Need upgrade advice!

I built this rig 2-3 years ago I don't really remember but I'm in need of an overhaul pretty badly. I'm on a slim budget because I'm getting ready to start college in January. MY current rig is

Core2duo e6400 OCed to 2.6ghz

Ati 3850 Oced to759mhz gpu and 1064mhz memory

EVGA 650i ultra

6gigs of DDR2

I would like to keep the cost under $500 but Ive been away from the tech market for so long these new generations of GPU's are somewhat overwhelming whats the best bang for the buck? is it worth it to jump to DDR3 now or wait for price drop? should i grab a core2quad while there cheap or go ahead and board the i5/i7 boat?

One last note is I do allot of photo editing so I would like to keep it as processor intensive as possible if I have to skimp a little on the GPU for better ram/CPU that's fine as long as I can still play games in my free time.

crap posted this in the wrong place sorry

Well, if you want to keep it under $500, forget about an i7, you'll definately turn up overbudget.

Since you're doing video editing, I'd recommend a quad core, maybe get yourself a nice Intel Q9550.

That video card undoubtedly has to go. There's a nice array of choices for you, I'd try and decide between the ATI Radeon 4890 or 5850. I think the 5870 is a bit steep for the minimal boost it gives over the 5850. Best recommended is the 5850.

Your ram is fine, 6 GB will hold you over easily, and DDR3 isn't really a must product yet (and it'll cost you significantly if you go with that plus i7).

Make sure your cooling and PSU are good enough to OC, and I'd say you're in for one helluva difference in gaming.

BTW, what resolution do you game on?

I usualy play games at 1280X 1024 my monitors native

Really you dont need to upgrade anything besides the gpu. DDR3 vs DDR2 isnt much a difference and you wont see it to begin with. 4850 and a psu ugrade(if needed) would fit your bill. Your cpu is still good even for photo editing

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371021 - Antec 650w

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161296 - 4850 1Gb

I usualy play games at 1280X 1024 my monitors native

leoploradon01

Or just go with a Radeon 4870/Nvidia 260. Really depends of your tastes.

I think im going to grab a quad core the Q9550 is $219.99 at both tiger and newegg seems like a good deal. I think im going to wait before I pick a GPU and see what kind of deals I can find. If anyone has anymore input im still all ears nothings final.

What you really need to do first is learn how to read forum descriptions. as it states at the top of the page 'NO HARDWARE SPECIFIC DISCUSSIONS' are allowed here. this needs to be in the hardware forum.

What you really need to do first is learn how to read forum descriptions. as it states at the top of the page 'NO HARDWARE SPECIFIC DISCUSSIONS' are allowed here. this needs to be in the hardware forum.

MrUnSavory1

Really you dont need to upgrade anything besides the gpu. DDR3 vs DDR2 isnt much a difference and you wont see it to begin with. 4850 and a psu ugrade(if needed) would fit your bill. Your cpu is still good even for photo editing

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371021 - Antec 650w

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161296 - 4850 1Gb

04dcarraher

i stand behind this guy solid selection.. this is coming from a guy who moved on up in a very similar way to the OP and TBH hes bang on like a dart in a bullseye