Conundrum between better CPU or GPU

[nldack]

I am finishing off my first complete system build in 3 years and I just need:
Motherboard, CPU, GPU, RAM

I have been looking at:

Asus A8N-SLI Deluxe
eVGA e-GeForce 7600 GT CO Superclock PCI Express
Corsair TWINX2048-3200PT 2GB DDR400
AMD Athlon 64 3500+ Processor (Venice)

Total $744.39 (@ZipZoomFly)

But I have been having second thoughts and am unsure if the CPU is to weak and was looking at upgrading to the
AMD Athlon 64 X2 3800+ Processor for an addition $94

But I am unsure if around $100 would be better spent upgrading the GPU to:
eVGA e-GeForce 7800 GT PCI Express

I currently have:
Antec P180 case
Antec 500W PSU
WD Caviar SE 250GB
DVD-Rom
Audigy 2 Sound Card

My primary purpose is to play Oblivion. I also want to stay somewhat flexible as to future upgrades.
-NLDack

 

[clue69less]

But I am unsure if around $100 would be better spent upgrading the GPU to: eVGA e-GeForce 7800 GT PCI Express

Most folks shopping in that price range are going for the 7900GT. Depending on which variant of 7900GT you get, the price ranges from about $300 to $350 and the performance is near or better than the 7800GT. Right now, you'll need to stand in line a few days to get a 7900GT. Behind me.

 

[apache_lives]

parhaps wait and save some more $$$ for both or better things?

 

[mdd1963]

The single core 3500+ is perfectly adequate for gaming; I'd instead put the money towards a 7900GT (roughly 30% faster than 7800GT), if/when you can find one...

 

[nldack]

Well you have done a sufficient job in convincing me to wait and save more money for a 7900GT ($370 w/ waiting list). Its almost double what I wanted to spend but I can continue waiting and saving and by then the price should drop even more.

I was wondering what you thought the benefit of going from a 3500+ to a X2 3800+. I know that the 939 line will stop and shift over to the AM2 line at the end of the summer and want to have some future upgradability in terms of CPU. However if the line is comming to a close would it be more prudent to spend a little more and just stick with the processor until a later upgrade to AM2?

Thanks for the responces so far. You guys/girls are great and very helpful.
-NLDack

 

[p05esto]

Girls? Are there actually any girls in these forums? Not that I'm against it....just wondering.