Considering upgrading my computer...$500-600

[450]

I'm considering upgrading my computer, I'd really prefer parts that run cool and quiet. The e6600 handles everything I need to do... but I have an upgrade itch.

1) What will you be doing with this PC? Gaming? Photoshop? Web browsing? etc
Some gaming, web browsing, general homeework stuff

2) What's your budget? Are tax and shipping included?
$500-600, maybe...not really strained on the $600 number

3) Where do you live?
Central Ohio -> I live near a Microcenter.

4) What exact parts do you need for that budget? CPU, RAM, case, etc. Please be very specific.
CPU, RAM, motherboard, maybe a video card

5) If reusing any parts, what parts will you be reusing? Please be especially specific about the power supply. List make and model.
I have an Antec ATX case, Antec EA380, external DVDRW and floppy, E-MU 0404 soundcard, I do have a 9600GSO if I wanted to use it,

6) Will you be overclocking?
I'd like to keep heat/noise down, so probably not

7) What size monitor do you have and/or plan to have?
I have a 20" 1600x1200 monitor and a 19" 900x1440 (its on its side), but I intend to get a 32" 1080p LCD to replace both the 20" and the 19".

8) When do you plan on building/buying the PC?
2-4 weeks if I do actually build it.

9) What features do you need in a motherboard? RAID? Firewire? Crossfire or SLI support? etc.
eSATA would be nice, but I have a SATA to eSATA cable so its not mandatory, I would like coaxial or optical output though, Gigabit LAN, PCI-E x16, at least one PCI

10) Do you already have a legit and reusable/transferable OS key/license?
Yes, Windows 7 x64

 

[Dangman]

For what you've described so far, a new CPU, mobo, and RAM would not be worthwhile at all. If you want increased gaming performance, just upgrade the PSU and GPU and you'll be set.

For that resolution, the HD 5850 or HD 5870 would be a good choice. PSU wise, at a bare minimum, pick up the Corsair 450VX or Antec EA500 500W if it's only $5 more.

 

[MJZ]

Perhaps a nice Quad Core or faster Dual Core, PSU upgrade, and Videocard is the best way to go.

An ATI 5850, a COrsair HX650, and a Q8400 should fit into your budget perfectly.

 

[450]

MC has the q9550, and my current mobo is an ECS G31 (worked perfectly fine so far). I'm strongly considering the q9550 or at the very least, a used q6600.

I'm thinking about the ATi/AMD 5xxx series but I want to wait for nVidia's offering first.

Thanks for both of your opinions and help!

 

[MJZ]

MC has the q9550, and my current mobo is an ECS G31 (worked perfectly fine so far). I'm strongly considering the q9550 or at the very least, a used q6600.

I'm thinking about the ATi/AMD 5xxx series but I want to wait for nVidia's offering first.

Thanks for both of your opinions and help!

You'll probably be waiting 1/2 a year I"m afraid

A couple of people on the FS section are selling Q6600 and Q9550s.