Upgrading my Desktop

[Strickin]

Hello, I'm looking into upgrading my current computer as I have a few bucks to spend. My purposes are almost entirely gaming, so that's what I would like the upgrades to be based around. Here's my currents system specs:

Intel Core 2 Duo Processor E6850 (3.0GHz, 4MB L2 Cache, 1333 FSB)
CF-OCVENDETTA-775AM2 OCZ Vendetta Universal 775 & AM2 3 copper heat-pipes
Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition + Service Pack 2
CS-TTVC3000BWSBLK Thermal Take Full Tower Steel Gaming PC case – Black
600 Watt - Thermaltake Power Supply SLI Ready
MB-IND975XBX Intel D975XBX 975Xpress Crossfire Chipset
4 GB OCZ Reaper 800MHz DDR2 Memory (2x2GB Modules)
500GB Hard Drive (Serial ATA II, 3GB, 7200 RPM, 16M Cache)
18x Double-Layer DVDRW/CDRW combo drive
NVIDIA GeForce HD 8800 GT 512M OC 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 1900MHz PCI Express x16 HDCP SLI Video Card
Integrated 8-channel (7.1) audio
On-board 10/100 Ethernet Connection
19-inch Widescreen LCD Monitor - Silver/Black

My budget isn't too high, it's around $300 max(lower would be nice though) and I would like to get the most bang for my buck.


P.S. I was mainly just interested in upgrading my CPU and GPU, but suggestions on other things such as the mother board would be cool also!

 

[foothead]

The only place u r really lacking is in the GPU dept. as far as most games.
Id go with a 4850x2 or a GTX260 core 216.

 

[Atomic Rooster]

Just a video card upgrade would do the trick. That 8800GT is getting long in the tooth. Something like a EVGA GeForce GTX 275 would do nicely. The rest of your system looks pretty good.

 

[foothead]

Yeah, AR. that looks good, but he said cheaper is better. The most bang for the buck in that range is an x2 card.

IMO the 4890 is a better all-around card than the GTX 275.

 

[Strickin]

Alright, I've decided to go ahead with the GTX 275.

Now, my fans in my tower are absolutely awful, and I was wondering if I could get a recommendation for new fans? Air cooling preferred as I know nothing about water cooling lol.

Still not willing to spend too much, but if it's worth it then lemme have it!

 

[Grantofhell]

For 120mm's - AeroCool Xtreme Turbine. I have one of these and I am really impressed.

For 92mm's - Vantec 92mm Tornado. It is loud, but when you want the best cooling this looks like the way to go.

For 80mm's - AeroCool X-Blaster. AeroCool seems to be a well trusted name in PC cooling. As with all high flow fans, this one is very loud.

 

[Strickin]

Case is an Armor Jr. S-TTVC3000BWSBLK

 

[Atomic Rooster]

Antec makes some very nice fans. This is a cool fan: Antec TriCool 120mm Blue LED Case Fan. They have a 3 speed fan control so you can adjust them to your liking.

 

[ndatoxicity]

thats what my antec 300 came with haha

yeah some new fans would help...the 275 should do you well

 

[foothead]

Uh.
Just lettin you know
The 4850x2 IMO is a much better card for the money than the 275.
Your choice though.