Where is the bottleneck in my system?

[Gundog48]

I am using my PC for video editing and gaming what would you say are my bottlenecks? I put my money on my hard drive which I plan on upgrading, could you tell me my 3 worst bottlenecks and maybe even recommend some upgrades? Here are my specs:

CPU- AMD Phenom x4 9650 @2.3Ghz (should I overclock, if so how much)

CPU Cooler- Spire CoolGate 10

GPU- EVGA 9800GTX

RAM- Standard 4Gb @ 800MHz

MB- Biostar TA780GM2+

HDD- Hitachi deskstar 500Gb 8Mb Cache

PSU- Atrix 650w duel rail PSU (UPGRADED TO COOLERMASTER REALPOWER M520)

OS- Vista Home Premium 32bit (planning on going Windows 7 64-bit later)

 

[Gundog48]

I would say its the cpu, then gpu

Well I'm thinking of overclocking, what speed do you think I could get to without over-volting with that other cooler?

I would be more worried about the extremely poor quality cheap and nasty psu to be honest. You can be certain that that thing is not capable of putting out 650w. Maybe 400w if you are lucky.

Yeah, I suppose so, what upgrade would you recommend,considering I won't be needing 650w.

Also, what do you all think about the hard drive?

 

[Gundog48]

OK, first of all sorry for the MASSIVE thread revival! I have made a little progress, and still need some info, so there is not much point in opening a new thread.

So, I now have a CoolerMaster Realpower m520 PSU, and have a Spire CoolGate 10 CPU cooler on its way http://www.spirecoolers.com/main/product_detail.asp?ProdID=939

So, where next? I think I may be able to get a few more MHz out of it with the new CPU cooler. I was considering a 30Gb SSD just for Win7 and some programs. Any advise on which one to get?

Also, if a CPU upgrade is on the cards, my mobo supports AM3, so which would you recommend?

Thanks!

 

[Gundog48]

your new coolermaster psu is fine, i don't think the spire cooler will be up to much i'm afraid though.

i would make a phenom 2 x4 955 my next purchase if i were you if that motherboard supports it.

I was thinking new CPU as well. The Spire cooler is just for an upgrade from stock for slightly better temps and maybe 100 or 200MHz overclocking.

 

[Gundog48]

I would get a new PSU first TBH!

Also it maybe worth upgrading your CPU although again it depends on what games you are playing.

Your GPU looks fine TBH.

I have upgraded to a CM Realpower M520 since the original post. Looks like a CPU may be in the picture.