Tax return :-)

[gadgeteer99]

Its getting to be that time when my computer is feeling old and used up....I want to build a new one but I cant decide if my decision is based on the geek love for new toys or actual "need".

my current system:
Asus P5K-V
e6750
patriot extreme ddr2-800 (2-1gb sticks)
WD Caviar black 1tb
sapphire 5850
standard lite-on dvd-rw drive
crappy 500w power supply :-)

I would keep my external stuff as well as the 5850 and the hard drive.

For a new build I was wondering if I should go with a mobo that has usb and sata 3, or get a cheaper board now and maybe some add-on cards if I need them before another upgrade?

from what I've been reading I think I would want a system that is something like this:
i5-750
p55 mobo (Asus)
Antec 750w power supply
4gb ddr3 ram

...i feel like im forgetting something but that seems like everything.

[EzyStvy]

What are some of the things your current pc can't do that you'd like to be able to do

[gadgeteer99]

better frame rates :-)

[Khalil]

From the parts you listed sounds like you are on the right track. It is possible your power supply is not giving the 5850 enough juice to get the best performance.
Not sure how much a new CPU is going to help your frame rates but the new P55 chipset sure will.

[glc]

The PCI-E 1.0 on that P5K may be bottling the video somewhat.

[gadgeteer99]

Yeah, I know that the CPU alone isn't a big deal when gaming, but a new motherboard, cpu, and ram should help a lot

I notice right now that even in games my compy should handle with ease (fallout 3 highest settings - benchmarks show 70+ fps with my card) but I'm maybe getting 40...and it stutters a lot.

[gadgeteer99]

The parts I finally ordered:

Asus P7P55D-E
Core i5-750
G.Skill Ripjaws DDR3-1600
OCZ GameXStream 850w - not my first choice, but it was on sale and reviews at various places said they were high quality.