Upgrade time - but what to do?

[lokkers]

Well as title really, got some Xmas money so have decided to upgrade the machine for the year to come. As I'm getting married next December, I will only be able to upgrade once this year (now), and can really only stretch to about £300 after resale of old kit.

My current machine is a 3700 (@2.8ghz), 2GB GSkill (DDR3200), DFI Ultra and 7800GT, gaming on a 17" TFT @ 1280x1024.

The way I see it I have two main options:
1) Go down the CoreDuo route, so new mobo, RAM and CPU costing ~£450.
2) Get an 8800GT.

What would you chose, and why?

 

[lokkers]

So despite the fact that I won be able to afford a new GFX until 2008, you would still recommend a CPU/mobo/RAM upgrade over gfx?

 

[lokkers]

2008 I would never wait that long to upgrade my rig tho. I would still recommend the cpu, mobo and ram change

I'm getting married next December so got a lot of outgoings this year - normally I wouldn't wait but my priorities have changed somewhat!

I think you're right - the 3700 and a relatively low resolution will not stretch the 8800GTS, but as I only have one chance this year I wanna get the best upgrade for the outlay.

Would be looking at an E6600, ASUS P5W (or similar - needs some research, will also check out the Asrock board too) and relevant 2GB ram.

As for HSF I have a Scythe Ninja in my current machine - iirc that'll fit a 775.