Give me some suggestions on these upgrades

[Kreeker]

Well it's time to do some upgrades. I built this computer 3 or 4 years ago and i'm really starting to feel its age...

Current Setup:
AMD 3500+
x800pro
74g raptor
Plextor SATA dvdr drives
Some "good" XMS 2X512mb mem (Forget which exact model)
RAIDMAX 520W ATX12V PSU

I definitely am not going with ATI again. I'm thinking of switching from AMD because I read AMD fell behind.

Here is what I'm thinking of doing:
MSI N280GTX
CORSAIR Dominator 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1800
GIGABYTE GA-X48T (Very expensive board, don't know if I really need it)
Intel Core2 Quad Q9400 2.66GHz 6MB L2 Cache LGA 775 95W

This upgrade path comes out to $1300. Although I'm willing to spend that amount, if I'm wasting my money and could go with cheaper components i'm down with that.

 

[Syran]

Technically, ATI isn't around anymore, it's all just AMD, and their Radeon series does really well.
Unless you are planning to run crossfire (back to AMD for video), I'd drop from an X48 to a P45 motherboard, you can save a ton there. Doing so, should enable you to move to DDR2 memory. if you are buying now, DDR2 is just as good as DDR3, the next Intel proc will require triple kits instead of Dual channel, and is a new socket, so technically, we are seeing the end of the 775 socket from the looks of it. I'd go with 4GB in a 2x2GB configuration, shouldn't put you back more then $60-70 unless you are huge into overclocking (you didn't mention if you were). Other then that, You may want to check out the Radeon 4870 1GB (if you will consider AMD again for video) or the 260GTX 216 if you are looking to save a little money there. I'd look around some of the threads to get a more solid idea on recommendations, I didn't want to do a parts list at the moment. You will probably want to look for a new PSU as well. Finally, check out the WD 640GB HDD for raptor like speeds with much more storage capacity.

 

[DSF]

Your first step is to read modoheo's sticky if you haven't. The second step is to edit this thread to answer the questions in Blain's sticky, which will make it a lot easier for people to help you.

Syran's recommendations are solid all around.

 

[MarcVenice]

You're wasting your money. Read up on the sticky's and other builds. You could upgrade for half the money, get 90% of the performance, which still is 3-5 times faster then what you've got ...