel

Alternatively, if you know of a good LGA775 socket motherboard, I would love to see it, so long as it meets the fallowing criteria:

• 16 GB or more maximum RAM
• 2 or more fan controllers
• large board
• USB 3.0 support (not sure if this even exists on a LGA775)

In case it is of any importance, here are my computer's specs:

• Intel Pentium 3.2 GHz Dual-core Processor
• Stock Gateway SX2803-25e motherboard
• 1.0 TB HDD
• Roswell 500w power supply
• EVGA GForce 650 video card
• 6 GB RAM (Max capacity 8GB)
• Thermaltake Level 10 GTX case
• Standard Gateway heatsink (intend to replace with liquid cooled heatsink)

Any help or advice is greatly appreciated, I want to get the most power for my money and your advice is extremely helpful. Thank you for your time.

-Burnanator5280