Upgrade or buy new?

Computer Forum New Build / Upgrade Advice
1

Hi Guys, thanks in advance for your help!

I’ve got to do something about my computer as it’s been quite a few years and I’m just not too happy with it right now.

Here are my current specs:

Case: Antec Sonata
Processor: Intel Prescott Core @ 3.0ghz (775)
OS: WIn XP Pro
Mobo: Asus P5GD1
Graphics Card: ATI ??? 128mb
Memory: 3gb 400mhz DDR3
Display: Dell U2410
HDD: WD 350GB

The upgrade path I’ve pretty much decided to take is:

  1. 1TB Caviar Black HD
  2. GPU
  3. Motherboard/CPU/Win7Pro

Can I get your advice on the GPU as it has to go on the P5 and future motherboards?
Also, can I get advice on Motherboard/CPU? Is the memory ok for future use?

I’m using this machine for work, but as I’m a freelancer it’s also needed to fill in the occasional gaming and entertainment use.

I’m an ok hardware hacker - I can pull machines apart and put them back together without exploding but as far as the nuances of what part works well with what other part… oh and I’m most likely not going to overclock. I’d like to try it but blowing up my work machine doesn’t sound like a good idea.

Thanks again!

2

Also, what’s your feeling on step 2.5 - Upgrade CPU to a faster LGA775 like “Intel Core 2 Duo E8600 Socket LGA775, 3.33 GHz, 1333 MHz FSB, 6MB L2 Cache, 45nm”? Is this technically a P4 and will this work with the P5GD1?

This would buy me a couple of years - maybe - but then I’d be looking at more money next time I upgrade. Is this a dumb idea?