Is it time for me to upgrade?

[McMllnT92]

Here are my current computer specs:

HD: Seagate Barracuda 7200.11 ST31000340AS 1TB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148274
PSU: CORSAIR CMPSU-750TX 750W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Compatible
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139006
Mobo: GIGABYTE GA-EP45-DS3R LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128344
Memory: OCZ Reaper HPC 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model OCZ2RPR10664GK
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814129114
GPU: VisionTek 900250 Radeon HD 4870 X2 2GB 512-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814129114
CPU: Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz LGA 775 Quad-Core Processor Model BX80562Q6600
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115017
Case: RAIDMAX AZTEC ATX-619WU Black/ Blue 1.0mm SECC Steel ATX Mid Tower Foldout MB Computer Case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811156191

Operating at 1680x1050 22" monitor.
I'm happy with the screen size, I see no need to upgrade. I can play almost all games on full settings at fairly high framerates. I can't seem to ever run FRAPS without running into framerate issues though. It seems also to struggle running WoW yet I can play Mass Effect 2 and MW2 maxes. I'm not too happy with the case as it is way too small to fit all the parts inside and the airflow is fairly bad.

So again the question is, would now be a good time to invest some money into some upgrades or should I wait longer, and if so (guestimate) how long?

 

[g_patsil]

I think it depends on what upgrade are you looking at?

If you are trying to go high end and you have no immediate need for upgrading your CPU/Mobo I would wait for the i9 to come out since if you arent interested for the i9, that should drop prices down for other CPUs (i7 920 maybe the i5 750?) and Mobo might drop down by then or at least give you more options for 3.0 USB capability.

If you live near a microcenter you might as well upgrade now since the i5 750 or i7s 860/920 are at a really good price.

 

[foolycooly]

You have a pretty powerful build as it is. Is your 6600 overclocked at all?

FRAPs creates a gigantic HDD bottleneck. Without a faster HDD (like a new samsung F3), you probably won't see a strong improvement in framerates with FRAPs. I have yet to figure that one out.

In short, no, I wouldn't upgrade now unless you have a large amount of disposable income. The first upgrade I would consider is an overclock to your 6600, improved airflow and maybe a faster mechanical drive or SSD.

 

[capt_taco]

Feh. Your system is fine as-is, unless you're trying to set some kind of benchmark record to impress the chicks.

If anything, overclock the CPU, but even if you don't, I see no point in upgrading this unless you really have a thing for the highest top-of-the-line systems.

 

[Onus]

Tossing money at this machine may not accomplish anything, unless you're able to tell just where to throw it.
For your PC to struggle playing WoW but not during more graphically demanding games suggest the problem (if any) is with your Internet connection.
Overclocking your Q6600 would probably also help, and it has a reputation for doing well. You'll need an aftermarket cooler, but 3.2GHz should be easy, and 3.6GHz may be likely too. Even a very good cooler won't work too well without airflow, so a new case and/or better case fans should probably be among the first things to consider if you don't think you have enough. Otherwise, you have some nice parts in your rig and it seems premature to consider arbitrary upgrades.
Edit:
Check the speed of your network connection. Are you trying to run torrents in the background, or is a family member streaming youtube videos while you're trying to play? If you have a high-speed internet connection and haven't done so in a while, power-cycle your cable modem (and router, if you have one). Power off all your network components. Power on the modem first, and wait until the LEDs on it signal Ready before turning your router back on. Is it a wireless router? Make sure your connection isn't being expropriated by slackers; at the very least use WPA2 to secure your connection, and use a password.