Hypothetical upgrade of an already decent build

[Cole31]

Hello everyone,

I'm kinda satisfied with the performances of my system but feel like i could use some extra power. If you had let's say $300-400 to spend, how would you upgrade my gaming rig?

Power: 750w Thermaltake
Tower: Cooler Master Scout
CPU: Core 2 Quad Q8400 @ 2.66 // OC'd at 3.5 cooled by a Noctua NH-U12P
RAM : 6G DDR2 DDR1066 Kingston
MB: Asus P5Q Deluxe
HD: Sata300 750GB - 7200 western caviar black
Gfx: Radeon 5870

Also planning on buying a 120G SSD for my OS (Win7) aswell as the game, or couple games i'm playing at the moment.

What's your favorite brand/model for a 120G SSD hard drive? and what kind of upgrade would you make on this rig if you were on a $300-400max budget?

Thanks a bunch in advance!

 

[Cole31]

Not sure if it makes any difference, but forgot to specify: using dual 1920x1200 monitors

 

[Cole31]

Oh man.. sorry about that..

Approximate Purchase Date: next month

Budget Range: $300-500

System Usage from Most to Least Important: gaming, poker

Parts Not Required: having it all

Country: Switzerland

Parts Preferences: none in particular

Overclocking: Maybe - but rather not

SLI or Crossfire: Maybe

Monitor Resolution: 1920x1200

 

[manicmike]

I have a Corsair Force 3 Series 90GB SSD that works incredibly well.

A few friends/relatives also recommend OCZ.

*Edit: Sorry, misread specs on NewEgg (Baby was getting into dog food lol). So I hurriedly looked up SATA III SSDs instead of SATA IIs

Intel has a 120GB that is currently highest rated on NewEgg, list $199.99US - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820167050

Other than that, it all seems comprable, one of by buddies uses an OCZ Vertex 2 that he says nothing but good things about (Only 3 eggs on NewEgg, link below). I've heard a lot of good about OCZ, Intel, Corsair, and Kingston.

OCZ Vertex 2 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227590

Full Search: Internal SSD, SATA II, 120GB & 128GB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?bop=And&Submit=Property&N=100011693%204017&IsNodeId=1&PropertyCodeValue=4214%3a39416%2c4214%3a30849%2c4215%3a41071

Also, if you are ugrading the Graphics, I'd go 2x this - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150540 CFX'd together, run about $200 US (Plus shipping possibly).
ORRRRRRR..... Push the budget to the max and get 2 of these - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150599 CFX'd, would run $340 after rebates.

Once again, the graphics are based off reviews, tech specs, and friend's recommendations. I use a ZOTAC ZF-50401-10L (nVidia GeForce 550Ti, link below) with plans to get another one and SLI them. I will say that a multi GPU system will give you benefit, especially on 2 monitors. If you do come to the darkside note that the ZOTAC is a lil bulky, some people complain it's hard to fit 2 in on some mobos.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814500193

Hope that helps

 

[Cole31]

Alright thanks a bunch manicmike! Very usefull infos regarding SSD HDs, appreciate!

Now as for the CPU/GPU question, even though its nicely OC'd, it doesn't change the fact my CPU is an old 775 socket generation quad core, I was wondering if it really was worth it to upgrade my GPU without upgrading my CPU/MB first ? Any thought people?

 

[manicmike]

I'm not too sure, TBH.

My old Rig had a Core 2 Quad Extreme on an ASUS Striker II Formula (links at end of post), and it WAS water cooled until water cooling started to leak (years after being built), I had it running twin 8800 GTXs in SLI. I put my GTX 550 Ti in after I had cleaned up the mess and pulled out the cooling (put in air cooling, cheaper) I put in some random parts to make sure it still worked.

Plays SW:TOR and Spore on about 3/4 max graphics just fine w/ video card slightly OC'd.

My grandpa (yes, gramps is a gamer) uses a GIGABTE mobo and the i5-2300:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128502 - Mobo ($130 @ NewEgg)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115076 - CPU ($180)

Works disgustingly well from my old rig w/ the Core 2 Quad Extreme, but takes a big chunk of your budget...

Striker II Formula - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131255