Looking to upgrade existing homebuilt for $700

[jason57gizmo]

APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: Next 30 - 45 days

SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: Gaming (COD4 MW2, WOW, etc), internet surfing

PARTS NOT REQUIRED: (keyboard, mouse, monitor, speakers, OS (using win7 pro 64), power supply, optical drives)

PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: (Newegg)

PARTS PREFERENCES: CPU:intel

OVERCLOCKING:Maybe

SLI OR CROSSFIRE: Maybe later

MONITOR RESOLUTION: (1920x1200)

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: Need new CPU, graphics card, ram and mobo

My current system consists of:
Powersupply: 1200 watt st1200 silver stone
Mobo: EVGA nforce 780i (sli)
CPU: E6600
OS: Windows 7 pro 64bit
HDD: Dual WD 1 TB drives (non raid)
Graphics Card: 8800gtx (been a good card to me)

This computer has been good to me, but think it might be time for an upgrade. I def want a new video card, but was wondering if it would be worth it to upgrade to an i7 or i5 chipset; or just go from my dual core E6600 to a quad core on the same setup. If i did i7 or i5, i would need all new ram and a new mobo. Would the costs be worth the benefits gained? Any advice is appreciated.

Im looking to stay at $700, but could go up to $1000 if it was really worth it.

 

[dndhatcher]

Right now a 5770 would be a minimal (maybe 50% faster) DX11 graphics card update, the 5850 would be a substantial graphics card update (Faster than a GTX 285). The 5850 is $260-280 when you can find them. Availability should be getting better over the next couple months. The 5870 is about as fast as a GTX295 and is $380ish. Graphics card update is a separate issue from motherboard update and would probably give you the greater benefit of the two.

For most games a fast dual core is still as good as a quad. GTA4 is a notable exception so it depends on the specific games you will be playing. Currently the pricing for an i5 CPU/Mobo/Ram is about $475 and the i7 920 is close to $600.

 

[jason57gizmo]

Any other suggestions? Ill be getting the 5870 when its available, but would it be worth it to change out the other hardware also?

 

[dirtmountain]

I'd just go with a Q9550 and the new graphic card. Performance will be close to the i5 750 and you'll spend a lot less money. Drop in a 5870 and you're good to go. Maybe a Q9650 if you can get a good price.
9550 $230 at best buy.....yeesh bestbuy ?
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=9486442&type=product&id=1218112693811&DCMP=KNC-TLC&ref=25&loc=SHP&srccode=cii_13736960&cpncode=20-28776019-2