P5K SE/EPU System Upgrade

[gcenglish]

Looking to update components to prolong life and performance. Any help/ advice most appreciated.

My system:

MB - P5K SE/EPU
CPU - Intel Core Duo E8400 @ 3.00GHz
RAM - DDR2 2x 1GB 800MHz
HDD - WD 80GB (WD800JD)
GPU - Radeon HD 4850
CASE - Thermaltake Matrix
DVD - BenQ 24x
Windows 7 Ultimate
PSU 500w

System brought online about a year ago but due some TLC. Have yet to add/ alter.

Unsure whether to upgrade select components to improve system or 'use what i've got' and save my money for a rainy day (new system).

Currently looking at buying:

2x2GB RAM (hard to find 1066 - is it worth it or 800 fine?)
1TB WD Caviar Black - have read some good reviews.

Within reason have a few hundred to spend - gets silly when newer, faster system is cheaper.

Would like to use PC for mainly gaming but some graphics and video editing.

Anything else I should be considering?

 

[4745454b]

Buy DDR2 now, and you wont' be able to use it in a new system. Limp along with what you have.

I was recently in your shoes. I have an E6600 on an X38 board. I was tempted to spend $100+ on a quad of some sort. On used forums Q6600 and Q8xxx go for that price. Why spend that much on something so old however when even the new 2500K is $200? I eventually spent $250 (and that includes paypal fees and shipping) for an i5 750 with a great P(?)55 board. It supports both CF and SLI. I spent another $35 on 2x2GBs of DDR3-1600 and another $30 on a hyper 212+. For just north of $300 I've got a great system that will leave a Q6600/Q8xxx in the dust.

 

[gcenglish]

Was looking at DDR2-1066 4GB (2x2GB) on NZ trade site. Going for $100 plus.

You're right, doesn't make sense.

Short term fix may not be the best solution.

Will do my homework and work on some options.

Appreciate the input.

 

[gcenglish]

So i was browsing in a small Computer store the other day and somehow ending up walking out with 2x1GB 667 Ram.

Have installed and seems to be running ok. Not sure whether it is in my head but general system apps and navigation seems a litter slower but then system seems to handle gaming more.

Wasn't a steal getting the 2GB but wondering now if patience should have prevailed and waited for some 800 so not mixing RAM.

Have done plenty of reading with mixed bag of results. General consensus seem to be if the timing are the same it's ok it will just run a the slower RAM speed. So no drama right? Also that 64bit windows 7 may be better with more Ram.

Then it gets a little technical for me with views saying that using all four RAM slots will use more power and drain?

Anyhow... Have ordered a Samsung Spinpoint F3 1TB after reading some good reviews.

So i'm hoping the faster, bigger HDD will make some speed improvements.

Worth keeping the 2x1GB 667 or be content with my faster 2GB 800? Views?

 

[gcenglish]

Best answer selected by gcenglish.