Upgrading CPU

[Tunez]

Ive been thinking about building a new system, but unfortunately being away most of the time I can't justify £600+ for it. My spec is E6600 @ 2.4 (cant overclock due to the make of the PC), ati 3870, 4gig ram. I was thinking about upgrading the cpu to a Q6600 or Q6700, I have a 375w psu will this be enough?

Would I see a significant performance increase in a game like ARMA 2? Getting around 20-30 fps on low/normal settings depending on the amount of AI in the game.

Thanks

 

[Tunez]

I would do that if the mobo would fit in the case but im not sure if the case is custom made for their mobos. Would all cases be the same? I don't know if i can go into too much detail about the computer due to it being a competitor?

I think the psu is enough for the 4870, as on the ati site it recommends the same psu as the 3870 not sure about the 4890...

 

[Tunez]

I think I might bite the bullet and go for a full upgrade... I'm a bit fed up with the limitations of the large manufacturers computer lol. Gonna see how a 650-750 budget does me.

If it was to be as futureproof as possible I take it the i7 and 1366 socket is the way to go? How long will this socket be in production? I've been hearing a lot of confusing talk about the i7, why are they the price they are? (been out of the loop for a while)

 

[Tunez]

What mobo and cooler combination would you recommend?

Thanks

Edit: would an AMD config be worth considering with future proofing being top priority?

Another edit: Is it worth going for an i7 over a Q9550 with ddr2 ram?

With the i7 mobo, is triple channel worth going over dual channel ram?

Thanks