If it's one thing I should upgrade - what should it be?

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M4A1

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Hi all.

I've been using my PC that I built mainly to play TF2 and other non-resource intensive tasks (web browsing, listening to music, etc.) I'll be installing Win7 brand new once it comes out, so I was curious to see what I should upgrade before I do that. Here are my specs:

=AMD Athlon 64 X2 5200+ Windsor 2.6GHz
SAPPHIRE Radeon HD 3850 512MB 256-bit
MSI K9A2 CF-F AM2+/AM2 AMD
G.SKILL 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 and G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400)
Sony NEC Optiarc 20X DVD±R DVD Burner Black IDE Model
Cooler Master CM 690 Case
Seagate 500GB HD
Ultra V-Series 500W PSU (+12V, 28A)

I'm only looking to upgrade 1 or maybe 2 parts.

Thanks!
 
I have a price limit of $200 (including SH + tax from Newegg... I live in NJ).

Will I see a major improvement if I upgrade to Phenom II X4 over what I have now?
 
Ok, so now I've been thinking about the Core i5. Newegg.com - Intel Core i5-750 Lynnfield 2.66GHz 8MB L3 Cache LGA 1156 95W Quad-Core Processor - Processors - Desktops

Obviously, I will need to get a new mobo if I get this. Is there anything else I would need to get to make this build compatible (like RAM?)

I don't plan on overclocking. And just to mention again, I don't need a high-end motherboard I don't think. Something that's just high quality with the standard features. I'm using this PC mainly to play Team Fortress 2, web browsing, cd/dvd burning, multitasking amongst many programs.

Thx!
 
What do you think about this upgrade:

CPU: AMD Phenom II X4 955 Black Edition Deneb 3.2GHz Socket AM3 125W Quad-Core Processor Model HDZ955FBGIBOX - Retail

GPU: SAPPHIRE Vapor-X 100269VXLE Radeon HD 4890 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Retail

PSU: CORSAIR CMPSU-650TX 650W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Compatible with Core i7 Power Supply - Retail

Total cost: $507.16 (incl tax)
Total cost: $477.16 (AR)

Will my current PSU be able to support the CPU/GPU upgrade? Do I really need to get it?
 
What do you think about this upgrade:

CPU: AMD Phenom II X4 955 Black Edition Deneb 3.2GHz Socket AM3 125W Quad-Core Processor Model HDZ955FBGIBOX - Retail

GPU: SAPPHIRE Vapor-X 100269VXLE Radeon HD 4890 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Retail

PSU: CORSAIR CMPSU-650TX 650W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Compatible with Core i7 Power Supply - Retail

Total cost: $507.16 (incl tax)
Total cost: $477.16 (AR)

Will my current PSU be able to support the CPU/GPU upgrade? Do I really need to get it?

Simply put, no. The 4890 Toxic (similar to Vapor-X) uses around 26Amps on the 12V. Atleast according to : 12V AMPERAGE REQUIREMENTS FOR HD4xxx Cards - PCMech Forums
 
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