Upgrading HTPC/Light gaming rig slowly.. What to buy first?

[Mr191]

I have an old system used for HTPC. I quit gaming awhile back but still do some light stuff. I managed to play Farcry 3 and mass effect 3 well on the system but recently tried prototype 2 and Planetside 2. The system is floored by these games and unplayable on my 1080p tv.


Core2duo E4500 overclocked to 3.0ghz(similar to e6700 in benchmarks)
HD4850
2gb of ram(I know)
Gigabyte 775 MOBO(probably doesn't matter)

I am looking to slowly build(other half wont notice) a new new system and wont get into specifics but it would be over a 3 month period.

I have the graphics card pegged with a HD7850 and I am undecided on the CPU(probably budget amd + some overclocking)

My E4500 does pretty okay for a HTPC and for everyday tasks dont really need more(other than gaming).

Will a 7850 even make a game playable in the mean time with my Dinosaur CPU?

Which would you buy first? CPU/mobo or GPU

 

[chromic]

you could go for an AMD phenom ii x4 965 BE, its around 90-100$ "budget" quad core CPU and it will work nicely with 7850.

Altho you need to buy an am3 ( preferably am3+ for future ) motherboard and that will cost you anywhere from 40-200$

I would say, motherboard and CPU first.

edit: or if your mobo supports, try to find a cheap Core 2 Quad. ( equal performance to Phenom II 4x 965 )

 

[Mr191]

This guy seems to be doing well with planetside 2 with a Core2duo and 7870.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VX3iRkkikJc

 

[Mr191]

I think I decided to go with a fx-6100 6 core or fx-8250 8 core for the cpu.

7850 or 650 ti boost.. I decided to wait this one out and check slickdeals for a good deal.

Tiger direct has a bundle deal for a FX-6100 6 core cpu/gigabyte mobo/thermaltake cooler for 149.99(135 after rebate) VS around 220 for the 8 core fx- series.

Not sure if I need the 8 cores but I wont be building another computer in a long time.

 

[chromic]

I think I decided to go with a fx-6100 6 core or fx-8250 8 core for the cpu.

7850 or 650 ti boost.. I decided to wait this one out and check slickdeals for a good deal.

Tiger direct has a bundle deal for a FX-6100 6 core cpu/gigabyte mobo/thermaltake cooler for 149.99(135 after rebate) VS around 220 for the 8 core fx- series.

Not sure if I need the 8 cores but I wont be building another computer in a long time.

if you have the money to spend, get the FX-8250.