what to upgrade with $530?

[Minicoop503]

When upgrading always consider what part is the most important and start your base from there.


Thus in your situation a $90-100 MoBo is fundamental to ensuring you're "futureproofed".

GA-P35-DS3L -> $90 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813128059

E4500 @ 2.2Ghz -> $124 - Reaches 3.1Ghz with a simple and painless overclock.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115031

8800GT 512mb -> $239: Easily the best current card on the market considering price to performance. This is also the XFX brand which has a 2X lifetime warranty, meaning when you sell it, the buyer is also covered.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150252

Also note: Your PSU, Soundcard, and RAM are all compatible with the upgrades listed above.

Thread winner, cha-ching.

This is by far the best choice. Let's make this clear - EVERY 8800GT is the same, regardless of manufacturer/sticker slappers, and some slight clock rate changes (and voltage regulators and the like). Get the $230 one, unless you're retarded or otherwise too special to use Rivatuner.

Here you get three items - a CPU that will rape your previous one and all other pitiful AMD offerings (Phailure aside), a GPU that will do as prev. and well, a motherboard that will do as prev - it's a win-win situation.

Very strange PC build anyway, you cheaped out on the CPU and graphics card yet bought some pretty expensive **** otherwise.

I agree too. I have the same motherboard and graphics card. Got my e6300 to 3.01 ghz also.

[jake_]

I've been seeing 8800Gt's for under $200 like this one here. Only that ones sold out. I'm sure if you look hard enough you could easily get a better deal than $230. :)

[cloakster]

I would definitely go with diplomat's suggestion. You will get the biggest performance boost that is possible since the CPU and the GPU are your only 2 weak points in your current rig.

[Vash2051]

Upgrading to a core 2 duo is a must with the high end graphics card like the GT or GTS. The extra cache on the processor will ensure no bottlenecking and you will get the maximum performance for your money.