What was a upgrade turned into a new build

[Do_The_Panic]

I currently own a xps 8300 with a i7 2600(LGA 1155), 8Gb RAM (4 x 2Gb 240 Pin-1600) 500 Gb HD, recently installed another 250Gb, it has a 460 watt PSU, and the video card currently is a Radeon HD 6450. I was just looking to replace the video card, case, and PSU but now Im thinking its better to replace the mobo too. I'm pretty set on a case already http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811139015
I would need a micro ATX or a ATX mobo and also a PCIE 3.0 slot just so I'm not outdated in 6 months. I'm pretty open for PSU and video cards. I would like to try and stay under $500. I don't care about nvidia or AMD whichever one is the best bang for the buck. I would like to play BF3 on high or ultra but I realize I don't think that will happen.
I am eager to hear what you guys have to say. I just want components that will last especially for the money. Thanks again!!

 

[Jakusonfire]

Hey.

I don't see any reason to replace your motherboard. There is nothing wrong with your system for playing games. Until just recently I was using an i3 2100 on a H61 chipset with an HD7850 and playing BF3 on Ultra settings no worries.
You don't need a PCIe 3 board to take advantage of a new graphics card ... it will work just fine on PCIe 2. Current graphics cards don't use all the bandwidth that PCIe 2 provides, and You would need to replace the CPU as well for PCIe 3 to be active anyway.

You just need a decent quality 500 - 600 Watt PSU with a couple of PCIe power plugs on it and a decent card like the HD7850 / GTX560Ti or better and you are set.

The new cards are very efficient and you might not even need to change the PSU if it already has the right plugs.

 

[clutchc]

+1^
Get the most graphic card you can afford to spend money on...
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/gaming-graphics-card-review,3107-7.html

...and be sure your PSU is capable and has the needed number of PCIe power cables to supply the card.
http://www.thermaltake.outervision.com/

Your processor (and no doubt, motherboard) are plenty sufficient for any game avaialble today. Gaming is mainly about the graphic card. And the resolution of your display. A card that screams at 1440x900 may be too weak at 1920x1080.

 

[Mousemonkey]

This topic has been moved from the section CPU & Components to section Systems by Mousemonkey