Minor Upgrade - Advise Wanted

[realmike15]

I want an i7 system, but just can't justify the price right now. Unfortunately Photography/Video and Recording Engineering take up most of my budget, so there's usually not much left for computer upgrades. I've been running the system in my sig for a couple years now, it's been really good to me I have no complaints. But I feel like I could get a little more out of it with some small upgrades, before I go to an i7 and turn this into a HTPC.

Keeping in mind that Gaming is only about 20% of my time, and Photo Editing, Video Editing, and Audio Editing are about 80% time. What do you think about these 2 upgrades until I can afford an i7.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115037

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814150439

Any advise is appreciated.

 

[Fardringle]

The E8400 is on the compatibility list for your motherboard. You might have to upgrade the BIOS on the board but the CPU should work with your system.

 

[realmike15]

The E8400 is on the compatibility list for your motherboard. You might have to upgrade the BIOS on the board but the CPU should work with your system.

I'm not really asking about Compatibility, been doing builds for 10 years so it shouldn't be an issue. I guess I'm just trying to figure out if dropping $300 to pro-long my system a little longer instead of just putting that money towards the i7 is a wise choice.

Also I know the CPU and Graphics card are better than my current stuff... but aside from specs I don't truly know how much better they are.

Appreciate the reply though!

 

[superccs]

Can you drop a quad core in there? With all the editing work you are up to , it would make more sense. Should be able to a quad in the $175 range.

 

[markdvdman]

I would seriously think about the new hex cores from amd! It is cheap and suit video work.

The replies have stated a CPU is a good upgrade and it is for now. Go for it as the i7 is an expensive build from the ground up.