Upgrading my ancient computer

[EvanW]

I am looking into revamping my PC, I have about 500 bucks to play around with. I know it's not much, but I want to see how much I could upgrade for that budget. So here are my specs:

OS: Microsoft Windows XP Professional Version 2002 Service Pack 3
GPU: ATI Radeon HD 4830 Series
CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo E7400 @ 2.8 GHz
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-73PVM-S2H
RAM: 4 GB DDR2 installed, 3.25 in use
HDD: Hitachi HD6721010SLA4360

I realize that in order to get DDR3 RAM, I would need to upgrade the MB. And in doing that I would also need a new CPU So what I'm thinking is upgrading in this order:

MB+RAM+CPU
GPU
OS
HDD

Would that be a good idea? And do you guys have any specific hardware in mind that would be good for my budget? Thanks!

EDIT: In terms of my budget, I have around 500 bucks to play around with. I want it to run most games at decent settings, not necessarily maxed. I am planning on playing Planetside 2, BF3, those kinds of games.

 

[o1die]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128540 $77 shipped with free ram
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115077 $105 (I use this cpu)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814202004 $164 after rebate
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820147188 $90
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832416550 $80

Total: $516 after rebates

 

[EvanW]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128540 $77 shipped with free ram
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115077 $105 (I use this cpu)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814202004 $164 after rebate
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820147188 $90
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832416550 $80

Total: $516 after rebates

How is the i3? It looks really tempting but the lack of overclocking and four cores really makes me lean towards the i5.

 

[FinneousPJ]

You can only do so much with 500. I'd recommend new build too though.

 

[Deemo13]

The i3 is a pretty capable gaming processor. Much better than most of what AMD can put out.

 

[C_noss]

You could go with everything that Deemo chose but changed the Processor to an Intel Core i5-3470 Ivy Bridge 3.2GHz. This processor has turbo boost (i3 don't have turbo boost) witch will give you a bit more power if you have the proper cooling, and it has 4 cores. IT will work with the current MB you have or the one that Deemo chose. But you would standing at around $561.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115234R
Processor that i mentioned


But like Deemo said, The i3 is still a pretty nice processor.

 

[Augray37]

Yeah, go for oldies build, you get free ram and the i3 is fine for gaming.

 

[EvanW]

Best answer selected by EvanW.