Upgrading hardware to match Win. 7

[SmurfWAStick]

I built my computer 2 and a half years ago and used it for mostly gaming. Since then I've upgraded the video card and the hard drive. Now with Windows 7 out, I think I'm going to do a more major overhaul. Currently my specs are:

OS: Windows XP Professional 32 bit

CPU: Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz 2 x 4MB L2 Cache

MoBo: ASUS P5K LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX

RAM: CORSAIR XMS2 2 x 1GB 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM

GPU: EVGA GeForce GTX 280 1GB 512-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16

HDD: Seagate Barracuda 320GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache
Western Digital Caviar Black 1TB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache

OD: LITE-ON Black DVD±RW

PS: CORSAIR 520W ATX12V v2.2 and EPS12V 2.91

and a few extra cards I have installed:

Wifi: D-Link WDA-2320 IEEE 802.11b/g PCI

Capture card: Hauppauge Personal video recorder 274 PCI Interface

Now the first thing I'm going to upgrade is the OS to Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit. After that, I want to upgrade a few things, but not necessarily all together. I want at least 4GB of ram by either adding 2 of the same sticks or replacing with 2 x 2GB sticks so I could add more later. I was thinking of buying a new i7 core with motherboard, and in that case, I could get more slots for ram and even upgrade to DDR3. Lastly, to power everything I was wondering if I'd need a new power supply. As for money, some of this is going to be requested for Christmas while the rest I'll be saving up for, so basically money isn't too much of a concern as I'll just save up longer to buy it, but I'd like to keep it in the best bang for my buck area.

So to recap: upgrading to Win. 7 64bit followed by ram, cpu, and mobo and possibly a new ps.

[glc]

Your GTX 280 technically requires a 550w power supply, but it's very high quality and should be okay.

I'd wait till you can afford a mobo, ram, and cpu all at once - the P5K is PCI-E 1.0 and you might as well go with 2.0 if you do anything.

Look at a i5-750 or i7-860 on a P7P55D. Your DDR2 will NOT be compatible.

[SmurfWAStick]

Thanks for the info. I was actually looking at this i7-920. It seems to have gotten a lot of good reviews and I can afford it plus a motherboard and ram. Would you suggest getting that one or are the other ones you named better?

Btw: a friend of mine just got an extra copy of 7 Ultimate so I think I'll be going with that if that makes any difference...

[glc]

The i7-920 requires an expensive X58 motherboard, which is an enthusiast's tweaker's motherboard. The i7-860 and P55 board is a better value.

[SmurfWAStick]

What if I got an open box motherboard or is that not suggested?

[glc]

Not suggested.

[SmurfWAStick]

Alright then, thanks for your help. I'll check out what I can get in the 860's.

[glc]

I'd recommend an Asus P7P55D.

[SmurfWAStick]

Well, it looks like the best choice for me is this Intel Core i7-860 and this ASUS P7P55D. Now I just have to pick out some DDR3 ram. I'm not really sure where to start on this as the options seem to be endless. The only things I can narrow down is that I want at least 4GB and that Corsair and Kingston are some good brands. Past that I can't tell if I'm getting my money's worth or not.

[glc]

Download the QVL for that motherboard. Only buy ram that's on it.

[SmurfWAStick]

Well, it looks like this Corsair Dominator would be the best fit for me. Thanks for all the help.

[glc]

If you want to save a few bucks, and don't plan on overclocking, all you need is DDR3-1333.

[SmurfWAStick]

Ok, I shopped around for some DDR3-1333 ram, but I see that there are three different types: PC3 10600, 10660, and 10666. I've looked around in the forums and did a few Google searches, but haven't come up with anything. Is there a difference in all of these? Should I care? Does it have to do with the QVL, as I see no listing for it.

[glc]

Doesn't matter, as long as it's on the QVL.

[SmurfWAStick]

Haha, just found this thread in which the TC seems to be doing the exact same thing. Nearly all my questions are already answered in that thread, so I think I'll be going along the same route and getting this G.Skill ram.